Being a language tutor is an incredibly fulfilling profession.

Column by Josefina Gori.

It allows you to gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges of a language that you've been speaking effortlessly since birth, while also helping you understand the challenges faced by your students in learning a new language.

In my 43 years of teaching various languages, I have been fascinated by the workings of the human brain. For instance, when a French person reads the word "Nice," they immediately associate it with the town in the south of France. Concurrently, when an English person reads "Nice," they think of a pleasant person.

I'm referring to words that have different meanings in two languages, not just those that sound similar. For instance, in Spanish, "Cortina" means "curtains," but it also happens to be a car brand from the past. I recall a humorous incident from when I was teaching vocabulary for items in a room. I asked a student where the "Cortina" was, and he replied calmly that it was in the garage. The whole class found his response amusing.

It's not just students who make mistakes with comments, I've done it too. When I first started teaching, I didn't understand the meaning of some common English expressions. Once, I accidentally kicked a metal waste basket that was placed too close to where I was standing while using the board. I turned to my students and apologized, saying "I'm sorry but I just kicked the bucket." To my surprise, they found it hilarious. It wasn't until a kind, innocent-looking lady pointed it out that I realized I had unintentionally announced my demise.

As a foreign language tutor in England, both my students and I have experienced embarrassing moments that we wish to forget. For instance, during one session, a lady student with the same name as my daughter, kindly pointed out their shared name. However, my response, "what a casualty," which was a direct translation from the Spanish word for coincidence, "casualidad," was not the most polite answer. It's important to remember that direct translations may not always convey the intended meaning.

When embarking on the difficult task of learning a foreign language, it's crucial for both teachers and students to understand that language is closely tied to the behaviour, speech, gestures, and even volume of those who speak it. I advise my students that to truly comprehend a culture, you must learn its language, as studying it reveals much about the people who use it. Failing to learn the language of the country you have relocated to not only wastes an opportunity, but it also works against you and prevents you from fully experiencing the place where you will likely reside for the rest of your life.

As children, we were often told to speak properly in order to succeed in the workforce. However, as adults, learning a foreign language can be challenging due to our tendency to over think and fear embarrassment. Children are able to learn languages more quickly because they simply listen and repeat without concern for making mistakes. As adults, it's important to remember that communication is key and using a simple language, especially in the beginning, can help. It's also important to remember that mistakes are normal and only your teacher will notice. To boost confidence, remind yourself that even if you speak imperfectly, it's still possible to make a living using the language, as I obviously did.

When learning a foreign language, various factors can negatively affect your brain. However, having fun plays a significant role in advancing the learning process. For teachers, enjoying their work can lead to greater success. As a student, having fun can open your mind and make you more receptive to new skills. It is essential to relax and enjoy the class to avoid overwhelming your brain, which is programmed to shut down when under stress. Therefore, prioritizing enjoyment during language learning is crucial for success.

Are you ready to give it a try now? Just remember, there's more to gain than to lose. Speaking several languages has been proven to keep your brain fit and your memory alert.