PhD in French, Native, University Lecturer - Professional and Methodical Teaching for Kids and Adults

Find out more about Mina

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  I was in contact with the French language and culture since childhood, given that some of my family members live in France. Later, my strong interest in French culture and literature encouraged me to study French at university. I love French and I decided to continue studying French, to be able to share this love with other people as a teacher.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  The great French writer and human-rights activist Victor Hugo, who wrote the following after a visit to a French prison: "Every child we educate is a man we won" (Chaque enfant qu'on enseigne est un homme qu'on gagne).

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  "Joie de vivre": this expression means "joy of living" and reflects the French culture's appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  I speak French with my nieces and nephews who live in France. Speaking French reminds me of the beautiful moments that I have spent with them. In addition, speaking French allows me to appreciate French culture, art, literature, music, and cuisine on a deeper level.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  It really depends on the individual and their native language. But pronunciation and grammar exceptions are the common challenges that many learners of French face.
  
  French has some different sounds that are not found in English. You can get used to these sounds and rhythms by immersing yourself in the language. So, listen to French music, watch French movies and TV shows, and read books. You can also find a language partner to practice.
  
  Also, there are some exceptions to the grammatical rules in French. A structured class or one-on-one tutoring can help you focus on specific areas of difficulty and get personalized feedback.
  
  And finally, practice regularly and be patient! Learning a language takes time and effort, so don't get discouraged if you don't see progress immediately. Keep practicing and you will eventually see results.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  When I was interpreting the Little Prince in French as part of a group class work, I tasted for the first time the magic words of the book in my mouth, and I fell in love with French and its literature. I decided to continue studying French, to be able to share this love with other people.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  I have traveled several times to France to study and research at universities or just to visit my family. Every time I learn something new during my stay. Believe it or not but there are lots of expressions that you don't see in textbooks but are important to communicate with French people!