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Learn more about Elena

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

  I started learning French when I was 18 years old. My main motivation to learn it was, of course, the fact that it "sounds beautiful." But then I entered college, and my French professors made me fall in love with it! They introduced me to its history and literature, talked to us about the peculiarities of French people and their mindset, and made us sing French songs and read French books. One of my teachers, Michelle Debrenne, is a native speaker, and I was mesmerized by her energy and aura!

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

  I believe that would be Coco Chanel. French people love to speak their minds without trying to sound overly nice or sugarcoating their words. They are organized, have a mesmerizing charm, and possess undeniable charisma. They love to smoke, do everything with style, discuss deep topics, and explore new aspects of life. They are daring, supportive of women's rights and identity, and effortlessly chic in a simple way, without trying too hard or going the extra mile. They are also naturally funny.

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

  I love the phrase "joie de vivre," which means enjoying life in all its imperfections and staying in the present moment. Another favorite is "c'est la vie!" which encourages you to surrender to events, accept life as it is, and stop worrying. Lastly, I'd add "revenons à nos moutons," which means "let's get back to the topic of discussion," but its literal translation is "let's get back to our sheep." I think that's really cute!

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Because I am in love with French art and the way of living! I admire how effortlessly chic they are and how much they romanticize… well, everything. French songs often have profound meanings and lyrics that leave me in awe. French people love debating, expressing their ideas, and defending their liberties and freedom (faire les grèves). They always try to philosophize and dig deeper, which I adore. I also speak Spanish, which is the complete opposite! Having both languages in my life is amazing-the lightheartedness of Spanish and the thoughtfulness of French.

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

  I feel that le Subjonctif and le Passé Composé are the trickiest parts. There are so many rules to keep in mind, and it's easy to forget something! I think the best way to overcome this is by reading and listening to more French songs. Exposure to grammar rules makes it easier to understand them, mimic them, and eventually use them naturally, like quotes.

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

  I learned 80% of my French in college, and sometimes, when teachers asked me to write an essay or prepare a monologue, I would realize that I didn't know certain words! A valuable skill I developed in college was comparing the languages I already knew. French, Spanish, and English have many similarities. Sometimes, coming up with the right word is easier than you think. For instance, when I didn't know the word for "victory" in French, I added the ending "-oire" to the English word-and it worked! Another useful tip is learning synonyms or using longer explanations. If you forget a word, use a synonym. It may sound simple, but it makes your monologue more fluent.

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

  I haven't been to a French-speaking country yet, but the internet has been a fantastic tool! Downloading language exchange apps like InterPals has allowed me to practice and significantly improve my skills with native speakers.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  My passion for the language and my observance. I try to see the language through my students' eyes and understand their perspective. I know French can be challenging, so I bring them lots of songs and YouTube videos in French. I love sparking interest by discussing the French way of living and their unique outlook on various topics. It becomes truly fascinating once you connect the language to your favorite subjects. I also enjoy finding funny French words like le brouhaha or gnangnan. I'm a big fan of revision, so I provide my students with questions that include new vocabulary. This way, they can learn new words and practice speaking French-c'est comme faire d'une pierre deux coups!