-PhD in persian language and literature. -I have been teaching Farsi for about 10 years. -have been worked with all levels and different nationalities

Find out more about Rushin

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

  Persian is my native language, but I'd say it was a mix of both. Growing up, I spoke it every day, but some teachers really made me fall in love with it. Reading Sa'di melted my heart so badly. Once I realized how deep and poetic the language is, I wanted to learn more and teach others.

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

  Definitely Sa'di. His poetry captures the heart of Persian culture with its blend of mysticism, love, and wisdom. Even though he's known worldwide, his work feels deeply rooted in Persian language and soul.

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

  I love the word "جانم" (janam), which means "my soul" or "my dear." It's such a warm, affectionate term that's used across different relationships; from family to friends. It's a simple way of showing care.
  
  Also there are words that are written the same way, but if the tone changes, their meaning changes. For example, 'doosti' meaning 'a friend' and 'doosti' meaning 'friendship.'

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Persian connects me to my roots, my family, and my culture. It's also a way for me to share Persian art, literature, and history with others. It's part of who I am, and I love teaching it to others as well.

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

  The biggest challenge is definitely the script and pronunciation, especially if you're used to Latin characters. But listening to native speakers, using subtitles, and diving into Persian music and poetry can make the process much easier and more enjoyable. On the other hand, speaking formal and informal could be a little hard at the beginning.

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

  I remember memorizing a Hafez poem for a school recital. At the time, I didn't fully understand it and also I was so stressed when it was my turn to just read it correctly. but years later, I found myself quoting those same lines during a challenging moment in life. It felt like the poem had evolved with me, and that's what makes Persian so special...it reveals its meaning over time.

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

  Traveling to different parts of Iran gave me a deeper understanding of Persian in its many forms. Each region has its own unique expressions, idioms, and even accents. For example, hearing the softer tone of Shiraz compared to the more casual speech of Tehran made me appreciate the richness and variety within the language. It's helped me connect with Persian not just as a language, but as a living, evolving part of culture.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I'd say it's my passion for Persian and my ability to make learning fun and accessible. I believe language should feel like an adventure, not a chore. I adapt my lessons to fit each student's needs, incorporating real-life materials and cultural context, so they truly connect with the language.