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Glad you liked it. I find in them something unique I identify with. I am disturbed that so many singers in Portugal are singing in English.
Portugal is actually one of those European countries where people still sing a lot in their own language. Things are much worse in Germany for instance.
Maybe one gets the wrong impression because abroad English-language songs are more likely to be played, which after all is the only purpose of singing in English, so mission accomplished
Another aspect is that the Portuguese have low self-esteem. So they always want to be acknowledged abroad. Knowing their language is limited to just a few countries, English is a good choice for people with international ambition.
Despite strong regional customs, the Portuguese are rather globalized, always have been, which may have to do with the small size of the country and its maritime location. Exports is another example, many companies export 90% or more of their products, because the national market is just too limited.
Portugal is actually one of those European countries where people still sing a lot in their own language. Things are much worse in Germany for instance.
Maybe one gets the wrong impression because abroad English-language songs are more likely to be played, which after all is the only purpose of singing in English, so mission accomplished
Another aspect is that the Portuguese have low self-esteem. So they always want to be acknowledged abroad. Knowing their language is limited to just a few countries, English is a good choice for people with international ambition.
Despite strong regional customs, the Portuguese are rather globalized, always have been, which may have to do with the small size of the country and its maritime location. Exports is another example, many companies export 90% or more of their products, because the national market is just too limited.
What are your reasons for stating that the Portuguese have low self-esteem. I really am interested in your observations perhaps we can have a discussion. I do find Portuguese culture in general pessimistic and I have had exposure to Portuguese people and Portuguese-Americans that work hard at keeping up appearances but I don't quite understand your reasons for the low self-esteem statement.
It is simply the impression I get. Sure, some are patriotic when it comes to soccer and other international sports events. But in my view that is mostly show, while deep inside people are aware how small and insignificant their country is by modern global standards. And of course all the recent problems and the supposed solutions forced upon them by foreign know-it-all's have not helped, either.
It also shows in the way the Portuguese keep emulating and preferring things that come from abroad, as if those things were better just because they are not Portuguese. Dying one's hair blonde is just one odd symptom...
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