How to improve listening?

I completely understand your frustration! When I started, I couldn’t make out but a (very) small fraction of the early PP videos.

The Shorties are really good, they are spoken slowly and clearly about common every-day experiences. IIRC, there are transcripts available? - perhaps read along as well.

The Estudo em Casa (pela RTP) is good because (1) it’s at various grade levels (try a pre-K episode, for example), and (2) has different subject matter content (History, Science, etc). If there is one good thing to come out of the Pandemic; at least for a student of Portuguese, it’s Estudo em Casa. Other RTP shows, Visita Guiada. Or Caminhos da História (if you’re a history fan). People are talking, but standing in front of something that helps put some visuals to the words you’re hearing.

All I can really offer is: Listen Listen Listen. You’ll hear some words you recognize - try to ignore the urge to translate. Don’t worry about understanding details. At the outset, just try to understand the general topic. More listening and details will come over time. You also may consider limiting the time per session, a 15min per session can be plenty!

Sorry for rambling. The old saying is true: the only way out is through. But in a manner that doesn’t burn you out! Keep at it - the benefits are amazing, and IMO more than worth the work to get there.

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