Writer and French teacher from Paris offering lessons in London - in person and online!

Find out more about Daphné

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

  I am French, born and bred in Paris.

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

  This is a tricky question, for France is rich of great characters: the list of authors, novelists, poets, musicians, artists, directors, and thinkers never ends.
  
  One of my personal favourites is Bertrand Blier. Filmmaker, his comedic work is a materialisation of the French spirit: dead-pan, caustic, cynical, yet poetic and at times lyrically absurd! Understanding the depth of his dialogues is reason enough to learn the language.

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

  I love the word Franchouillard: It refers to something typically French and popular. Often used to gently mock French mores, or French culture.
  For example, having a glass of wine and slices of saucisson as soon as the clock strikes 7 is perfectly franchouillard!

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  I joked about it in question 2, but I truly am grateful to speak French for it opens the door to fantastic literary work. English translations of these texts unfortunately don't hold the same majesty because they lose the melody proper to French words and brilliantly exploited by our authors. I truly enjoy this part of teaching, the sharing of literature classics - which is also accessible to beginners through poems, for example.

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

  I won't surprise you by answering grammar. It is one of the main difficulties to mastering French, especially for English speakers who don't necessarily study grammar in their own language. They have to discover a new system, different sets of rules and a mob of exceptions for each one…
  
  Repetition helps, of course, but I'd say the key is ludic practice. Through creative writing assignments, for example, students get active in their learning process and make the language their own! Working the rules around self-expression and articulation of ideas is one the most effective and motivating tools.

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

  My best memories from school are, unsurprisingly, when teachers asked for creativity. Understanding theatre from acting scenes, history events from writing fiction, language from improvisation exercises between students…It was always an event and revealed itself to be the best way to get a class involved - which led to a better ingestion and a deeper comprehension of such subjects!

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  Above from my years of experience and my sincere love for the French language, I think what makes me a great tutor is the connection I create with my students. Learning a new language is a challenge but should also be a pleasure. To keep students engaged and invested, to reach best possible results, adaptation is key!
  I don't believe in rigidity and in one-fits-all formulas of pedagogy. I tailor my lessons to each tutee, their needs, goals, and ambitions. My lessons are interactive and involve not only language learning but understanding and discovery of French culture.