I’ve been an English Teacher as a second language since 1993 and, Interpreter at NHS and Translator at Family court UK since 2016. CELTA qualified.

Find out more about Patricia

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

  When I was 11 years old, my mom enrolled me in a language school as I was not getting good grades in English.
  I remember that during the test to check my level, I cheated from another student sitting next to me in order to start the course in a higher level and finish it sooner but as soon as the classes started the teacher noticed that I definitely should study in a lower level class.😂
  After one year studying with Andrea, a teacher who really inspired me, I started to fall in love with the language and asked my mom to pay for an intensive course.
  When I was 17, I became an English teacher and I was teaching at the same school!

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

  Sarcasm is the main ingredient of any British jokes and my favourite comedian is Ricky Gervais who uses not only sarcasm but critical thinking.

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

  Although most people think that British people are cold, I appreciate when friends ask me if I would like a cup of tea when I am upset.
  
  I also like the fact that here we say "I'm sorry" and "excuse me" all the time.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Well, English is the main language spoken in the world so it is crucial to speak english in order to build a career, travel abroad and understand films, music and articles.

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

  Most people struggle to reach the fluency because they don't have anyone to talk and practice it.
  You will speak a lot during my lessons, however learning a language requires an immersion where you will need to read books in english and watch films with a different perspective. Trying to engage in social groups where the focus is the language is a wonderful way to improve.

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

  The best anecdote I can provide is my own history.
  I had bad grades at school and here I am. A Social Service Interpreter for the government and a Certified teacher that works for colleges accredited by the British Council.

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

  When I traveled to the United kingdom for the first time I got a bit frustrated as I struggled to understand their accent but I honestly don't really remember when I started to fully understand them as it happened very naturally.
  Expose yourself is the best way. I always advise my students that they should never lose an opportunity to speak. Mistakes everyone makes, even natives.
  My students always hear from the British people:
  "Don't worry, your English is much better than my Portuguese, Spanish, Italian."

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I absolutely love teaching and my priority is seeing the results in every single class.
  Conversation is the key for all levels including elementary level.
  I believe that learning the grammar rules is important and my students say that I teach the rules in a very simple way. No pain!
  Recognising that every student is unique is crucial for making each lesson engaging and motivating.