Experienced Teacher of English (EAL) and physics (GCSE or A Level). I teach in HMC schools and specialise in English for education (school or university, cultural preparation).

Find out more about Emma

• Are you fluent in this language because of your background or was it, for example, because a teacher motivated you to learn more?

  I'm English, so I'm a native speaker. I don't have an accent from a particular area, so I speak neutral RP or "BBC" English. I've also worked and travelled in other countries and enjoy talking to people who speak other forms of English.

• Cite a person, historical or fictional, who in your opinion is a symbolic representative of this culture.

  British culture is hugely varied and it would be impossible to nominate one representative. However, I'd like to think that David Attenborough is known around the world as a great British ambassador.

• Is there a typical word, expression, tradition or behaviour that you find particularly amusing?

  I think the best quality of British people is an ability to laugh at themselves. I also like the way we play with language when we talk.

• Why is it important to be able to speak this language, whether it's for education, work or on a personal level?

  I don't think I need to advertise the importance of English. Will AI replace language learning? I doubt it. So many aspects of life, including business, rely on personal communication and relationships.

• What is the biggest difficulty with this language and what can make learning easier?

  The challenges of a language depend mostly on the differences between your first language and the one you are learning.
  
  For Norwegians who are learning English, these examples can be tricky:
  
  - The difference between "there is" (to introduce something) and "it is" (to refer to something already referenced).
  - The difference between "I am eating" (present continuous) and "I eat" (present simple).
  
  To be honest, these rarely cause a communication problem. However, understanding the rules can help learners build confidence and then they can start to self-correct.

• An anecdote related to your profession or education that you would like to share?

  I love to travel and I've spent 5 years in Norway, around 18 months in Africa and 6 months in India. I've also enjoyed time in California and the West coast of the USA. Recent trips include Galapagos/Amazon, Bavaria and Pompei.

• Help us get to know you better by telling us about your various journeys.

  It's hard to give any particularly amusing anecdotes about teaching online. There are plenty of stories from classroom teaching (15 years) but none which seem relevant here. During individual lessons students often share information about their lives, which can be interesting, funny or inspiring.

• What makes you a Superprof, besides the ability to speak multiple languages?

  I'm an experienced teacher. I'm also a logical thinker and language enthusiast. I aim to find the right balance between confidence-building, natural conversation, structured grammar, and relevant vocabulary. This depends very much on the individual's aptitude and aims.
  
  I find that many learners who seek individual tuition are bright and have interesting careers. They learn best by discussing topics which interest them. I'm adaptable and curious so I am happy to base lessons around business, science, or current affairs. (I have a physics degree.)