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This guide will help you prepare a letter in Portuguese to request genealogical information from Portugal or Brazil. Please note, however, that many records from these countries have been microfilmed and are available through the Family History Library. Before you write for information, check the Family History Library Catalog to see if the records you need are available on microfilm. Also, check the records of surrounding towns and parishes to see if there are any other records that may help you.  
This guide will help you prepare a letter in Portuguese to request genealogical information from Portugal or Brazil. Please note, however, that many records from these countries have been microfilmed and are available through the FamilySearch Library. Before you write for information, check the FamilySearch Catalog to see if the records you need are available on microfilm. Also, check the records of surrounding towns and parishes to see if there are any other records that may help you.  


This guide is especially useful because letters written in Portuguese have a greater chance of receiving a reply than those written in English. Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries (such as Angola, Mozambique, and Macau) typically respond to requests, but the number of those who actually receive the answers can be low because of problems with the mail systems.  
This guide is especially useful because letters written in Portuguese have a greater chance of receiving a reply than those written in English. Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries (such as Angola, Mozambique, and Macau) typically respond to requests, but the number of those who actually receive the answers can be low because of problems with the mail systems.  


== Before you write ==
== Before you write ==


Before you write a letter to obtain family history information, you should do two things:  
Before you write a letter to obtain family history information, you should do two things:  
Line 11: Line 11:
Determine where records from your ancestor’s home parish are stored today. When you have a locality, use a gazetteer to determine whether the name is a village, parish, city, district, county, or province and to determine which parish serves your ancestor’s locality. In Portugal, parish record books whose last date is older than 90 years are generally sent to district archives. In Brazil, parish records will be found in the parish or diocesan archive.  
Determine where records from your ancestor’s home parish are stored today. When you have a locality, use a gazetteer to determine whether the name is a village, parish, city, district, county, or province and to determine which parish serves your ancestor’s locality. In Portugal, parish record books whose last date is older than 90 years are generally sent to district archives. In Brazil, parish records will be found in the parish or diocesan archive.  


== Research by mail ==
== Research by mail ==


Letters requesting genealogical information from Portuguese countries should generally be written to a local Catholic parish, diocese, or archdiocese or to local or central government archives. Civil registration for non-Catholics in Portugal began in 1832 and became mandatory throughout the country in 1911. Civil registration in Brazil started in 1870. For information before these time periods you will need to write for church records.  
Letters requesting genealogical information from Portuguese countries should generally be written to a local Catholic parish, diocese, or archdiocese or to local or central government archives. Civil registration for non-Catholics in Portugal began in 1832 and became mandatory throughout the country in 1911. Civil registration in Brazil started in 1870. For information before these time periods you will need to write for church records.  


== Addressing Your Letter ==
== Addressing Your Letter ==


Use the following format to address your letter:  
Use the following format to address your letter:  


=== Civil Registration Office ===
=== Civil Registration Office ===


==== Portugal  ====
==== Portugal  ====
Line 79: Line 79:
Put the postal code, which is similar to a United States zip code, before the city. Postal codes for Portugal and Brazil can be found on the Internet at the following addresses:  
Put the postal code, which is similar to a United States zip code, before the city. Postal codes for Portugal and Brazil can be found on the Internet at the following addresses:  


==== Brazil: ====
==== Brazil: ====


English text: http://cdcep.sunrise.com.br/cd-cep/cd-cep-e.htm
English text: https://worldpostalcode.com/brazil/  


Portuguese text: http://cdcep.sunrise.com.br/  
Portuguese text: http://cdcep.sunrise.com.br/  


==== Portugal: ====
==== Portugal: ====


Portuguese text: http://www.ctt.pt/correios/cpostais/dir_cpostais.stm  
Portuguese text: http://www.ctt.pt/correios/cpostais/dir_cpostais.stm  


== Sending Return Postage and Money ==
== Sending Money ==


In your letter indicate that you will pay for research time, copies, and services. To pay for the return postage, include at least two international reply coupons, which are vouchers for stamps. You may purchase them from any United States post office.  
In your letter indicate that you will pay for research time, copies, and services.  


When writing to a state archive or a local civil registration office do not send money in your first letter. Request information about fees and the best way to send money.  
When writing to a state archive or a local civil registration office, '''do not send money'''in your first letter. Request that they advise you of their fees and the best way to send money. Usually they will ask that you deposit money in an account and provide the account number. You can arrange for that deposit through [https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/send-money/app/start '''Western Union'''] or [https://secure.moneygram.com/mgo/us/en/?gclid=CjwKCAiA8rnfBRB3EiwAhrhBGoKue987mIxquMVZxw1pI7O_27Gznad2GJaB4C48LjkNkQFp5vlgEhoCZNEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds '''MoneyGram'''.]


When writing to the local parish send a donation of $5.00 to $10.00, and express a desire to make further donations as the parish’s services are needed. United States currency is most convenient for the recipient, or you can send a cashier’s check from your local bank made payable to: Parroquia de (locality). Attach your check to the inside of the letter.  
When writing to the local parish, send a donation of $10.00 to $15.00 and express a desire to make further donations as their services are needed. Checks should be made payable to: Parroquia de (locality). Attach your check to the inside of the letter.


== How to Write a Letter in Portuguese ==
== How to Write a Letter in Portuguese ==


=== Your letter should include: ===
=== Your letter should include: ===


*the date (at the top).  
*the date (at the top).  
Line 121: Line 121:
This guide is meant to help you create a letter that is specific to your needs. Do not use this letter-writing guide as the letter itself.  
This guide is meant to help you create a letter that is specific to your needs. Do not use this letter-writing guide as the letter itself.  


=== Writing Dates ===
=== Writing Dates ===


Write dates carefully. To write dates in Portuguese:  
Write dates carefully. To write dates in Portuguese:  
Line 130: Line 130:
*The preposition ‘de’ (of) is used in writing dates in Portuguese. For example, April 7, 1890 should be written 7 de abril de 1890.
*The preposition ‘de’ (of) is used in writing dates in Portuguese. For example, April 7, 1890 should be written 7 de abril de 1890.


=== Names of the Months ===
=== Names of the Months ===


{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
Line 174: Line 174:
|}
|}


== Follow-up ==


When you receive a reply, send a note of thanks or acknowledgment. You may wish to do this in a follow-up letter requesting further information. In subsequent letters refer by date to your earlier letters and to the letters from those who respond. If you received a reference number, include that number as well.
Use Portuguese-English dictionaries to help you understand the reply. You may know someone who speaks Portuguese who can help you translate, or you can hire an accredited genealogist to translate for you.
If you do not receive an answer, write again, sending a copy of your first letter. Do not send more money unless you verify that your first letter did not arrive.


{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
Line 187: Line 181:
| '''Portuguese'''
| '''Portuguese'''
|-
|-
| Greetings  
|
===Greetings ===
|  
|  
<br>
<br>  


|-
|-
| Dear Sir (civil, government, or university)  
| Dear Sir (civil, government, or university)  
|  
|  
Estimado Senhor
Estimado Senhor  


|-
|-
Line 206: Line 201:
| Estimado Arcebispo, Sua Excelência
| Estimado Arcebispo, Sua Excelência
|-
|-
| Introductions  
|
===Introductions===
|  
|  
|-
|-
| I am researching the history of my ancestors of (city) and need information from your records.  
|style="padding-right:10px"|
I am researching the history of my ancestors of (city) and need information from your records.  
| Estou pesquisando a história dos meus antepassados que eram de (city), e necessito de informações dos registros em seu arquivo.
| Estou pesquisando a história dos meus antepassados que eram de (city), e necessito de informações dos registros em seu arquivo.
|-
|-
Line 215: Line 212:
| Meus antepassados eram de (city) e eu gostaria de saber mais sobre eles.
| Meus antepassados eram de (city) e eu gostaria de saber mais sobre eles.
|-
|-
| The following person is my ancestor who was born in (city). I will give you all the vital data I have for this person.  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
| A seguinte pessoa é meu antepassado (minha antepassada, if the ancestor is female) que nasceu em (city). Eu lhe darei todas as informações que tenho sobre esta pessoa.
The following person is my ancestor who was born in (city). I will give you all the vital data I have for this person.  
|  
A seguinte pessoa é meu antepassado (minha antepassada, if the ancestor is female) que nasceu em (city). Eu lhe darei todas as informações que tenho sobre esta pessoa.
|-
|-
| The following persons are my ancestors who were born in (city). I will give all the vital data about them that I have.  
| The following persons are my ancestors who were born in (city). I will give all the vital data about them that I have.  
| As seguintes pessoas são meus antepassados que nasceram em (city). Eu lhe darei todas as informações que tenho sobre eles.
| As seguintes pessoas são meus antepassados que nasceram em (city). Eu lhe darei todas as informações que tenho sobre eles.
|-
|-
| Biographical Information  
|
| Give as much pertinent information as possible. Use only those items below for which you can give accurate information that is relevant to your request. Do not give information about events that occurred after the ancestor left his or her native land.
 
===Biographical Information===
Give as much pertinent information as possible. Use only those items below for which you can give accurate information that is relevant to your request. Do not give information about events that occurred after the ancestor left his or her native land.
|
|-
|-
| Given name and surname  
| Given name and surname  
Line 269: Line 271:
| Data de imigração
| Data de imigração
|-
|-
| Genealogical Requests  
|  
===Genealogical Requests===
|  
|  
|-
|-
| Please send me a complete copy of the birth (or christening) record of this (these) person(s).  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
Please send me a complete copy of the birth (or christening) record of this (these) person(s).  
| Por favor, envie-me uma cópia da certidão de nascimento ou batismo desta (destas) pessoa(s).
| Por favor, envie-me uma cópia da certidão de nascimento ou batismo desta (destas) pessoa(s).
|-
|-
| Could you please check your birth registers from (year) to (year) for the birth record of this person.  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
Could you please check your birth registers from (year) to (year) for the birth record of this person.  
|  
|  
Tenha a bondade de procurar nos seus registros de nascimento entre (year) e (year) a data de nascimento desta pessoa.
Tenha a bondade de procurar nos seus registros de nascimento entre (year) e (year) a data de nascimento desta pessoa.  


|-
|-
| Please send me a copy of the marriage record of (1) these persons. (2) this person’s parents.  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
Please send me a copy of the marriage record of (1) these persons. (2) this person’s parents.  
| Por favor, envie-me uma cópia da certidão de casamento (1) destas pessoas. (2) dos pais desta pessoa.
| Por favor, envie-me uma cópia da certidão de casamento (1) destas pessoas. (2) dos pais desta pessoa.
|-
|-
| I believe that (name) died in your town about (date). I would like a copy of the death record.  
|style="padding-right:10px"|
I believe that (name) died in your town about (date). I would like a copy of the death record.  
| Creio que (name) faleceu em sua cidade aproximadamente em (date). Eu gostaria de obter uma cópia da certidão de óbito.
| Creio que (name) faleceu em sua cidade aproximadamente em (date). Eu gostaria de obter uma cópia da certidão de óbito.
|-
|-
| I would like to know more about the family of this person. If you would provide the name and birth date of the brothers and sisters and an copy of the marriage record of the parents, I would be very grateful.  
|style="padding-right:10px"|
I would like to know more about the family of this person. If you would provide the name and birth date of the brothers and sisters and an copy of the marriage record of the parents, I would be very grateful.  
| Eu gostaria de saber mais sobre a família desta pessoa. Se puderem me fornecer nomes e datas de nascimento dos irmãos e irmãs e também uma cópia da certidão de casamento dos pais, eu ficarei muito grato (grata, if you are female).
| Eu gostaria de saber mais sobre a família desta pessoa. Se puderem me fornecer nomes e datas de nascimento dos irmãos e irmãs e também uma cópia da certidão de casamento dos pais, eu ficarei muito grato (grata, if you are female).
|-
|-
| I would like to locate any relative who may live in your town. My ancestor was (name). He (She) resided in (town) before immigrating to the United States in the year (year). If you know of any persons of this name or relative of the family, I would be grateful if you would give this letter to them so that they can contact me.  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
I would like to locate any relative who may live in your town. My ancestor was (name). He (She) resided in (town) before immigrating to the United States in the year (year). If you know of any persons of this name or relative of the family, I would be grateful if you would give this letter to them so that they can contact me.  
| Eu gostaria de localizar qualquer parente meu que viva em sua cidade. Meu antepassado (Minha antepassada, if the person is female) era (name). Ele (Ela) era residente em (town) antes de imigrar para os Estados Unidos no ano de (year). Se conhecem alguns parentes desta pessoa, por favor entreguem-lhes esta carta para que eles possam se comunicar comigo.
| Eu gostaria de localizar qualquer parente meu que viva em sua cidade. Meu antepassado (Minha antepassada, if the person is female) era (name). Ele (Ela) era residente em (town) antes de imigrar para os Estados Unidos no ano de (year). Se conhecem alguns parentes desta pessoa, por favor entreguem-lhes esta carta para que eles possam se comunicar comigo.
|-
|-
| Please send me a copy of the family information on (husband’s name) and (wife’s name). They were married in (city), approximately (date).  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
Please send me a copy of the family information on (husband’s name) and (wife’s name). They were married in (city), approximately (date).  
| Por favor, pode me enviar uma cópia da informação que haja sobre (husband’s name) e (wife’s name). Eles se casaram em (city), aproximadamente em (date).
| Por favor, pode me enviar uma cópia da informação que haja sobre (husband’s name) e (wife’s name). Eles se casaram em (city), aproximadamente em (date).
|-
|-
| I have searched the records for your parish covering the time period of (date) to (date). However, I need records for the years (year) to (year) for your area. Could you please inform me as to where these records can be found?  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
| Eu pesquisei os registros de sua paróquia entre os anos (date) e (date). Agora necessito os registros para os anos (year) a (year). Poderia me informar, por favor, aonde poderei encontrá-los?
I have searched the records for your parish covering the time period of (date) to (date). However, I need records for the years (year) to (year) for your area. Could you please inform me as to where these records can be found?  
| Eu pesquisei os registros de sua paróquia entre os anos (date) e (date). Agora necessito os registros para os anos (year) a (year). Poderia me informar, por favor, onde poderei encontrá-los?
|-
|-
| My relative worked in (city) as a (occupation). Do you have any information about this person?  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
My relative worked in (city) as a (occupation). Do you have any information about this person?  
| Meu parente trabalhou na cidade de (city) como (occupation). Poderia enviar-me qualquer informação sobre esta pessoa?
| Meu parente trabalhou na cidade de (city) como (occupation). Poderia enviar-me qualquer informação sobre esta pessoa?
|-
|-
| Referral Requests  
|
 
===Referral Requests ===
|  
|  
|-
|-
| If you do not have the necessary records, I request that you provide the address of the place where such records can be found.  
|style="padding-right:10px"|
| Caso não tenham esses registros à sua disposição, eu lhes ficaria muito grato (grata, if you are female) se me indicassem aonde poderia encontrá-los, inclusive o endereço.
If you do not have the necessary records, I request that you provide the address of the place where such records can be found.  
| Caso não tenham esses registros à sua disposição, eu lhes ficaria muito grato (grata, if you are female) se me indicassem onde poderia encontrá-los, inclusive o endereço.
|-
|-
| If you are unable to do this research for me, could you please recommend a local researcher that I could hire for this purpose—someone who speaks some English if possible.  
| If you are unable to do this research for me, could you please recommend a local researcher that I could hire for this purpose—someone who speaks some English if possible.  
| Se não for possível fazer esta pesquisa para mim, poderá indicar um pesquisador que eu possa empregar para este propósito—alguém que fale inglês?
| Se não for possível fazer esta pesquisa para mim, poderá indicar um pesquisador que eu possa empregar para este propósito—alguém que fale inglês?
|-
|-
| Payment  
|
 
===Payment ===
|  
|  
|-
|-
| Would you please inform me if it is possible to obtain photocopies from your records and the cost of such copies?  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
Would you please inform me if it is possible to obtain photocopies from your records and the cost of such copies?  
| Poderia me informar se é possível obter fotocópias de seus registros e qual é o preço de cada cópia?
| Poderia me informar se é possível obter fotocópias de seus registros e qual é o preço de cada cópia?
|-
|-
| Please let me know how I can make an offering to your parish in gratitude for your help.  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
Please let me know how I can make an offering to your parish in gratitude for your help.  
| Favor me informar qual é a melhor maneira de lhe enviar uma doação à sua paróquia em gratidão por seus serviços.
| Favor me informar qual é a melhor maneira de lhe enviar uma doação à sua paróquia em gratidão por seus serviços.
|-
|-
| I have enclosed $ as a donation for your parish.  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
I have enclosed $ as a donation for your parish.  
| A doação incluída de $ , é uma oferta para sua paróquia.
| A doação incluída de $ , é uma oferta para sua paróquia.
|-
|-
| Please let me know the cost of your help and how I can pay.  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
Please let me know the cost of your help and how I can pay.  
| Por favor, deixe-me saber o custo de seus serviços e como poderei pagar-lhe.
| Por favor, deixe-me saber o custo de seus serviços e como poderei pagar-lhe.
|-
|-
| Closing Remarks and Return Address  
|
 
===Closing Remarks and Return Address ===
|  
|  
|-
|-
| I thank you in advance for your assistance.  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
I thank you in advance for your assistance.  
| Agradeço-lhe muito por sua atenção.
| Agradeço-lhe muito por sua atenção.
|-
|-
| Respectfully,  
| style="padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
Respectfully,  
|  
|  
Use one of these words:  
Use one of these words:  
Line 339: Line 364:
Atenciosamente,  
Atenciosamente,  


Cordialmente,
Cordialmente,  


|-
|-
| Sincerely,  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
Sincerely,  
| Sinceramente,
| Sinceramente,
|-
|-
| My address is: (address)  
| style="padding-right:10px"|
My address is: (address)  
| Meu endereço é: (address)
| Meu endereço é: (address)
|}
== Follow-up  ==
When you receive a reply, send a note of thanks or acknowledgment. You may wish to do this in a follow-up letter requesting further information. In subsequent letters refer by date to your earlier letters and to the letters from those who respond. If you received a reference number, include that number as well.
Use Portuguese-English dictionaries to help you understand the reply. You may know someone who speaks Portuguese who can help you translate, or you can hire an accredited genealogist to translate for you.
If you do not receive an answer, write again, sending a copy of your first letter. Do not send more money unless you verify that your first letter did not arrive.
{|
|-
|-
| Follow-up
| style=padding-right:10px"|
| Use these sentences in follow-up letters as needed.
Thank you for the information you sent. It has helped me very much.  
|-
| Thank you for the information you sent. It has helped me very much.  
| Obrigado (Obrigada, if you are female) pela informação que me enviou, tem-me ajudado muito.
| Obrigado (Obrigada, if you are female) pela informação que me enviou, tem-me ajudado muito.
|-
|-
| I need further information about one of the individuals you mentioned in your letter. This is (name).  
| style=padding-right:10px"|
I need further information about one of the individuals you mentioned in your letter. This is (name).  
| Eu necessito mais informações sobre uma das pessoas que mencionou em sua carta. Esta pessoa é (name).
| Eu necessito mais informações sobre uma das pessoas que mencionou em sua carta. Esta pessoa é (name).
|-
|-
| I have already received from you the following information about this person:  
| style=padding-right:10px"|
I have already received from you the following information about this person:  
| Eu já recebi do senhor (da senhora, if you are female) a seguinte informação sobre esta pessoa:
| Eu já recebi do senhor (da senhora, if you are female) a seguinte informação sobre esta pessoa:
|-
|-
| I am enclosing a copy of a letter I sent you on (date). Please write and tell me if you can do this research.  
| style=padding-right:10px"|
I am enclosing a copy of a letter I sent you on (date). Please write and tell me if you can do this research.  
| Incluo uma cópia da carta que lhe enviei em (date). Por favor, informe-me se pode realizar esta pesquisa.
| Incluo uma cópia da carta que lhe enviei em (date). Por favor, informe-me se pode realizar esta pesquisa.
|}
|}


== Example Letter ==
== Example Letter ==


Date 20 de julho de 1993  
Date 20 de julho de 1993  
Line 410: Line 448:
USA  
USA  


== Comment and Suggestions  ==
The Family History Library welcomes additions and corrections that will improve future editions of this guide. Please send your suggestions to:
Publications Coordination
Family History Library
35 North West Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
USA


Paper publication: Second Edition. English approval: 2/00.


[[Category:Portugal|Portugal]] [[Category:Letter_Writing_Guides|Letter Writing Guides]]
[[Category:Portugal|Portugal]] [[Category:Letter_Writing_Guides|Portuguese]]
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