Olá! I have been learning Portuguese since October, so about 7+ months, and I am now able to understand a lot of what I listen to (but not all) and can have basic conversations. The shorties and podcasts on PP are very useful for your listening skills, so use them, even if you don’t understand them at first. Get used to the sounds, and you’ll start to pick up words and phrases that are often used, even if you don’t know what they mean at first, it’s important. You can practice “talking” by starting with writing: keep a simple diary in Portuguese, writing even if you’re making mistakes or don’t know the words. Then check the correct translation and write it beneath. AS you go through your day, use phrases or sentences you learn as you think to yourself in your head. This will build confidence to begin actual conversations when you are ready for that, with a group on here or a tutor.
Remember that the “connected speech” in Portuguese makes things confusing for a beginner, so be sure to study that if you haven’t already.
As far as Portuguese series, on RTP I’ve used “Estudo em Casa” and watched the “Português: Lïngua não materna iniciação” lessons, and then the “Intermedio” lessons. You will hear the teacher repeat phrases many times, which is super helpful in comprehension. Plus, she does simple grammar/vocab lessons in each episode and uses graphics that help.
As far as shows, on Netflix, I’ve really enjoyed “Til Life Do Us Part” and “Glória.” On RTP, I haven’t watched many, but, for a hoot, you should check out “O Preço Certo” the Português version of the American game show “The Price is Right.” It’s cheesy and corny, but fun, and good to listen to the chatting with the contestants. It’s a Portuguese twist on a cheesy American show, LOL.
Lastly, on Youtube, I LOVE “Mathgurl.” This is a young woman from Guimarâes who does videos on math topics, with graphics to help explain. I enjoy math puzzles so it’s fun for me, but in addition, her graphics help with comprehending the language. Math is a universal language, so math lessons in Portuguese can be helpful.
She’s also funny and lively, and you’ll hear a more northern accent in her speech.
Which brings me to my last point: There are differences in speech and even word use from south to north in Portugal. We will be living in the north and I’ve found their speech is a bit easier to understand. But my tutor is from Lisboa and it’s helpful to hear/learn other ways of saying things. Just recognize that like in most countries, especially the US, dialect changes from region to region and just roll with it if it trips you up.
Give yourself grace, it’s a beautiful but sort of hard language. There will be days when you feel confident in your progression and days that you will feel confused and that you’ve forgotten even the most basic things. It’s normal. Conversing is the hardest, and my best advice is to understand that you’'ll feel like a little child again, and just embrace that and don’t be afraid to feel embarrassed.
I first conversed in basic Portuguese in January, in northern Portugal, and did fine, though of course I made many mistakes. (The people are very gracious). But on my last day there, I was told that my pronunciation was very good, and they thought I had a Portuguese relative because of that! (Nope, it’s just Practice Portuguese that really helped with that)!