Born in the bustling metropolis of São Paulo, Brazil, Giovanna Rizzo Fonseca has always been drawn to the intricacies of language and human connection. Now a resident of Belo Horizonte, she has dedicated her academic and professional life to exploring the fascinating intersections between linguistics and psychology. With a BA and MA in Linguistics and a Licenciatura in Arts and Letters from the prestigious State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Campinas, Brazil, Giovanna's journey is marked by a deep curiosity about how language shapes human thought and relationships.
Currently, she is planning on expanding her horizons even further by pursuing a BA in Psychology with the goal of becoming a therapist, possibly continuing on to an MA in the field when she returns to Brazil in May. Her studies reinforce her belief in the profound ways language and psychology intertwine, influencing not only individual identity but also social interaction and cultural perception.
One of the many linguistic debates that intrigues Giovanna is the distinction between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese. Some argue that they are two distinct languages rather than just different dialects. This conversation highlights the evolving nature of language and how it is deeply tied to cultural identity. Her passion for this reflects her broader enthusiasm for how language functions as a living, breathing force in society.
In 2015, during her third year of undergraduate studies, Giovanna discovered the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program online. Recognizing the opportunity to not only teach but also immerse herself in a new culture, she eagerly applied. When selecting an institution that would best suit her goals, she was drawn to the University of Notre Dame. Unlike many other universities where FLTAs primarily serve as teaching assistants, Notre Dame offered her the chance to organize syllabi, plan entire courses, and lead classes—an experience she has found immensely fulfilling.
Giovanna is currently teaching Beginning Portuguese II to a class of 18 students. She found the experience rewarding, as her students were highly engaged and eager to learn. This opportunity allowed her to develop dynamic, interactive teaching methods, reinforcing her belief that students learn best when classes are stimulating and participatory.
Although Giovanna had visited the United States before—her brother lives in Seattle—adapting to U.S. culture still presented challenges. She found that navigating the "little things" in social interactions was sometimes difficult, as cultural expectations can be subtle yet significant. Additionally, she was fascinated by Notre Dame's football culture, an entirely new experience that deepened her appreciation for the traditions and sense of community at the university.
One of the most striking aspects of her time at Notre Dame was the wealth of resources available to students. From academic support to extracurricular opportunities, she was continually impressed by the university’s commitment to student growth and development.
For those considering learning Portuguese, Giovanna passionately encourages it. She believes that learning a new language is more than just acquiring words and grammar—it is an invitation to see the world through a different lens. Mastering Portuguese can open countless doors, leading to new friendships, transformative experiences, and personal growth. She also shares a cherished Brazilian cultural concept: cafuné, the act of gently brushing one’s fingers through a loved one’s hair. This simple yet profound gesture encapsulates the warmth and intimacy of Brazilian culture—something she hopes language learners will come to appreciate as they dive into Portuguese.
Her advice for Portuguese learners? Make friends who speak the language. Brazilians are incredibly welcoming, and immersing oneself in the culture through genuine connections is one of the best ways to learn. Brazilians are fun-loving and encouraging, making the journey of language learning not just educational but also deeply enriching.
With a bright future ahead, Giovanna continues to embrace the ever-evolving world of language and psychology. Whether in the classroom or as a future mental health professional, her passion for understanding and communication remains at the heart of her journey. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone seeking to explore new perspectives, forge meaningful connections, and appreciate the profound impact of language on the human experience.
About the CSLC
The Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures (CSLC) aims to support language learners at ND by facilitating meaningful experiences with linguistic acquisition and exchange - both in our campus community and abroad. We believe that access to the world's languages and cultures allows us to seek out new perspectives, to value the diversity of the world's cultures, and to embody global citizenship.