The 25-year-old was a big money buy in the summer from Brazilian outfit Corinthians, but the £17m acquisition admits he's finding overcoming the language barrier a problem.
Paulinho's last appearance for the north London club came as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, having missed Sunday's 4-0 thumping against Liverpool due to an eye infection.
"I always want to play," Paulinho said.
"I understand the team rotation because that's how it works here, but I am not feeling well or comfortable.
"I want to be present, I want to play.
"The language is the most complicated thing as I am lazy about studying. I am learning little by little, but I don't understand everything.
"The football language is easier, that's not a problem on the pitch."
Tottenham had high hopes of qualifying for the Champions League at the start of the season, but their form against the top four in particular has virtually ruled them out of returning to Europe's elite club competition.
Spurs have taken just one point from eight matches, scoring just twice and conceding an incredible 27, a fact boss Sherwood is looking to solve quickly.
"It is something we need to look at but it is too late now because we have six games left, none of them against teams above us," said Sherwood.
"But we certainly need to address it if we want to be aspire to be one of the top teams in the division."
