ENGLISH ESOL LESSONS Online: TEFL certified teacher and English Tutor - Friendly, native speaker with over 5 years of experience (Intermediate to Advanced)

Find out more about Selina

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

  So I would definitely say a combination of both. I moved to England when I was 3, so I grew up speaking English as my main language, but the Italian language is beautiful and I have been trying to learn it again recently. I am also learning Gujarati which is the language of my grandparents. I had some fantastic English teachers at School who made the language even more exciting for me.

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

  If I had to pick just one, it would be Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. She's witty, independent, and has a strong sense of self, but she's also not perfect. I feel like she represents a lot of the core values in English culture-intelligence, social awareness, and a bit of that understated humor.

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

  I've always been interested by the phrase "A stiff upper lip." It's very English and reflects this idea of maintaining composure and dignity, even in difficult situations. It's such a simple phrase, but it carries so much cultural meaning.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  English is more than just a way to communicate. It's been the key to discovering a whole world of literature, culture, and people. Growing up in England, speaking English allowed me to connect with the world around me, but also with so many stories and history. It's a language that I use to express myself fully, and it's the medium through which I've explored some of the greatest literary works.

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

  English can be tricky because of its many irregular rules and exceptions. For example, spelling and pronunciation don't always match up, and that can be confusing for learners. Another challenge is the huge variety of accents and dialects; it can feel like a completely different language depending on where you are in England! I think what helps is being exposed to as much English as possible, in different contexts. Reading books, watching shows, and talking to native speakers with various accents really helped a lot of my students to refine their understanding.

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

  I remember one particular day in English class when we were discussing Emma by Jane Austen. Our teacher split us into groups, and we had to debate whether we thought Emma was truly a "likable" character or not. I loved how heated and passionate everyone got about the discussion. It was like we were all part of this huge literary debate that had been going on for centuries! I realised then just how powerful literature can be in sparking conversations and how much I loved analysing the depth of characters. That's probably one of the reasons I enjoy English so much, it allows for endless interpretations.

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

  Visiting different parts of England has really helped me appreciate the diversity of the language. I remember going to the Lake District, and the accent there was so different from what I was used to. It felt like I was learning a new version of the language! Listening to locals, chatting with them, and picking up on the nuances of their speech broadened my understanding of how accents and dialects shape communication. Every time I travel, I learn something new about the way English is spoken and understood in different parts of the country.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I think my deep love for the language, combined with my unique perspective of being a language learner myself, gives me a special understanding of how language works. I've been privileged to have had fantastic teachers who made English come alive for me, and I hope to do the same for others. Plus, my experience with different accents and dialects means I can offer a well-rounded view of English.