Teach Indonesian language since 2019. Personalized teaching methodology for each individual's need

Find out more about Michelle

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  I grew up speaking Indonesian as my native language. My interest in foreign languages started with English, which I was exposed to early through school and media. Later, I was deeply inspired to learn German and French due to their cultural richness-Germany for its precision and philosophy, and France for its literature and art. My language learning journey has been driven by a passion for understanding other ways of thinking and expressing oneself.

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

  For German, I would choose Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His contributions to literature and philosophy embody the depth and complexity of the German language and culture. For French, Victor Hugo represents the richness of French expression and humanist ideals. In the context of English, I think of William Shakespeare as someone who greatly shaped the language. And for Indonesian, I would highlight Ki Hajar Dewantara, a national hero in education, who emphasized the importance of language and culture in shaping identity.

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

  In German, I love the word Fernweh, which means "longing for faraway places." It captures a feeling that's hard to express in other languages. In French, the phrase joie de vivre-the joy of living-is something I admire. In English, "take it easy" is both comforting and encouraging. And in Indonesian, the expression gotong royong (mutual cooperation) is something I truly value, as it reflects the communal spirit of Indonesian society.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking multiple languages has opened up my world-literally and figuratively. It allows me to connect with people from different cultures, understand their perspectives, and appreciate the richness of global diversity. As a teacher, being multilingual helps me bridge gaps and make learning more relatable and effective for my students.

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

  Each language has its unique challenges. For example, German grammar can be quite complex, with cases and gendered nouns. French pronunciation and verb conjugations often challenge learners. English has many exceptions to rules, and Indonesian, though relatively simpler in grammar, has nuances in context and formality. The key to overcoming these difficulties is consistent practice, immersion, and making the learning process enjoyable-like through music, movies, or real conversations.

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

  I remember in university, during my early days of learning German, I once mixed up the words kosten (to cost) and küssen (to kiss) while speaking in class. I ended up saying "How much does it kiss?" instead of "How much does it cost?" Everyone laughed-including me. That moment taught me the importance of embracing mistakes and turning them into learning opportunities. Humor really does help in language learning.

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

  While I haven't lived abroad for long periods, traveling to countries where the target language is spoken-even short trips-has had a big impact. Interacting with native speakers in real-life situations pushed me to listen better, speak more naturally, and understand cultural nuances. Even virtual immersion, like attending webinars or online language exchange with people from those countries, helped a lot when I couldn't travel.