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Learn more about Daniel

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

  I'm not a native French speaker, but my love for the language developed through education and the arts. My teachers, William and Juan Carlos, played a significant role in guiding me through my French learning journey. Although I have never been to a French-speaking country, I receive a lot of compliments on my pronunciation, which I attribute to classic French films and music. The melodies of Edith Piaf, in particular, have been a major influence, helping me to refine my accent and feel the emotion behind the words.

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

  Edith Piaf is, to me, the epitome of French culture. Her music, filled with raw emotion and a deep sense of humanity, is timeless. Songs like "La Vie en Rose" and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" convey the soul of France and its people. Through her music, Piaf immortalized the French spirit of resilience, love, and passion, making her an emblematic figure not just in the world of French music, but in French culture as a whole.

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

  One of my favorite French expressions is "je ne sais quoi." It captures a certain indescribable charm or quality that is often associated with French culture and people. It's a phrase that comes to mind when listening to Edith Piaf, watching a classic French film, or admiring the elegance of French art and fashion. There's always that elusive, magical quality that defines French culture.

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

  Speaking French has opened up a world of artistic and cultural richness for me. It allows me to engage more deeply with French cinema, literature, and music. The works of the Impressionist artists like Monet, Morisot, Renoir, Cassatt, Manet, or Pissarro, made me fall in love with the culture and inspired me to study the language more deeply. There's something incredibly rewarding about understanding French in its original form, especially when appreciating classic films or listening to iconic songs like those of Edith Piaf.

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

  One of the trickiest parts of learning French is mastering the pronunciation, especially with all the silent letters and nasal sounds. However, watching French films and listening to music, specially Edith Piaf's, have been incredibly helpful in overcoming these challenges. Music, in particular, is a great tool because it allows you to feel the rhythm and flow of the language. Consistent exposure to native sounds through media helps internalize these nuances.

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

  I've never had the opportunity to visit a French-speaking country, but I remember the day one of my teachers, William, praised my accent. He told me that my pronunciation had become incredibly natural, something I credit to my love for classic French cinema and the constant replaying of Piaf's songs. There's something magical about how art can shape our language learning, and I always felt like I was learning with the help of these cultural treasures.

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

  Although I haven't traveled to a French-speaking country, my virtual journeys through French cinema, art, and music have been invaluable. Watching films by directors like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut or listening to Edith Piaf's heartfelt performances has given me a window into the richness of the French language. These cultural experiences have refined my understanding of pronunciation, expressions, and the nuances of everyday speech.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  What makes me a Superprof in French is my deep connection to the culture and my passion for teaching. My love for French cinema, music, and art allows me to bring a unique perspective to language learning. I always try to incorporate creative and engaging materials in my lessons, making the learning process enjoyable and immersive. I believe that when students connect with the cultural aspects of a language, like the timeless songs of Edith Piaf, they become more inspired and confident in their learning journey.