Native French Teacher & University Lecturer – A-Level/GCSE & Adult 1-to-1 – Online or Face-to-Face in Kingston centre

Find out more about Magali

• 1) Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I was born in Bergerac, in the beautiful Dordogne region of France. I spent my childhood in the South before moving to Brittany in the north-west, which gave me an early appreciation of the rich diversity of French culture. Even within France, I became aware of the different accents, regional expressions and traditions that make the language so vibrant. From a young age, I developed a passion for languages and linguistics, studying English, Spanish and Italian alongside my native French. This lifelong interest continues to shape the way I teach today, helping students not only learn the language but also understand the culture behind it.

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

  There are so many! But if I had to choose two figures who embody French culture, they would be Simone Veil and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Simone Veil represents resilience, human rights and the values of modern France, while Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, through The Little Prince, reminds us of the importance of curiosity, imagination and seeing the world from different perspectives. Together, they reflect the richness of French culture and the idea that learning French is not just about mastering a language, but also about understanding the people, history and ideas behind it.

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

  One aspect of French that I particularly enjoy is the variety of expressions that don't translate literally into English and vice versa. They remind us that learning a language is about more than vocabulary and grammar, it's about understanding a different way of seeing the world. I also love the French tradition of sharing long meals with family and friends, where conversation is just as important as the food. For me, that reflects one of the strengths of languages: the ability to bring people together.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  French is much more than my native language, it's a part of who I am and how I connect with others. It allows me to share my culture, literature and traditions, while building meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. As a tutor, I find it especially rewarding to help students gain the confidence to communicate in French, whether they're preparing for A Levels, travelling, advancing their careers or simply learning for the enjoyment of it. Seeing their progress and enthusiasm is what makes teaching so fulfilling.

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

  One of the biggest challenges in learning French is building the confidence to speak. French pronunciation, grammar and verb conjugations can seem daunting at first, but they become much more manageable with regular practice and clear explanations. I believe the key is to learn in context rather than simply memorising rules. By using authentic materials, engaging conversations and lessons tailored to each student's goals, learners gradually develop both accuracy and confidence. Making mistakes is a natural part of the process, and every conversation is an opportunity to improve.

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

  One of the biggest lessons I learned as a student was just how much a teacher can influence your confidence and motivation. At school, I loved Spanish because my teacher made grammar clear, engaging and memorable (I still remember many of the rules today!) In contrast, I gradually lost interest in Italian, not because I didn't enjoy the language, but because I never found the same connection with the teaching. English was another story... despite achieving lower grades at first, I persevered and eventually became fluent. Those experiences showed me that success in language learning isn't about natural ability, it's about the right guidance, encouragement and teaching approach. That's something I strive to offer every one of my students.

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

  Growing up in France and later moving to the UK gave me a unique perspective on language learning. Living in another country taught me that speaking a language is about much more than grammar and vocabulary, it's about understanding cultural differences, adapting your communication and building connections with others. Experiencing life from both a French and a British perspective has helped me appreciate the challenges language learners face, and it enables me to explain French in a way that is clear, relatable and relevant to English-speaking students.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  My students often tell me that what makes my lessons different is my combination of structure, encouragement and adaptability. I pay close attention to recurring mistakes, keeping track of them and revisiting them regularly until they are mastered.
  
  I'm also passionate about developing speaking confidence. From the very beginning, I encourage students to speak as much French as possible in a supportive, relaxed environment, helping them become more fluent and less afraid of making mistakes.
  
  Every learner is different, so I tailor each lesson to their goals, interests and learning style. Over the years, I've created a wide range of resources for exam students and adult learners, allowing me to adapt lessons to suit each individual. My aim is not only to help students achieve excellent results, but also to enjoy the process of learning French and gain the confidence to use it in real-life situations.