Native in Macedonian language. Born and raised in Macedonia, I give Macedonian classes for English, Turkish, Serbian, Croatian, Italian speakers.

Find out more about Sofija

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

  I am a native Macedonian speaker and Macedonian is my mother tongue as well as to my whole family. I am born and raised in Macedonia and I used to live in Macedonia for years, in the last couple of years I also had a chance to live in other countries which helped me learn other languages as well such as: Turkish, Italian and Croatian. Speaking of a teacher that inspired me - I have to say big thanks to my high school Macedonian teacher who inspired me to start reading a lot and specifically Macedonian literature which guided me to becoming a Macedonian language tutor. I can definitely provide recommendations to my students about Macedonian books and authors!

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

  Cyril and Methodius! In Macedonian language we are actually using cyrilic and also latin alphabet. Cyrilic alphabet or in Macedonian known as "kirilica" got its name thanks to the brothers - Cyril & Methodius.
  They were Byzantine Christian theologians and missionaries. For their work evangelizing the Slavs, they are known as the "Apostles to the Slavs". They are credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet from which then their students made the cyrilic one.

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

  In Macedonia we have some great traditions and celebrations such as "Galichka svadba".Galicka svadba or Galicnik wedding is an event which is held every year on the holiday St. Peter's (12 July) in the Miak center Galichnik on Bistra Mountain.Each year during the Galicnik wedding, are made large number of customs that characterize this wedding: the beating of drums, mother in law folk dance (svekrvino oro), carrying the bride to the water, setting the wedding flag, invitation of the dead, shaving the groom, taking the bride, kneading the bread, wedding in the church "Sv. Peter and Paul (Sveti Petar i Pavle)" and other customs that are slowly dying, but contain and hide many details of the life in Galichnik in the past.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  I have been always saying that politics, territories and borders are not something that I'm interested in but the language and culture of specific group of people. Macedonian language is the most beautiful language for me and since it's my mother tongue it's the most natural way of expression for me even though I'm fluent in 3 more languages. I am in love with reading in Macedonian, theater plays in Macedonian, Macedonian music and through teaching I feel like I can express myself creatively in Macedonian! Teaching Macedonian to me is like doing arts!

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

  Depending on where the students are and which other languages they are speaking, some students may struggle with some specific grammar - we have lots of work with the gender (we put gender to everything literally) but don't be scared! I'm offering private 1 on 1 classes and always creating extra materials for each student. I do focus a lot on each students needs and I do appreciate student's different styles of learning. I actually do encourage my students to follow their learning style and I just adapt to it so that they feel comfortable and make the most out of my classes!

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

  The first and last time I tried to cheat on an exam in primary school all of my papers fell down and the teacher saw it at the very same second. So embarrassing, I never ever tried to do it again!

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

  I have one student always asking me at the end of the class - "Where are you now, teacher?" or in Macedonian "Kade si?". That's is because I travel a lot and I love to explore different cultures and languages. Travelling and living abroad helps me learn new languages so that I can offer Macedonian classes for English, Turkish, Croatian and Italian speakers but it also helps me improve my knowledge about different cultures which helps me to give specific input to my students regarding Macedonian culture and stuff.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I am Superprof because I'm very positive, patient, I focus on my student's needs and I always use individual approach while teaching! Long story short - I am not a boring teacher! 😁