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

  Yes, I grew up speaking Spanish in the vibrant city of Mexico City, where the language is not just a means of communication but a reflection of the rich history and diverse culture that surrounds me. I was fortunate to grow up around people from different walks of life, which made me aware of the various Spanish dialects around me.
  
  My father's educated speech, shaped by his background in politics, contrasted sharply with the northern accent and colloquialisms of my mom's family. I often heard the lively jargon and slang from the markets and street vendors, and it always amazed me how the same language could feel so different in various contexts.
  
  I remember laughing with my sister about the northern accent of our cousins, especially how they used the word "ala" to express surprise and how loud they were while talking. In return, they would poke fun at our quieter, more "vanilla" accent from the city. These playful exchanges made me more aware of the differences within my own country and sparked my curiosity about the variations in other Spanish-speaking countries.
  
  This early exposure to the diversity of the Spanish language fuelled my desire to travel and learn more about linguistic curiosities, and it ultimately inspired me to become a teacher. I want my students to value the diverse beauty of the Spanish language and to explore the beauty and uniqueness of the language wherever they go.

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

  When I think of characters who truly represent language culture, I immediately think of Mexicans José Guadalupe Posada and Juan Rulfo. Posada, due to his creation of La Catrina. This iconic character not only highlights social class differences that were prevalent during his time but also continues to resonate today, making her a powerful symbol of the complexities within Mexican society. He invented one of the most representative Mexican icons, originally called La Calavera Garbancera, and later renamed La Catrina by the muralist Diego Rivera, another Mexican artist I admire. I love calaveras as they are my favourite Mexican symbol; I even have a tattoo of a calavera on my arm. Rivera is one of my favourite muralists because he told powerful stories about the struggles of the poor, emphasized the history and diverse peoples of Mexico, and advocated for indigenous art. I appreciate that he popularized the word "Catrina," which embodies my favourite day of the year. I always do my Catrina makeup for Día de los Muertos, no matter what country I am in. Additionally, Diego Rivera painted a classic depiction of Posada's Catrina in my favourite mural, "Sueño de una tarde dominical en la alameda central".I love the connection between Posada and Rivera, as they together contributed to the magic of creating this mystic and beloved Mexican icon.
  
  I would identify Juan Rulfo as an emblematic representative of language culture, particularly through his profound work "Pedro Páramo." This novel intricately weaves the themes of life, death, and the haunting memories of the past, beautifully aligning with the spirit of Día de los Muertos. In Rulfo's portrayal of Comala, a town filled with echoes of the departed, he captures the essence of how Mexican culture views death-not as an end but as a vital part of the human experience.
  
  Additionally, I would also highlight Mexican Dr. Atl, the pseudonym of Gerardo Murillo, a crucial figure in Mexican art and literature. His dedication to the Mexican landscape and indigenous culture through painting, literature, and activism exemplified a deep appreciation for the nation's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

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

  I particularly love the phrase by Frida Kahlo, "Pies, para qué los quiero si tengo alas para volar." This translates to "Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly?" This quote means a lot to me because I have a passion for traveling and connecting with different cultures. I've always envisioned myself as an eagle flying high, exploring the world and embracing new experiences. Additionally, I admire Frida Kahlo for her strength and resilience, and her words inspire me to embrace my freedom and pursue my dreams.
  
  I also love the word "alebrije." Alebrijes are fantastical creatures that combine various animal features and are often vibrantly and intricately painted, reflecting the colourful and cheerful spirit of Mexico. These handicrafts are typically made from wood or paper-mâché and showcase a beautiful expression of art, imagination, and creativity.
  
  The history of alebrijes began with the artist Pedro Linares in the 1930s, who dreamt of these extraordinary beings while he was sick in bed. He saw a world filled with bizarre creatures, which he later brought to life through his art.
  
  Since their origin, alebrijes have become symbols of Mexican folk art, celebrating the richness of our cultural heritage. They often embody both real and imaginary animals, encouraging us to embrace our uniqueness and the importance of creativity in our lives.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  For me, speaking Spanish is so much more than just a language-it's a big part of who I am. As my native tongue, it's connected with my identity and my culture, and it gives me the chance to connect with others in such meaningful ways.
  
  Spanish is spoken all over the world, and teaching it feels like sharing a little piece of my heart with my students. I love helping them discover not just the vocabulary and grammar but also the amazing cultures and traditions that come along with the language. It's awesome to see them light up when they start to understand those cultural nuances.
  
  And let's talk about the incredible variety of languages in Mexico! Did you know there are around 364 indigenous languages there? From Nahuatl and Mixtec to Zapotec and Maya, each one has its own unique beauty and stories to tell. I think it's so important to celebrate that diversity, and speaking Spanish helps me appreciate it even more. It's a reminder of our rich history and the amazing cultures that still thrive today.
  
  On top of that, being fluent in Spanish opens the door to a ton of literature, music, and art that I absolutely love. Whether I'm grooving to some salsa, getting lost in a novel, or soaking in the creativity of our artists, I find endless inspiration in the Spanish-speaking world.
  
  At the core, speaking Spanish is all about connection-connecting with my roots, embracing my culture, and helping my students start their own journeys in learning the language. It's incredible how language can bring us together and create bonds that cross borders and cultures.

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

  As a Spanish teacher, I understand that a key part of learning the language is also about embracing the culture behind it. One of the main difficulties students often face is getting comfortable with the variety of ways to express the same idea. For example, in Spanish, "money"-you might hear "dinero," "billete," or if you're chatting in a more informal setting, someone might say "plata" or even "lana." So, imagine you're at a fiesta in Mexico and your friend says, "¡Pásame la lana para comprar unos tacos!" You'll need to know that they're just talking about cash for some tacos. And then there's slang, which varies from country to country. You can say "chévere" in the Caribbean, "guay" in Spain, and "chido" in Mexico, and if someone tells you, "¡Eres muy chido!" in Mexico, you know they think you're awesome!
  
  To help students overcome these challenges, I use a mix of techniques in my lessons. I encourage my students to engage with different Spanish-speaking cultures through music, films, and conversations with native speakers. This not only builds their language skills but also boosts their confidence when they encounter different accents and slang.
  
  I also create fun activities that highlight these variations, allowing students to explore and appreciate the richness of the language. For example, we'll have a slang day where students bring in phrases they've heard, and we discuss their meanings and contexts. This makes learning more interactive and helps students gain a deeper understanding of how diverse the Spanish language can be.
  
  In short, I hope to make my lessons as lively and enjoyable as possible, so students not only learn the language but also feel excited to use it in real-life situations.

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

  As a Spanish teacher now, I often reflect on my own language-learning journey, and one moment that stands out is my experience in elementary school during our annual spelling bee contest. I was actually one of the best spellers! We often had to spell advanced or tricky Spanish words that we hardly ever used in everyday conversation, which made it even more exciting and challenging.
  
  From a young age, I was naturally curious, so I would grab the dictionary and not only learn how to spell the words but also their meanings and how to use them in sentences. I remember spending months before the contest thinking about what words might come up. I would visualize them, separate the letters in my mind, and practice spelling them over and over again. I even liked reading food labels and manuals that contained difficult words, trying to commit them to memory.
  
  Looking back, those memories bring me happiness mixed with nostalgia, as I miss those carefree days of my childhood. The thrill of competing in the spelling bee fed my love for the Spanish language and made me aware of so much vocabulary. It instilled in me a passion for everything related to language, which ultimately led me to become a teacher.
  
  Now, I strive to share that same excitement and curiosity with my students, encouraging them to explore and discover the richness of the Spanish language, just as I did during those formative years. Teaching them not just how to spell, but how to appreciate the beauty of language is something I cherish deeply.

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

  Travel has profoundly enhanced my Spanish skills and knowledge of the language, and several trips and experiences have shaped my understanding. In Colombia and Venezuela, I discovered various colloquialisms and slang and learned how the same objects are referred to by different names.
  
  Another significant experience was my trip to Aruba, where I encountered Papiamento, a fascinating creole language that blends Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and Arawakan influences. Engaging with the locals taught me how language evolves in multicultural environments and highlighted the beauty of linguistic diversity.
  
  Living in Ireland also added another layer to my language journey, the Brazilian community taught me Portuguese, which is another Romance language closely related to Spanish. This experience made me reflect more deeply on the similarities and differences between the two languages, especially regarding "falsos amigos" (false friends). For instance, the Spanish word "embarazada," which means pregnant, is often mistaken for the Portuguese "embaraçada," which means embarrassed. These kinds of insights enriched my understanding of both languages and helped me navigate potential difficulties in communication.
  
  Additionally, traveling within Mexico has been eye-opening. Living in Cancun, I noticed that the Maya accent from the south is very different from the northern accent of my maternal family, and both are distinct from the accent in Mexico City, where I'm from. Each of Mexico's 31 states has its unique accent and expressions, and this diversity has deepened my appreciation for how regional variations contribute to the richness of Spanish.
  
  All these experiences have enriched my language skills and inspired me as a teacher. I strive to share this enthusiasm for cultural and linguistic diversity to my students, encouraging them to explore the world through language and embrace the beauty of different dialects and accents.