Superlatively Speaking

Never has the expression "it's not what you say, it's how you say it!" been so true. For Non-Native English Speakers we can add, 'and the Degree you say it". We have long known that learners from different backgrounds generally face different challenges when studying English, but for Portuguese Speakers the tendency to "superlatize" or exaggerate the weight of an action, description or emphasis is particularly acute. In a recent conversation I realized that this Luso-Brazilian inclination often migrates into English and is probably responsible for a fair number of misunderstanding when dealing with Native speakers.
The anecdote that I will share illustrates this point clearly.
A Native English Speaker was planning a trip to Brazil with his Brazilian contact. As part of the process the Canadian asked her if it were possible to ask a favour? To this request she replied "I am always making you the most favours". Naturally, the Canadian was put off by this response. After much discussion they realized that a communication breakdown had occurred. What she meant to say was, "I am always happy to do you a favour". The misuse of the the superlative the most was misinterpreted by the Native Speaker and caused some unneeded consternation for both parties. This experience has made them very conscious of how cultural influences can infiltrate language and create the most communication problems, superlatively speaking.