Glottophobia, or linguistic discrimination, is a growing concern for Brazilians in Portugal as they battle for recognition of their language variant. Iracema Ferreira, a Brazilian speech therapist, moved to Portugal in 2020 and soon faced prejudice for speaking Brazilian Portuguese. "It was to show that those words are in the Portuguese language dictionary," she said, recalling how she brought a dictionary to class to counter accusations that she was not speaking proper Portuguese.
What is Glottophobia?
Glottophobia refers to discrimination based on language or dialect. In Portugal, Brazilians often face prejudice for their accent, vocabulary, and grammar, which are perceived as inferior despite being part of the Portuguese language. Tanise Anhaia, president of the Brazilian Speech Therapists Association in Portugal (AFBP), calls it "glottophobia." This prejudice is embedded in Portuguese society, affecting various aspects of life for Brazilians.
The Struggle for Professional Recognition
Ferreira's experience is not isolated. Many Brazilian speech therapists have found it nearly impossible to get their licenses recognized in Portugal. According to AFBP, barely any Brazilians have been awarded a license to practice as a speech therapist since 2019. One exception involved a lawyer who argued his client's rejection was "totally incomprehensible, illegal and unconstitutional" and got it overturned. This highlights the systemic barriers Brazilians face in professional settings.
Impact on Brazilians in Portugal
The discrimination extends beyond speech therapy. Brazilians in Portugal often encounter stereotypes and bias in everyday interactions. They may be mocked for their accent or told they speak "wrong" Portuguese. This can lead to feelings of alienation and hinder their integration into Portuguese society.
Data on Brazilian Immigration to Portugal
Brazil is one of the largest sources of immigrants to Portugal. According to recent data, over 200,000 Brazilians live in Portugal, making up a significant portion of the foreign population. Despite their numbers, they face challenges in achieving equal treatment.

| Year | Number of Brazilian Residents in Portugal | Licenses Granted to Brazilian Speech Therapists |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 150,000 | 0 |
| 2020 | 180,000 | 1 |
| 2021 | 200,000 | 1 |
| 2022 | 230,000 | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Glottophobia is a form of linguistic discrimination affecting Brazilians in Portugal.
- Brazilian speech therapists face significant barriers to professional recognition.
- Despite a large Brazilian population, prejudice remains embedded in Portuguese society.
- Efforts to combat glottophobia are ongoing, but more awareness is needed.
FAQ
What is glottophobia?
What is glottophobia?
Glottophobia is discrimination based on language or dialect, such as prejudice against Brazilian Portuguese in Portugal.
Why do Brazilians face discrimination in Portugal?
Why do Brazilians face discrimination in Portugal?
Brazilians face discrimination due to linguistic prejudice and stereotypes, often seen as speaking an inferior variant of Portuguese.
How many Brazilians live in Portugal?
How many Brazilians live in Portugal?
As of 2022, over 230,000 Brazilians reside in Portugal, making them one of the largest immigrant groups.
Conclusion
Glottophobia is a real and pressing issue for Brazilians in Portugal. It affects their professional opportunities and daily lives. Raising awareness and advocating for linguistic equality are crucial steps toward a more inclusive society. By recognizing and combating glottophobia, Portugal can better integrate its Brazilian community and celebrate linguistic diversity.