Introduction

Cultural Interviews with Brazilian Executives is a compilation of over 170 brief video clips in which Brazilians discuss various cultural issues that are of interest to Americans who work with Brazilians. In these interviews over 60 native Portuguese speaking professionals offer their opinion on questions related to these cultural differences. There are two main sections. The first section contains a transcription and translation of these interviews and they are divided into four headings: Negotiation, Language, Courtesy and Social Situations, and Time and Scheduling. In the second sections, 27 Brazilians describe a typical day of work; what they do on a given day, what they like about their jobs, what they don't like, what kind of training and skills are necessary, etc.

The premise of these interviews is three-fold: First, provide American professionals with practical cultural information from real people. Their opinions represent the opinions of individuals, as opposed to 'textbook' answers. Many times the answers are extremely different and may even contradict each other. They are designed to be a catalyst for discussion, not to provide a definitive answer about some stereotype regarding business in Brazil. Second, provide context and vocabulary in specialized areas within a professional setting. These interviews are not designed to be a dictionary of technical vocabulary, but it does present a diverse array of vocabulary within the context of each individual's job. Third, these interviews provide non-native speakers of Portuguese with multiple examples of natural speech. The transcripts illustrate that way that real speakers really talk. Although not a grammar text, the interviews contain excellent examples of Portuguese grammar and syntax, not to mention pronunciation. These interviews contain samples of speech from Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul including old and young, male and female, professional and student. Consequently they can be used to supplement instruction in cultural issues or they can be used exclusively for language purposes, especially for advanced-level students.

Each of the interviews is presented as a brief QuickTime video clip. Their comments are usually one to two minutes long, but rarely more than five minutes. Their brevity is by design. It is easier to study a small portion in detail than it is to superficially scan over a large chunk. This applies when using these materials for both cultural as well as linguistic purposes.

Negotiation Styles: Informants answer 15 questions related to direct and indirect styles of negotiation, how the workplace is set up, what to talk about in meetings, ability versus connections, race, color and gender, working in groups, the role of lawyers, putting things in writing, and how to avoid offending others. Language Issues: Language issues such as how to decide which language to speak, when to use an interpreter, and using Spanish in Brazil. Social Situations: Suggestions related to social situations such as how to greet people, receiving gifts, eating food, deciding which clothes to wear, addressing people correctly, and understanding what 'machismo' is. Time and Scheduling: How Brazilians keep track of their schedules and how meals are incorporated in work-related activities. A Typical Day at Work: The description of a typical day of work includes samples from managers, supervisors, small business owners, bankers, sales representatives, and secretaries.