IELTS/GAMSAT/Business English /VCE teacher 100% success rate /CELTA qualified/ DELTA candidate /ex British Council staff/over 10 yrs ESL teaching/speaks Mandarin/Taught in China, Hong Kong

Find out more about Ayesha

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

  My first language is not English ; however, growing up we were a bilingual household with English as a secondary language used often .

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

  I would say William Shakespeare.

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

  One phrase that stands out is "break a leg!" It's a quintessential English expression used to wish someone good luck, particularly in the performing arts. What's interesting is that it doesn't literally mean to wish someone harm, but rather to convey a positive sentiment in a unique way .

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking English is more of a necessity than anything else for me simply because I'm living in a country where English is the language of choice for communication.

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

  The main difficulties in learning English often includes mastering English's complex grammar rules and sentence structures, as well as learning and remembering a vast number of words and their nuances. Pronunciation of words and accurately producing English sounds, intonation, and rhythm is another challenge one might encounter. Specially the areas of Idioms and colloquialisms and understanding expressions that don't translate literally

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

  Even though I grew up in a country where English wasn't the first language, my parents encouraged me to learn English with immersion , watching English programmes on TV, listening to English music and radio.
  My father subscribed to the Time magazine and Newsweek and I would pore over it every week.
  I also had a membership at the British Council where I would spend my weekends poring over books and magazines in English .

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

  I have lived in 4 different countries before coming to Australia.
  Living in these diverse locations has broadened my understanding of different accents, cultures, and language nuances. Engaging with local customs, traditions, and languages has deepened my understanding of context and nuance.
  Each location has its own linguistic landscape, introducing me to new words, expressions, and idioms Navigating different environments has honed my ability to adjust to new linguistic and cultural contexts.
  I believe that it's this experience which has likely enriched my language skills, cultural awareness, and ability to communicate effectively across diverse backgrounds.