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Here are the main languages spoken in Brazil:

  • Portuguese – Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, spoken by approximately 95% of the population as either a first or second language. Brazilian Portuguese has some differences compared to European Portuguese.
  • Indigenous languages – There are around 180 indigenous languages still spoken among indigenous communities in Brazil. Some of the major ones include Tupí, Guarani, Yanomami, Xavante, Terena and Kaingang.
  • Italian – Italian is spoken by approximately 1.5-2 million Brazilians who are descendants of Italian immigrants. Many Italian words have also been incorporated into Brazilian Portuguese.
  • German – Spoken mainly in southern states like Rio Grande do Sul by German-Brazilian communities. Around 500,000 people can speak German.
  • Japanese – Japan is the country with the largest number of immigrants to Brazil after Italy and Portugal. Around 1.5 million Brazilians claim Japanese ancestry.
  • Spanish – Spoken near the borders with neighboring Spanish-speaking countries like Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Bolivia.
  • Mandarin Chinese – Growing community of Chinese immigrants and Brazilians of Chinese descent, numbering over 300,000.
  • Arabic – Primarily spoken by Lebanese and Syrian immigrant communities, as well as their descendants.
  • Sign languages – Brazilian Sign Language is the primary sign language used in Brazil by the deaf community.

So in summary, Portuguese is by far the most spoken, but Brazil maintains linguistic diversity due to its history of immigration and indigenous populations.

Josh Plotkin Changed status to publish August 25, 2023