I am a native French speaker (from France) offering French classes! I love engaging students with interactive materials. All levels are welcome! I hope to help in your journey as francophiles!

Find out more about Awa

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I am a native French speaker with extensive experience tutoring. Growing up, I was always inspired by my French teachers, who were incredibly passionate about the language. Their enthusiasm and love for French were infectious, and it instilled in me a deep appreciation for the language and its nuances. I remember one particular teacher who would always bring French literature to life with such energy that it made me excited to explore the language even further.
  
  Being naturally creative and passionate about languages, I've always enjoyed finding new ways to make learning engaging and enjoyable for my students. This passion for language, combined with my personal experiences, motivated me to start teaching French and share that excitement with others. I love helping students discover the beauty of the language and feel empowered to communicate confidently in French.

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

  I believe Le petit prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint Exupéry is emblematic of French culture. The book, which is known both in France and worldwide, beautifully captures the essence of French philosophy, creativity, and humanity. Through the simple yet deep story of the Little Prince, Saint-Exupéry explores themes of innocence, imagination, and the importance of seeing the world with the eyes of a child as opposed to the rigidity and pragmatism that characterizes adulthood.
  
  The book embodies French literature in an intellectually enriching and deeply emotional way. The emphasis is put on French culture values, art, story telling, philosophy and the poetic aspect of the French language.

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

  One of my favorite phrases of the French language is the phrase "joy of living" which translates as "joie de vivre ». It encapsulates a positive attitude toward life which represents an appreciation for the simple pleasures and the ability to enjoy the present moment. I think this concept can be illustrated nicely in simple things such as savoring a delicious meal, enjoying a beautiful sunset, or engaging in thoughtful conversation which can contribute in making life more meaningful.
  
  I admire how this phrase reflects a cultural value that embraces life's richness and encourages people to slow down and appreciate the beauty around them. It's not just about being happy, but about actively seeking fulfillment and joy in everyday experiences. For me, it embodies the spirit of French culture passionate, optimistic, and full of life.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  French is my first language and an important aspect of my identity. Growing up, the language was not just a tool for communication, but a way to connect deeply with my family, culture, and heritage. It's a language that has shaped how I view the world, express myself, and understand different perspectives.
  
  To me, it means more than just speaking the language; it's about embracing a rich cultural history, including literature, art, and philosophy, all of which have been significant influences in my life.
  
  French has allowed me to experience these cultural aspects and to engage and see the world in a way that feels authentic to me. It an essential a crucial part of who I am.

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

  One of the main difficulties in learning French is pronunciation. French has many sounds that are not found in other languages, and the "r" sound, which can be tricky for learners. The liaison or linking of sounds between words can also make pronunciation difficult, especially for beginners. Getting these nuances right requires practice and patience, but it's an essential part of sounding natural when speaking.
  
  Another challenge is the vocabulary which can feel overwhelming due to the amount of words and the complexity of gendered nouns (masculine and feminine).
  
  However, the process of learning French can be greatly helped the following :
  
  a.Consistent exposure to the language. Listening to French music, watching French films or shows, and reading books or articles in French all help familiarize you with the sounds, rhythm, and context of the language.
  
  b.Practicing with native speakers, whether through conversation exchanges or tutoring, also allows you to improve both your pronunciation and vocabulary usage in a real-world context.
  
  c. Repetition ad immersion are key strategies that can make a significant difference in mastering French.

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

  I remember when I was in school, we had students from different regions of France, as well as other countries, coming together. It was fascinating and often quite interesting to hear all the different French accents. It reminded me that there is also diversity in one same language.
  
  For instance, there was a student from the south of France who spoke with a melodic accent. Then, we had someone from northern France, whose accent was much harsher and more clipped. We also had French African accents with the melodic tonalities illustrated by rising and falling intonations creating rhythmic flows when speaking. The contrast was very interesting and rich.
  
  Even the word "croissant," could sound completely different depending on where the speaker was from in the "Francophonie" or French speaking world.

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

  Travel has greatly enhanced my skills and knowledge of the French language. I've had the privilege of being in France and traveling to many countries within the Francophonie, which has allowed me to appreciate the dynamics and polymorphism of the language.
  
  French is spoken in so many different ways depending on the region and culture, and experiencing this diversity firsthand has deepened my understanding of how the language evolves and adapts. As a native French speaker with a deep passion for literature and French culture, I'm always looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge. There is always room to improve and grow and learn.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I love teaching. My experience as a teacher assistant then tutor cemented my interest in teaching. There was always this thought on the back of my mind that it would be awesome to deliver French in a palatable and interactive way to help people be engaged, explore the beauty of the language, and learn as much as possible.
  
  I enjoy providing insight, expertise and help to Francophiles and anyone interested in learning. I like meeting new students. It is highly enjoyable to see people that demonstrate a real interest in the language and try their best to build fluency. It's a very interesting process to see how much progress they make with time. It's rewarding to feel that they can extract value from the lessons as we move forward with the course.