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

  I speak French fluently because I am French, I was born in France and my father is French. I had the chance to grow up and study in different cities in France (Paris, Avignon,...). I also grew up in Brazil and Portugal but I've always studied in French Schools (Lycée Français), which gave me the possibility to continue to learn French, and discover French culture with consistency.

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

  I believe the singer Juliette Armanet is quite representative of French culture, at least I like to think so. She writes her own songs: a mix of poetry, delicacy and dynamite. Double meanings, puns and alliterations... She masters the French language with a refreshing beat. Juliette's lyrics are beautifully written with a lot of sensitivity, passion and love. Her style celebrates iconic singers like Françoise Hardy or Barbara. But she also reinvents French music with some pop, disco and a contagious energy! Juliette Armanet is a very French lady with a very French style, and I love that she is not arrogant, despite her fame. On the contrary, I saw her in a concert, she is very sweet and really bonds with the public. Lastly, I like how she reinvented herself, after studying French literature she became a journalist. Only in her 30's she became a singer. I like that people can have different jobs/lifes, and that it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

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

  I particularly like the event the "Fête de la musique", on June 24 when France celebrates the first day of summer. During this festive day (and night) nature is celebrated in the image of the pagan festivals where a large fire was lit all night, and which existed in France until the 90s. Nowadays, the "Fête de la musique" promotes music in two ways. It encourages amateur musicians to perform voluntarily in the streets and it gives a wide audience access to music of all kinds and origins, both amateur and professional. I love the idea of a vibrant event contributing to cultural diversity, and social peace.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking French is fundamental since it is part of my roots, identity, and culture. It also gives me access to cultural literacy, podcasts, researches or documentaries that are very rich but hard to find in other languages. Also, I love when people speak French with accuracy, articulation, and with the right words like they used to speak on the radio in the 50's. Nowadays it's rare to hear French this elegant. But speaking it while listening to the right models is the best way to keep the language beautiful and improve my own practice.

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

  I think the main difficulties in learning French are the pronunciation, the grammatical rules that are full of exceptions, and don't always make sense (even for natives), and the difference between the French you learn at school, and the French you speak in real life. In my opinion, what can help is: losing fear of making mistakes while pronouncing French words. Rehearse spelling and phonetics just like any kind of exercise. In my practice, listening to French music, and discovering artists is also a playful way to absorb the language. As well, don't try to fix all the grammatical rules! Speaking and listening are the best ways to fix language structures. Finally, I also teach students French the way I would speak it with my friends, family and random people. This means not academically but in real-life contexts such as going to a party, ordering in a restaurant or meeting someone at a dinner.

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

  When I was a child, I struggled to learn and understand grammatical rules, and orthography in French. I only liked poetry and I wasn't what you can call a "good student". Despite having difficult school days as a child, I was revealed to be an excellent writer and communicator at the end of highschool. It was a big win for me, and it made me realize that the basics of a language are just a part of it, not the essential.

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

  Travelling from North to South, and living in French cities such as L'Isle sur la Sorgue (Avignon), Paris, Toulouse or Annecy made me realize how rich and diverse the country is. Normandy mist is so different from Mistral wind in Provence or the fresh air of the Alps. Each department has its specific traditions, landscapes, climate, accents, food, or colour of facades. I believe this cultural diversity is one of the richness of France. Culture, and Language work hand in hand.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I think what makes me a great language teacher is that I wasn’t exactly a “good student” myself. I know how frustrating it feels not to understand something, so I’m very sensitive to my students’ well-being. I always try to make them feel comfortable, and confident while learning.
  Coming from an artistic background helps me make my lessons creative and fun. I love designing activities that feel alive and inspiring, not just academic.
  
  I also speak four languages — French, Portuguese, English, and Spanish — which helps me understand my students’ challenges and adapt to their language backgrounds.
  
  I’m fascinated by languages — their structure, their sounds, their philosophy. I often think about questions like: Does thought come before language, or does language shape the way we think? The way a culture develops words to describe its world — like how the Inuit have dozens of words for snow — shows how language reflects our experience of life.
  
  To stay connected to the learner’s experience, I’m currently learning Mandarin. It reminds me to stay humble, and open — because as teachers, we’re always learners too. I’d describe myself as patient, organized, creative, and curious. I love connecting, and sharing with my students, learning about their lives and cultures.