High-achieving Monash Biomed student with over 9 years of experience teaches French (+VCE) for all levels from the comfort of your own home in engaging and interactive ways!

Find out more about Hibba

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  While I did not grow up speaking French or Latin, I have worked hard to develop my proficiency in them. I did, however, have a bilingual upbringing in two different languages. I learnt English and my native language, Pashto, simultaneously. I believe that this is what first sparked my interest in languages and how they work. I began learning both French and Latin in Year 7 as they were offered as electives at my school. I believe that learning a new language opens up opportunities for personal growth and cultural enrichment!

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

  French: I would have to say that the emblematic representative of French culture is none other than the beloved fictional character, Amélie Poulain. Amélie Poulain is the titular character of the 2001 French film, "Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain" (or "Amélie" for short). She is a quirky and whimsical young woman who lives in the heart of Paris and goes on a journey of self-discovery while spreading joy and kindness to those around her. She embodies so many of the qualities that make French culture so special like the spirit of creativity, romance, and community that is at the heart of French language and culture.
  Latin: I firmly believe that Cicero is the emblematic representative of the language's culture. Cicero was not only a brilliant orator and writer, but also a statesman who fought tirelessly for the values of the Roman Republic. His works on rhetoric and philosophy have become classics of Latin literature, and his influence can still be felt in contemporary political discourse. In short, Cicero embodies the intellectual and civic virtues that the Roman people held in high esteem, making him a perfect representative of the language and culture of Latin.

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

  French: One of my favourite expressions is "joie de vivre," which means "the joy of living." This phrase captures the French spirit of celebrating life's simple pleasures and finding happiness in the present moment. "Joie de vivre" is a wonderful reminder to embrace the small joys of everyday life and to find happiness in the little things.
  Latin: The latin phrase "pulvis et umbra sumus" (we are but dust and shadows) by Horace is a powerful one. It reminds us to live in the present moment and make the most of our time. It is a simple yet powerful expression that has resonated with people throughout the ages, and it continues to inspire us to live our lives to the fullest.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Firstly, Latin is the foundation of many modern Romance languages, including French, and has influenced the development of Western civilization for centuries. Studying Latin allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the roots of our culture and language. Furthermore, French is a beautiful and elegant language that has played a significant role in the arts, literature, and diplomacy throughout history. But beyond the historical and cultural significance, speaking these languages is personally enriching. It challenges me to think and communicate in new ways, and has opened up opportunities for travel, learning, and personal growth. Ultimately, speaking Latin and French allows me to connect with others and the world in a deeper and more meaningful way.

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

  I can say that the main difficulty in learning these languages is mastering their grammar and syntax. Both Latin and French have complex rules for verb conjugation, noun declension, and sentence structure, which can be challenging for learners to internalize.
  However, there are several things that can help the process of learning. Firstly, consistent practice is essential. Regularly studying vocabulary, grammar rules, and reading authentic texts will help learners become more comfortable with the language. Secondly, immersing oneself in the language and culture can also be beneficial. This can involve watching movies or TV shows in the target language, listening to music, or conversing with native speakers (might be hard for Latin 😅). Lastly, having a supportive and knowledgeable teacher or tutor can make a huge difference in the learning process. A good teacher can provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement, and help learners overcome any difficulties they encounter.

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

  Although I have many fond memories of my language learning journey, my most valuable anecdotes come from my days as a high school student taking Latin. My Latin teacher was a passionate and quirky educator who instilled in us a love of the language and its culture. She had two snail figurines that she would get out to reprimand us if we got the noun declensions or verb conjugations wrong. On the other hand, she would reward us with gummy bears (ursae [bears] she would call them) when we answered one of her tricky questions. Although it seemed silly at the time, and perhaps a bit unusual, I have grown rather fond of her and her extremely effective teaching methods. Were it not for her, I would probably not have continued Latin, or French for that matter, past Year 9.

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

  When you travel to a country where the language is spoken, you are immersed in the culture and language, giving you the opportunity to practice your skills in real-life situations. For example, during a recent trip to France, I had the chance to converse with locals in French, which helped me to improve my fluency and confidence. I also had the opportunity to visit historic sites in Lyons and museums where I could read and interpret the language in its natural context. Overall, travel can be a transformative experience for language learners, providing them with unique opportunities to practice and improve their skills, and to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history behind the language.