I’ve watched several discussion programs on RTP, both while in the Azores and in California. Quite frequently, someone speaking European Spanish raises a question or makes a comment. The entire audience listens politely and then the response is given in European Portuguese. From the facial expressions, I assume everyone completely understood everything that was said. Also, in addition to learning English early in school years, many Portuguese students opt to learn Spanish–thinking it might be easier that, say, French or German–so it may be that more educated adults do in fact understand Spanish well enough to comprehend. After our years of studying European Portuguese, we are completely able to comprehend a tour guide in European Spanish, should that be the only option that fits our schedule. When I’ve asked a question or responded to something the guide say, I’ve used Portuguese. No problem.
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