Tutor profile: Kelly P.

Are there any Spanish words that don't exist in English?

Yes! There are quite a few. One of my favorite Spanish words that doesn't exist in English is "friolento." This can be used to describe a person who is sensitive to the cold or always feels cold. This describes me exactly!

What is the most challenging aspect of English for students learning it as a second language?

This really depends on the student's native language, as well as his or her personal learning style and strengths. Students tend to be most challenged by the aspects of English that are very different from their native language. For example, some languages do not have tenses or inflections, and students from these language backgrounds may struggle in understanding their use in English, while students who speak a Romance language will likely not struggle with these features. Similarly, students will encounter different challenges in regards to pronunciation depending on the sounds they are used to producing in their native tongue. Finally, a student's individual learning style will also play an important role. Some students, for example, who are auditory learners, may excel in listening comprehension and learning the sounds of words, but may struggle more with reading, writing, or learning fine grammar points. The good news is, every student has strengths to work with, and every student is capable of learning English!

Why is English spelling so confusing?

English is considered a Germanic language. However, throughout its development, it has been influenced by many other languages, such as Old Norse, Latin, and French. As a result, English retains many features that can be confusing or even seem nonsensical. However, learning about the history of the language can help us to make sense of these features. Similarly, learning about the etymology, or the origin of different words, can help us to remember their spelling, their meaning, and their relation to other words.