Felicity Graham

Am empathetic and reflective teacher I have extensive experience in language learning and cultural exchange, which helps me create meaningful and engaging lessons tailored to individual needs. My approach is supportive, patient, and focused on building confidence in communication.

I have spoken French since childhood and am usually taken for a native speaker or, in Spanish, for somebody from Latin America. I have lived and/ or worked in France, Italy and Germany and have used French and Italian in a different life for work in the software industry. I also understand some Portuguese, German and Dutch. I believe this is less about a "gift for languages" and more about a certain attitude (finding what motivates / enthuses you) and a method of learning (as close to real life as possible). The focus should be on conveying / understanding the message so that it is this that takes centre stage and not your fear / frustration with the language. That my be through your passion for a particular subject, the need you have to understand something (like a house survey!) or your simple desire to communicate with people.

Nearly all my languages have been picked up by working or talking with people and my fluent Spanish I learned largely here in Scotland by seeking out native speakers, speaking with them a lot and doing quite a lot of DIY in Spanish. This is a great example of how the language becomes the means for doing or communicating. That takes the focus away from being perfect and on to language as the tool that it is.

I have also taught English to people from many different cultures across my adult life.

I'm a passionate advocate of personalised learning as efficient learning. My clients enjoy the learning experience as much as I have and increase in confidence such that speaking the language is fulfilling not frightening. Enjoyment, confidence and especially reproducing, as much as possible, the real conditions of speaking a foreign language makes the experience more normal and improves the result.