Native Spanish Speaker teaches Spanish for all levels. Personalised methodology to achieve your own goals and reach your dreams. Private and Group Lessons.

Find out more about MONICA

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

  I was born and raised in Colombia, so Spanish is my native language.

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

  Gabriel Garcia Marquez, is Nobel Prize in Literature.

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

  Words: Amanecer which means sunrise or the dawn. This is my favourite part of the Day btw.
  
  Phrase: Como amaneces?. and this is a greeting which meanings something similar to: how do you wake up this morning with the sunrise?

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Latinoamerica is a continent full of culture, traditions, stories, myths and legends and mysteries too. Our beautiful language is a profound one, when you are able to understand the etymology and why we use the words or expressions we use, it will lead you to a deeper understanding to the world and human being experiences itself. It will make you wiser and smarter, as the connections with other languages such as Italian and French are so strong. It is something magical.

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

  The hardest part of learning Spanish or any other romance language for English speakers is the grammar part in terms of conjugation, because it is something that English does not have.
  
  My advice is that the student first need to have highly interest and love for the language, which lead him to practice every day and immerse himself or herself in the traditions, listening to music, reading news or books in Spanish, and of course, speaking every time. Communication is the most important part, so no fear of making mistakes, because that is the best way to learn.

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

  When I was 9 or 10 years old, my dad bought an English book for me, with a cassette, I used to read and listen to. That is how I started to be passionate about languages. Also I used to spend time watching travelling documentaries about England, Australia and Europe in general, making me so interested in learning French and English, and of course which have brought me to live in Australia and keep practising my English skills.

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

  Being able to teach, and answering questions that my very smart students ask, have taught me as well, and gain a deeper knowledge of our traditions and etymology or my language, and love it more.