I understand that learning a new language is difficult.
English is a challenging (and fun) language
I’m Fiona
In South Africa, we have eleven official languages. When I qualified as an English teacher, competence in Afrikaans was a requirement. It was difficult.
I only just passed.
Why?
I was born in Britain, of an English mum and a Scottish dad. My father spoke a little Gaelic and kiSwahili, but at home we only ever spoke in English. Other than at school, I had little exposure to a language other than English.
English is my mother tongue. I am a first language, native English speaker.
I write idiomatic English and speak English with a neutral accent. South Africans and visitors to the country often ask if I’m from Britain. Honestly! You can hear me speak in the video below in which I tell you a little more about how we’d work together.
Because my parents emigrated to sunny South Africa, when I was little, I grew up here. Now I live in a village in the winelands. Not far from Cape Town. In McGregor, I live in The Sandbag House. In my spare time I cook and I write. You can read my writing here, and also find out a bit more about my professional background.
Back to the language stuff
I now speak Afrikaans that’s only just passable. I am not a comfortable reader or writer in the language.
Why is this important?
Because when I say –
I understand that learning a foreign language is difficult
I really do!
English is difficult
At different times over the years, I’ve tried to learn isiXhosa, French and Spanish. Because I am no longer exposed to these languages, my competence is less than rudimentary. In any of these languages.
In case you’re wondering: I have a Bachelor’s degree in English and Geography, a post graduate diploma in Education and an advanced certificate in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language.
Contact Fiona to discuss your English learning needs
