Brazilians Who Have Been Living and Working for Years in the United States or English-Speaking Countries But They Do Not Speak English Nor They Are Willing to Learn It: The Truth Behind This
By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva
"The refusal of many Brazilians to learn English in the United States, in the United Kingdom, in Canada, in Australia or in any English-speaking country is merely a matter of bias; it reflects a deeper form of xenophobia and discrimination, where the rejection of the English language becomes a rejection of the culture of the English speaking countries."
In the modern world, the assumption that living and working in an English-speaking country will naturally result in acquiring the language is often taken for granted. However, there exists a surprising number of Brazilians who have lived and worked for years in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or other English-speaking countries, yet still refuse to learn English or make a conscious effort to improve their language skills. This situation may seem perplexing, especially in a globalized world where language fluency is often seen as essential for success and integration. The reality behind this phenomenon, however, is multifaceted, involving psychological, cultural, social, and economic factors that make the refusal to learn English far more complex than mere laziness or indifference.
Comfort in the Brazilian Community
One of the main reasons many Brazilians resist learning English after moving abroad is the comfort they find within their own community. In many English-speaking countries, there are established Brazilian neighborhoods, businesses, and social networks. These communities act as a safe haven where Portuguese is spoken, and socializing, working, and shopping can be done without the need to interact with English speakers. This comfort zone, while beneficial for easing the transition to a new country, also discourages individuals from making the effort to learn English.
For instance, a Brazilian living in the United States may work in a restaurant that caters primarily to other Brazilians. In such an environment, English is not needed for communication, and Portuguese remains the dominant language spoken. Over time, this sense of security and familiarity makes it less likely for the individual to feel compelled to learn English. Even in cities with a large Brazilian population, such as Boston or Miami, it is entirely possible to live for years without engaging in English beyond the most basic interactions.
Economic Factors and Job Opportunities
Brazilians who move abroad often do so in search of better economic opportunities. However, many of the jobs they take upon arrival are in industries that do not require proficiency in English. In sectors such as construction, housekeeping, cleaning services, or manual labor, communication may be minimal, and the need for English proficiency is often non-existent. In such cases, the individuals may simply get by with a few basic English phrases or gestures, managing to do their work without needing to communicate in-depth with coworkers or clients.
For example, a Brazilian working as a construction laborer in the United States may only need to understand basic commands in English, like “lift,” “move,” or “wait.” Beyond that, the primary language spoken on the job site might be Spanish, or workers might be from similar immigrant backgrounds, further reducing the need for English.
Additionally, some Brazilians who find work in such roles may feel that they can live comfortably without learning English. The financial stability they find in these jobs does not necessarily demand language skills, leading them to question the need for fluency when their basic needs are being met.
Fear of Social Alienation and Cultural Preservation
The fear of social alienation is another major barrier to language acquisition. Moving to a foreign country can be an incredibly isolating experience, particularly for those who have left behind family and friends in Brazil. The desire to maintain one’s cultural identity and language is a strong motivator for many Brazilians, and learning English might feel like a form of cultural surrender. They may view it as an erosion of their Brazilian identity or an act of assimilation that leads them away from their roots.
This resistance can be seen in situations where Brazilians choose to live in “Brazilian bubbles” abroad, such as attending Brazilian parties, shopping at Brazilian stores, and interacting only with other Brazilians. The reluctance to integrate into the broader English-speaking society can stem from a fear of losing their cultural traditions or the feeling that they are betraying their heritage by adopting a new language.
An example of this can be observed in the case of Brazilian families who settle in the U.S. for work but make conscious efforts to speak only Portuguese at home, despite their children being exposed to English at school. The fear is that if they embrace English too fully, they might lose the connection to their Brazilian roots, leading to a sense of cultural dissonance.
The Psychological Impact of Past Failures
Many Brazilians who move abroad may have had a difficult relationship with learning English prior to their immigration. In Brazil, English is often taught in schools, but the quality of instruction can vary significantly. Some individuals might have had negative experiences with learning the language, including ineffective teaching methods or a lack of motivation, leading to a deep-rooted sense of failure when it comes to English proficiency. This past failure can create a psychological barrier that discourages them from trying again, particularly when faced with the pressure of needing to learn English while living abroad.
For example, a Brazilian who struggled with English throughout their school years may come to the United States with a feeling of inadequacy, convinced that learning English is too difficult or that they simply are not “good” at languages. The idea of revisiting a failed academic pursuit can be intimidating, and they may avoid the challenge altogether, settling into a routine where they do not need to use English.
Temporary Status or Lack of Motivation
In many cases, Brazilians who live and work in English-speaking countries do not intend to stay permanently. They may have come to the country on a work visa, as a student, or for temporary employment, with the intention of returning to Brazil after a few years. For these individuals, learning English may not seem necessary because they view their stay as short-term. They are focused on saving money, sending remittances home, or completing a specific project or educational goal, rather than integrating into the culture or becoming proficient in the language.
For example, a Brazilian construction worker in the U.S. may have arrived with the specific goal of earning money to send back home, and after a few years, they plan to return to Brazil. Since their work does not require them to speak English fluently, and their social circle is made up of fellow Brazilians, there may be little to no incentive to learn the language. Their primary motivation is financial, and their emotional connection to the language and culture of the host country remains distant.
Language Fatigue and Overwhelm
Language learning is a complex and often exhausting process, especially for adults. Brazilians who live in English-speaking countries may feel overwhelmed by the constant need to navigate a foreign language, particularly if they work in an environment where English is the dominant language. The mental energy required to understand and respond in English can leave them feeling mentally fatigued, leading to a reluctance to engage further in language acquisition outside of work.
A Brazilian who works in a bilingual setting, constantly switching between Portuguese and English, may reach a point where the effort required to learn English feels exhausting, especially if they are already dealing with the stresses of adapting to life in a new country. This fatigue can create a sense of burnout, causing them to avoid further language learning.
Conclusion: The Multifaceted Nature of Language Resistance
The refusal to learn English, even after years of living and working in an English-speaking country, is not a simple case of laziness or lack of interest. It is a complex issue influenced by a combination of factors, including social isolation, economic conditions, fear of cultural loss, past educational experiences, temporary status, and psychological barriers. Each individual’s circumstances are unique, and while some may eventually embrace the language and culture of their host country, others may continue to resist, choosing instead to maintain a life that revolves around their native language and culture.
Understanding these reasons is crucial for creating supportive environments that encourage language learning in a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive way. Offering language programs that recognize the emotional, psychological, and cultural challenges of language acquisition can help bridge the gap for those who feel hesitant to embrace English fully. Ultimately, it is important to recognize that language learning is a personal journey, one that may take time, patience, and encouragement.
Bibliographic References
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This paper delves into the factors influencing migration, which can help contextualize why some migrants, like Brazilians, might resist learning English despite living in English-speaking countries.
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This book provides an in-depth exploration of second language acquisition, which can help explain the cognitive and social challenges of learning English for long-term migrants.
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Grosjean discusses the complexities of bilingualism and language attitudes, offering insight into why some migrants may avoid learning a new language despite being surrounded by it.
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This book discusses identity negotiation in multilingual settings, which is relevant to understanding why some Brazilians may choose to reject English or avoid learning it even in English-speaking countries.
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While primarily a philosophical text, Searle's work on the construction of social reality can offer a theoretical framework for understanding how language plays a role in the identities of migrants who avoid learning English.
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This article explores the challenges that Brazilian migrants face in North America, including language barriers, and why some may resist learning English despite their prolonged stay.
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Light's work offers insight into the immigrant experience in the U.S. and how communities may maintain linguistic and cultural barriers to integration, including the decision not to learn the host country's language.
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This study explores the Brazilian immigrant community in the U.S., focusing on their social networks and language use, shedding light on why some may choose not to speak English or learn it.
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This article examines Brazilian immigrants in Boston and their language choices, providing specific examples of why some may avoid learning English despite long-term residence.
Araujo, E. (2019). "Language as a Barrier to Integration: The Case of Brazilian Immigrants in English-Speaking Countries." Migration Studies Review, 28(3), 117-132.
Araujo's work specifically tackles the language acquisition challenges faced by Brazilian immigrants in English-speaking countries, offering an understanding of the psychological and social reasons behind language resistance.