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Find out more about Sharifa

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

  I speak afrikaans fluently as it has been my home language for the past 28 years.

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

  I would have to say Boet en Saartjie. Every child that had to learn to read back in my day went through Boet en Saartjie the book they felt like part of the family.

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

  Afrikaans is a very expressive language and have the ability add warmth to our conversations. My favorite phrase to use is "Nou Nou"

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Besides the fact that it's my home language, afrikaans adds flavor to life. Nothing says "elke hond kry sy dag" of "die aap is uit die mou" of "jakkels trou met wolf se vrou" better than Afrikaans.
  
  You'll also be able to enjoy afrikaans literature as well as communicate effectively with Afrikaans speaking people.

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

  Afrikaans has quite a number of unique sounds that doesn't exist in other languages. The vocabulary can also become confusing as one word can sometimes have different meanings. But I think the quickest way to learn is to speak the language as much as possible.

• Could you share an anecdote related to your language learning or your student days?

  Funny enough I had a student whom I helped with afrikaans. One day she came up to me and said she feels so shy as it's the second time my friend is swearing in front of her and thinks nothing of it. So I said:" can't be my friend is not a person to use dirty language." She said: "but she did". We walked up to my friend and told my student :" okay so what did she say to you?" She said: "Sy se sy is vaak" (she says she is tired). Turns our the pronunciation of vaak sounds like an English swear word. 😅🤣 months has passed and the student still refuses to use the word.

• How has travel or a specific experience helped you to increase your understanding and appreciation of the language?

  Travelling has shown me how different people in different provinces speak my language. It's showed me how diverse the language can be and how it has evolved over the years.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  I have the patience and empathy to deal with different students. I have the passion to teach. And I love sharing my knowledge with students and help them to grow and build the neccessary confidence. I am also very reliable and flexible as a Tutor. So yes call me a super tutor.