Paper Title
Investigating The Factors Influencing Chinese Speakers In Portuguese Learning

Abstract
In the era of globalization, the ability to communicate across languages and cultures has become an invaluable asset. For Chinese speakers, learning Portuguese presents unique opportunities and challenges, influenced by a myriad of linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic factors. This study investigates the factors affecting the acquisition of Portuguese by native Chinese speakers, considering both intrinsic and extrinsic influences that shape their learning experiences. The research explores structural differences between Mandarin Chinese and Portuguese, the role of motivation and learning environments, and the impact of cultural perceptions and attitudes towards the Portuguese language. Grounded in the Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis and Interlanguage Theory, the study utilizes qualitative data from interviews with undergraduate and graduate students at a private university in Macau. Key findings reveal that mastering pronunciation rules, overcoming specific phonetic challenges, and distinguishing similar sounds are crucial for learners. Additionally, grammatical difficulties, particularly with verb conjugations, and vocabulary confusion due to similarities with English and Spanish, pose significant obstacles. The study suggests pedagogical strategies, including systematic pronunciation instruction, phonetic discrimination training, and the use of technology and native speaker interaction, to enhance language proficiency. These insights contribute to the broader field of second language acquisition (SLA) and offer practical applications for language education. Keywords - Portuguese Language Learning, Contrastive Analysis of Chinese And Portuguese, Linguistic Transfer, Inter language Theory.