For León Acosta, professor of literature at the Classical University of Lisbon, the Portuguese spirit is still imbued with that famous saoudad, an untranslatable state of mind that lies somewhere between nostalgia and the vague à l'âme and is so celebrated by poets. "When you think of Portugal, you think of fado, that heart-rending, sensual form of expression. It's a fatalistic melancholy, but there's nothing negative about it," he explains. On the contrary, since it is perhaps this famous melancholy that has always pushed the Portuguese to look at the rest of the world with a certain envy. And that's undoubtedly where the call of the sea comes from. And yet," continues the academic, "the Portuguese are also very proud of their identity.
National pride
Eugénia Vieira, from the Sheraton Porto group, agrees. "If there's one piece of advice I'd give to a foreigner visiting Portugal, it's to find out as much as possible about the country's history and culture before setting off. The Portuguese are very proud of their origins, and they like people to take a sincere interest in them. At a business dinner, it's always a good idea to show that you know certain dates and names.
However, León Acosta notes that Portugal is still very much influenced by its Catholic culture. "Show off your knowledge, yes, but with subtlety and without ostentation", he warns. Indeed, moderation is an essential code in Portugal, whether in terms of knowledge or appearance. Elegant, yes; ostentatious, no. However, everyone agrees that the Portuguese are a warm-hearted people. Once again, "if you are sincerely interested in their culture, they will do everything to help their guests discover the beauties of their country", enthuses Eugénia Vieira. And she goes on to offer some valuable advice: "When dining with a Portuguese person, it's always a good idea to ask their opinion before ordering. Asking about local specialities is seen as a sign of respect and interest.
However, this national pride is by no means a sign of withdrawal or withdrawal into oneself. Antonio Tavares da Costa, President of the Portuguese Business Association, is very clear on this point. "We Portuguese are open to the world and above all very curious about what comes from abroad. Because of our somewhat remote geographical location, we often adopt a position of observers. We look at what's going on in the rest of Europe... and then we advise." In fact, unlike France, which is still stuck in a spirit of linguistic superiority, Portugal now only shows English-language programmes with subtitles. We switched to subtitles for reasons of technical ease," adds Antonio Tavares da Costa, "but we quickly realised that it benefited the younger generation, who learn to master English at a very early age. What's more, learning foreign languages starts very early with us, from nursery school onwards.
Openness and curiosity
This interest in foreign countries reflects an open-mindedness, flexibility and great curiosity. That's why the Portuguese like to honour their guests by speaking their language. And it's true that French and English are widely spoken in the land of the great navigators. And this open-mindedness, warmth and enthusiasm remain present even when it comes to big contracts. Taking a business meeting at eleven o'clock in the morning and not extending it into lunch would be an insult," adds the President of the Association of Portuguese Companies. We like to do business in a convivial way, and not strictly separate business from more social relations. That's how we learn to trust someone before signing a big contract". As for the politeness regarding hierarchy, Eugénia Vieira believes that the slightly solemn character that is customary among the Portuguese is much more relaxed when dealing with foreigners. "The Portuguese like to use their titles when they talk to each other, but this rigidity easily falls away when they're talking to strangers." Susana Bràs, a young entrepreneur from Porto, has also noticed this. "Being respectful of hierarchy and codes of politeness is important, but you mustn't become obsequious. Under the influence of Spanish and English, it is common for Portuguese and non-Portuguese to be on a first-name basis. And, as everywhere else, you have to let your host do his thing before indulging in familiarity!
