Continental Portuguese, otherwise known as European Portuguese, is the language that is spoken in Portugal as well as Macau, Mozambique, Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, East Timor and Cape Verde. Although there is no quick way to acquire Portuguese, mastering any foreign language will take persistence, time and plenty of practice. From conversational Portuguese to writing activities, there are a variety of ways to learn the language while preventing boredom.

Develop a list of your personal goals and reasons for learning Portuguese and write them down. Ask yourself why you have committed yourself to studying the language and what you would like to achieve during the process. Revisit this list for motivation when you begin to experience frustrations and difficulties while learning the language.

Search your city for foreign language courses offered through local universities, community colleges or language schools. If foreign language courses are unavailable, browse the Internet for free Portuguese language lessons and make a time commitment for personal study.

Practice your listening skills by listening to music in continental Portuguese, or watching films and television shows in the target language to improve your vocabulary and pronunciation skills. Purchase language tapes such as the ones made by Pimsleur or Berlitz, and listen to them as much as possible, pausing the tape on occasion to practice repeating the words and phrases.

Practice your reading skills by reading Portuguese magazines, newspapers and books. Create a word list as you read, and write down words that you do not understand. Use a Portuguese-English dictionary to find the definitions to the new words.

Make flashcards of vocabulary and phrases in the target language. Write in Portuguese on one side and English on the other, and test yourself by guessing the word or phrase on the other side. Quiz yourself on English to Portuguese and vice versa. Carry the cards with you and drill yourself on vocabulary when waiting in line or taking public transportation.

Practice your speaking skills by visiting Internet chat rooms or message boards to find a native continental Portuguese speaker to converse with. Become pen pals with people you share common interests with, and email each other regularly to practice writing in the target language.