Business Language

 Call by the first name or by the title?

• People in Brazil usually adopt first names right from the beginning. Addressing Brazilians by their first name is not a sign of familiarity. In fact, family names are simply not used as much as in other countries.

• Professional titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor” are used to address business acquaintances.

• For those with no professional titles, the term “Senhor” [“Mister”] or “Senhora” [“Mrs.”] is used to precede the surname. Informally, these two terms are replaced by "Seu" [Mister] or "Dona" [Mrs.]. Curiously, women from the middle and more educated classes may get offended when called by "Dona".

• Titles such as “Senhor” and “Doctor” can be used before first names, and you will probably find that Brazilian counterparts prefers to be addressed by their first name on all occasions. For instance, an attorney whose name is Juca Minhoneiro may be “Dr. Juca” to his juniors and “Juca” to his equals.

• People in Brazil usually have several surnames. Nonetheless, It is appropriate to address people using the last surname.

• Always maintain eye contact; it is impolite to stop eye contact while speaking to a Brazilian.
   
• People stand closely of each other, when talking. Brazilians are gregarious people and like proximity, although they are able to recognize the customs of others.
   
• Brazilians tend to be fast talkers; A conversation should be fast-paced. It just likes faster; it is the same if you are talking to a foreigner.
   
• A conversation may be highly animated, including many interruptions, exclamations of 'no!', and a lot of physical contact. This is really true, as they do listen and not just pretend to listen.
   
• Don't be alarmed if an interjection sounds confrontational; this is just a good-intentioned way of showing interest in the discussion.
   
• Do not attempt to direct or monopolize a conversation, since this is considered rude.
   
• The language of Brazil is Portuguese. Try to learn different words and expressions - don't worry about mistakes. Brazilians will recognize your efforts even if your vocabulary is simple.
   
• Brazilians are usually reticent about their own personal lives, nonetheless they may ask intrusive questions about your income, religion, and marital status. If you don't want to answer this information, try to give a vague, indirect, answer since saying you "don't like to answer" may sound rude
   
• Brazilians live in the American continent, and for this reason they are also Americans. Consequently, don't use the phrase 'in America' when referring to the United States. It is arrogant and culturally insensible.