- Please tell us a little about your teaching philosophy and experience:
I like to think of learning and teaching as being all about understanding how to communicate with people. I’m all about helping my students reach their goals and showing them how knowing a foreign language can help them feel more connected to the rest of the world.
- What do you teach at the CAE and how long have you been with us?
I teach Spanish and Swedish and I’ve been at CAE since 2011.
- What do you like most about teaching at the CAE?
I really like the people you meet in your classes! Everyone has an interesting story to tell and different reasons for learning a language. As a teacher the best feeling is to see students returning for more than one course, as you really get a chance to build some sort of relationship with people that way.
- Why do you think the CAE is such an important part of the Melbourne community?
I think CAE is important because it offers such a range of courses and areas of study. The Languages Centre is excellent, not only due to the wonderful staff we have, but also because we offer such a wide range of options.
- How many languages do you speak?
I speak Swedish, Spanish, English and a tiny bit of Arabic.
- What’s your top tip for learning a language?
Don’t be afraid to use your language skills, no matter how minor they are. If all you can say is ‘hello’, well, say that. You’ll get a different reply each time so you can start building your vocabulary from the responses you get. Also, keep in mind that learning a language takes time and a lot of practise.<
- Do you ever get confused and end up conversing in multiple languages at the same time?
I have certainly managed this quite a few times. There have been times I’ve found myself speaking in one language, while also trying to read a book in another, and then suddenly realising that I’m replying to the conversation in the language of the book. I also have a bad habit of swearing in multiple languages when I get frustrated. It helps, I promise!
- What’s the most embarrassing language error you’ve ever made and what happened?
Oh my, where do I even begin? An example I often share with my students, is the Swedish word for chef which, when accidentally inserted into an English conversation, changes what you’ve said to something rather crude that has absolutely nothing to do with preparing food.
- What super power would you choose if you could choose one?
I’d like to be like the Babel Fish in Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy books, the tiny creature you insert into your ear who translates every single word spoken in any language into something you can understand.
- The best coffee in Melbourne can be found at…?
I am a tea drinker myself. I’d say for a special occasion, go for the 3 o’clock afternoon tea at the Windsor. It’s not something you’d do regularly as it’s quite fancy and costs a bit, but it is well worth a visit at least once.
- Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Come learn a language at CAE. We’re a good bunch here, and you’ll have a lot of fun. I promise!
Language courses available at CAE
