Certified Polyglot Spanish Tutor with Academic Training in Spanish Language & Literature and 11+ Years of Teaching Experience

Find out more about Milad

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

  I started learning Spanish when I entered university to study for a BA in Spanish Language and Literature. I was very fortunate to have fantastic professors from Spain, Mexico and Cuba who inspired me and sparked my interest in Hispanic language and culture. After many years of studying, teaching and working in Spanish, the language has become an important part of both my personal and professional life.

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

  There are hundreds of people and characters I could mention! In literature, two of my favourites are Jorge Luis Borges and Miguel de Cervantes. Diego Luna is my favourite Spanish-speaking actor, and Paco de Lucía is my favourite guitarist.
  However, if I had to choose one fictional character, I would choose Don Quixote. He is imaginative, idealistic, stubborn and sometimes a little unrealistic, but he never gives up on what he believes in. For me, he represents the humour, creativity and humanity of Spanish literature. He is also a reminder that language is more than simply a means of communication: it carries stories, values and a particular way of seeing the world.

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

  I really like the expression “No pasa nada.” Depending on the situation, it can mean “Don’t worry,” “It’s okay” or “It’s not a big deal.” I like the relaxed and reassuring attitude behind it. I often say it to my students when they make a mistake because mistakes are a completely natural part of learning a language.
  I also love how warm and welcoming Spanish speakers can be. They often encourage you to continue speaking Spanish, even if all you can say at first is “¡Hola!” I have friends from Spain, Mexico, Argentina and Venezuela, and I really enjoy communicating with them and learning more about their cultures.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Spanish has opened many doors for me. It has allowed me to study a subject I love, work as a teacher and interpreter, meet people from different countries and better understand the cultures of both Spain and Latin America.
  Languages are a very important part of my identity. Persian is my native language, and I also speak English, Spanish, French, Turkish and Azerbaijani, as well as a little German. Learning these languages has shown me that speaking to someone in their own language creates a much deeper and more genuine connection.

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

  For many students, the greatest challenge is using grammar naturally while speaking. They may understand the differences between the Spanish past tenses or know the rules of the subjunctive, but they often hesitate when they need to use them in a real conversation.
  The best solution is to combine clear explanations with regular practical use. In my lessons, we use dialogues, stories, role plays and conversation questions so that students encounter grammar in meaningful contexts. Regular exposure is also essential. Spending ten or fifteen minutes with Spanish every day is often more effective than studying for several hours only once a week.

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

  One of the most valuable experiences in my language-learning journey was becoming involved in Spanish-language cultural activities, particularly theatre. I performed in two Spanish plays by Federico García Lorca: Yerma and Bodas de sangre.
  During rehearsals and performances, I could not stop translating every sentence in my head. I had to react, improvise and communicate naturally. That experience taught me that a language truly becomes part of you when you start using it creatively and spontaneously, rather than only studying grammar from a textbook. This is something I now encourage my own students to experience as well.

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you increase your skills and knowledge of the language?

  Travel and direct contact with Spanish speakers from different countries have helped me understand how diverse Spanish really is. Vocabulary, pronunciation, humour and everyday expressions can vary considerably from one region to another.
  My contact with people from Spain and Latin America has taught me that there is not just one “correct” variety of Spanish. Each country and region adds something special to the language. This has strongly influenced my teaching. I help my students develop clear and natural Spanish while also introducing them to different accents, expressions and cultural differences.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in languages?

  I have more than ten years of teaching experience and have taught learners from over 18 countries. I have a BA in Spanish Language and Literature, DELE qualifications and professional teacher training from institutions such as Instituto Cervantes and UNAM.
  However, my greatest strength is that I understand language learning from several different perspectives. Persian is my native language, and I have also learned several foreign languages myself (currently 7:). Therefore, I understand the frustration of forgetting vocabulary, feeling nervous when speaking, or knowing a grammar rule but being unable to use it naturally in conversation.
  My lessons are personalised, practical and relaxed. I explain grammar clearly, but communication is always at the centre of the class. I want my students to feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions and gradually becoming confident and independent speakers.