Native French speaker and Mechanical Engineering graduate offering French lessons in London.

Find out more about Brenda

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

  I speak French fluently because of my origin. I am a native French speaker and did my studies in French up until « Brevet » level which is the French equivalent of GCSEs. Shortly after passing my Brevet I moved to London with my family.

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

  I think the fictional character « Roule-ta-bosse » from the late 19th century book French melodrama by Jules Mary and Émile Rochard serves as an emblem of French culture by embodying the resilient, street-smart wanderer who uses his hard-won global experience to champion social justice. He represents the classic 19th-century Parisian hero, a self-made protector of the vulnerable who translates the popular French spirit of adventure and moral integrity into action.

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

  I like the way French language beautifully weaves directness and sincerity with a sense of free-spiritedness, joie de vivre, and romance with a little bit of drama.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  I was born into this language. It is where I formed my first thoughts, met my first friends, and fell in love for the first time. My entire early life happened within this language, making it a vital point of connection for me.

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

  The main difficulty is not being able to truly practice and apply outside of the lesson as for most student their tutor is the main point of contact for French. To help this student should incorporate more exposure time with the language and its culture whether is by finding a community that is on the same path as them, travelling often to places that speak the language or simply watching their favourite shows or movies in the language.

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

  When I first moved to London, my English was quite limited. During one particular English class, we had to write an essay; although I knew exactly what I wanted to say, I felt completely stuck. Out of frustration, I decided to write the entire piece in French. My teacher was kind enough to actually take the time to translate and mark it, and I still received an A. Recognising my potential, she advocated for me to take extra English lessons, sensing that the only thing holding me back was the language barrier. I felt truly seen in that moment.

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

  Travelling through France and other French-speaking countries allowed me to experience diverse accents and regional lingo. I also learned how contextual meanings shift, not only between French and English but across different French regions as well. For example, a word used in Paris might carry a completely different connotation in Marseille.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  What makes me a Superprof in language is the fact that I have also had to learn a language from scratch. Because of this, I recognise the dedication it takes and truly understand the frustrations of the process. I also know that incredible feeling when everything finally 'clicks,' and I am always honoured to share that journey with my students.