Bilingualism and Code-Switching: by popular demand

From 92.65 € /h

In these neuro-divergent times, the binary division of "one language or two" in bilinguals is perhaps due some contestation, which students are capable of providing. I have always found bilingual production models (and the ubiquitous Powerpoint slide) that university teachers provide a hindrance because of their lack of explicitness and discussion - they are just not relatable as presented nor do they provide much information or examples for monolingual students.

Code-switching, a by-product of bilingualism, is now a term that is even found in minority-ethnic neighbourhood grafitti ("can white people code-switch" a found example). Please note that this is a linguistic term, used for switching between two languages, and not between local or social varieties of English.

My personal position is that there is no such thing as bilingualism: there is always a language that suffers attrition, and one language that prevails, mostly because of its prestigious standing over the other language. On the other hand, a child exposed to more than one language cannot be truly monolingual.

For this course (very popular at universities around Europe both at undergraduate and postgraduate level) we shall go through the terms used to discuss bilingualism, in detail, and then discuss, with the help of published books and articles, who can be considered bilingual (or are we all, one other language lying dormant?). Can bilingualism be defined by the speaker, instead of the "community"? Can it be imposed by the State? Does a bilingual brain function in the same manner as a monolingual brain? These are research questions that emerge as dissertation or thesis topics both at undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Extra information

Linguistics and A level students with access to their college library or online resources or departmental intranet with assigned course material.

Location

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At student's location :

Around London, United Kingdom

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

I have been working as an independent tutor since 2005, for Linguistics and Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish, French and Italian).

The courses showcased on Apprentus can be tailor-made (adapted) to your personal needs.

Please note that I tutor one-to-one, and not in pairs or groups.

I tutor mainly students in London, both secondary and university level, having been engaged by top London tutorial agencies in the course of my professional life as a tutor. My main cohort of students come from private schools in London and the home counties. None of my students has ever failed to be accepted by the university of their choice, and all of my 13 plus or 16 plus students have also passed their highly selective entrance exams (French, Spanish and Latin for the 13 plus entrance). I am aware that tutoring involves a different set of skills but I also have experience of group teaching and observation undertaken at different stages of my professional life. I have carried out short teaching assignments before, namely for ENSSIB in Lyon (two sessions of four weeks and one week courses) for the masters in library management in 2004 for two groups of around 30 students (English) and at Queen Mary University of London (evening revision class for A level French, in the Widening Participation Programme, 2007).

I have taught all ages and levels, as well as multi-level classes (as it was the case at the higher education establishments in France and Poland). While there is expected homogeneity in a regular class, I respect the individuality of each student and adapt to their needs, ranging from their first exam preparation for 11+ or 13+ (mainly French and Latin) to students needing help at university with their degree language modules, in particular when linguistics is involved (as students have less contact time with university teachers than they might need or wish). In addition, I taught EFL classes of average 20 students both in Buenos Aires (1980-1981), Oxford and Reading (1982-1988) and at UCL as a subject librarian (Romance Languages) I carried out staff and student training in IT skills and information literacy. I have a good selection of educational materials and visual prompts from cultural centres (Spain and South American countries) to help students with their literature and cultural essays. My ambition is to inspire students not only to succeed but to want to take their Spanish knowledge and skills to the next academic level and excel as scholars at university or in their chosen profession.

Education

I have a BA from Reading University in Linguistic Science (2:1) and from UCL, an MPhil in Linguistics (Romance languages syntax) as well as an MA in Electronic Communication and Publishing. While I was working at UCL Institute of Education, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher and Professional Education. I am now a Research Associate at King's College London in the Department of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies, where I do research for bibliographies.

In addition, I have received scholarships from ARELS/British Council (1981), I completed my year abroad at Aix en Provence (as a regular student within my Reading degree, 1987-1988) and was a postgraduate exchange student at the Freie Univ. Berlin, 1992. I have worked in Buenos Aires, France (Paris, Lyon). Poland (Bielsko Biala), and carried out a project for libraries in New York (2006) and attended (on a scholarship) a summer school at ELTE, Budapest (2006).

Experience / Qualifications

Spanish, French and Linguistics tutor. Typical tasks involve intensive revision tutorials in exam periods (Easter revision in particular) as well as year-long support for regular students. Most of my GCSE students have progressed to A level study of Spanish and French. Tuition for the typical tutee means that they are able to improve their grades, which is crucial for university entrance (usually those Bs must be turned into As for Russell Group universities). I also coach and tutor for Common Entrance and own school’s entrance exams, both at 13 plus and 16 entry points. None of my students have ever failed to get into the school of their choice at these two levels.

iI have tutored children in top private schools, Eton, Harrow and Winchester in particular, which has been intellectually rewarding and inspiring. For the lesser gifted, I have based the lessons on carefully graded advancement, in order not to discourage the student and create confidence in their abilities. Tutees return to me for their university support, as they are likely to be inspired to continue with their languages in Higher Education.

Age

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

Spanish

French

English

Latin

Italian

Skills

Grammar

Social studies

Child development

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

At student's home

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Help with Modern Languages dissertations (English, French, Spanish) including Linguistics (Theory and Applied)

92.65 € /h

In this course, you will learn a range of linguistic methods and learn the terms used for describing a specific aspect of language or phenomenon (lexis, morphemes, and 'telegraphic stage' to give a few examples). The course requires you to explore your own data using quantitative and qualitative analysis (eg: how frequently are slang phrases used? Are there new auxiliaries being created?). No historical linguistics or literature is involved, but language change or specific traits will be sampled via your own data collection (if this is what is demanded in your course).

As many students need to present a "year abroad" dissertation at University level (3rd year in the UK of a Modern Languages or Linguistics Undergraduate course) I can help you to research and structure your year abroad work, both in English (Linguistics) and Romance languages (French, Italian, Spanish). The topics that have arisen from recent discussions with students relate to French Caribbean writing, Italian resistance and reprisals in Rome (Fosse Ardiatine), and Spanish Etica franquista in films (among others).

Latin for Beginners: prep for entrance exams at 13+

85.52 € /h

In this Latin course, I offer "Common Entrance at 13+" training (including scholarship papers) for those students who have studied Latin for one or two years, and would like to revise, do translations and read from fun books such as Minimus or So you really want to learn Latin. Plenty of cultural stories and mythology in the mix, besides battles and august men. A basic understanding of grammar (or willingness to learn) expected. Ideally, students ought to be doing Latin at school and preferably have a second language (a Romance language ideal for securing a higher grade).

Lú

5.0

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I truly think learning Spanish has to be enjoyable and challenging (positively) and my aim is to create a fun and positive learning environment in which you can really thrive, feel confident and tranquilo.

I like to approach my students to grammar structures and cultural comprehension of the language by a variety of methods and sources such as images, videos, interviews, audios, etc. and adjust exercises of reading, listening and conversation to topics related to their particular interests and personal motivations.

Ilia

5.0

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Hi All,
thank you for checking out my course.

This class is open to students of all levels. Whether you are only starting to learn the wild-looking letters of the Cyrillic alphabet, or whether you are looking to practise your written and spoken Russian, I would be delighted to accompany you at any stage of your Russian-learning journey. For more advanced students, I would be happy to help you get to know one of the most defining aspects of the Russian language, namely its novels and poetry, which would be a great way to learn about the 'mysterious' Russian soul.

I believe that studying in three different countries have allowed me to try out and assess various approaches to education in general and teaching languages in particular - from the rigourous Russian system based on ensuring that the students will obtain exceptional spelling, grammar, syntax and punctuation skills, to the more relaxed yet more critical and analytical Western approach, focused on problem-solving and independent work.

You will get the benefit of a vast bank of techniques, methods and learning materials that I have developed and accumulated over the past year will be used in class to pique and maintain your interest. And since I was once a language student too, I would be able to share my personal tips and tricks with you to help you reach whatever goal you have set for yourself - be it being able to wow your friends and family by reciting a poem in the language of Dostoyevski, or impressing your future collegues with the thorough knowledge of Russian current affairs in their mother tongue!

Christophe

5.0

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Do you want to start learning French but have never learnt it before? Or maybe you want to perfect your understanding of French grammar, or your capacity to express yourself clearly, spontaneously and with confidence in French? Or work on pronunciation, perhaps improve your accent and learn more about French culture?
I can help you with all of these, and not only because I was born and raised in France: after getting my Master's Degree in Lingustics and Anthropology from the School for Advanced Research in Paris - at the time I was also teaching private classes of French and English to high school and university students - I moved to the UK and studied theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. There I worked on the skills any speaker needs to communicate clearly and convincingly: diction, voice projection, etc.
These two approaches - linguistics, and theatre work - give me a strong foundation from which to help any student learn French. So jump on: we'll build a learning program tailored to your needs and make sure that the lessons are both dense and fun.

Gohar

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Join My Online Russian Classes – All Levels Welcome! 🇷🇺✨

Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing skills, I offer personalized Russian lessons for all levels — from beginner to advanced.
By the end of our lessons, you’ll be able to speak and understand Russian in real-life situations: introducing yourself, making friends, traveling, social interactions, or even having deeper conversations.

My classes include:

Grammar explained clearly and simply

Speaking practice to boost fluency and confidence

Reading and vocabulary development

Real-world topics and useful expressions

A focus on your personal goals and pace

My approach is supportive, patient, and effective — I adapt every class to your level and needs, making sure you progress steadily and enjoy the process.

Let’s start your Russian learning journey together!

Francesca

5.0

(1)

Learn and practice Italian with a native speaker, graduated in Florence in Modern Literature.
Based in London, I can provide lessons of pronounciation, grammar, literature, Humanities and everything related to Italian culture.
We can focus on writing, reading, listening and speaking, in many different and funny ways that would make you feel the beauty of the language, instead of the fatigue of learning!

Parinaz

5.0

(1)

My lessons are based on standard conversational (informal) Persian spoken by mainly the middle-class educated people in Iran. I teach in three beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels:

The beginner level is mostly focused on basic grammar and vocabularies and you will learn to make simple sentences and handle basic conversations.
In the intermediate and advanced levels you will gradually learn more vocabularies, will make more sophisticated sentences and will be more confident in communication in Farsi.
In the advance level you will have lessons on particular subjects such as cooking, weather, houses, cities etc and thus you will learn related vocabularies and slang.

All the lessons are designed and written by me and all are supported by plenty of examples from everyday life.

In my class, not only yоu will leаrn Persiаn but yоu will also knоw аbоut аmаzing Irаniаn culture,music, pоetry. You will never get bored during the lessons as I cаn аlsо teаch yоu sоme eаsy sоngs in Persiаn, we will talk about delicious Iranian food ( I am going to give you some recipes in Farsi as a part of lessons) and will even listen to some Persian songs!!
We are practicing four skills together, Listening, Writing , Reading and Speaking. Also, you have homework at the end of each class.

Cigdem

5.0

(1)

I have been teaching basic English for secondary school students with music plays etc for 13 years in Turkey. I have been teaching English for 13 years in my home country (Turkey) I am in London as a master degree student in MBA with leadership at UWS London. So Iam looking for a part time job as a teacher or manager. The best moment is to see my students learn and achieve their aims. For example a few years ago one of my student had an experience with a tourist in İstanbul. When she expresses her emotions, she had self confidense. At this moment I realized teaching is not only a class job. It is everywhere.

Kevin

5.0

(1)

I offer you a new learning experience.

To the uninitiated, a grammar book seems to be written in another language because the meaning of the words is incomprehensible. In a down-to-earth way, I'll translate the grammar into familiar words. With my tailor-made teaching you will accelerate your learning while having a positive mindset.

You can book a complete course with regular sessions or individual lessons to overcome a specific problem, such as pronunciation or a particular point in grammar.

Learning a foreign language is not a linear process that consists of memorising a list of words, and speaking a foreign language is not an oral translation exercise.

There are two types of approaches to acquiring knowledge:

When asked what year follows 1999, you can immediately answer 2000 without having to think for a long time and, above all, without having memorised each number individually, starting with 1, 2, 3 ... You know that numbers are formed according to a certain pattern. With only ten digits, you can form an infinite number of numbers and always know which number comes next.

When it comes to the alphabet, words and sentences, it's more or less the same, but school pedagogy, school textbooks and regular lessons still follow the rote learning approach. In the lessons I propose, you will learn to use patterns because this is more efficient and faster.

Learning is easy, but unlearning bad habits is extremely difficult. This makes it all the more important to learn the right reflexes as early as possible.

My offer is aimed at both teenagers and adults who want to acquire a solid foundation of the Latin language without the time-consuming diversions of absurd school methods.

I offer individual or group lessons for Latin. The methods are based on cognitive science and, in particular, comparative linguistics. My flexible programme can be tailored to your individual needs.

What is particularly important to me:

motivating my students and help them establish a learning rhythm;
encouraging their creativity;
helping them become more familiar with the language;
teaching them the letters and their sounds;
strengthening their memory by training their phonological loop;
teaching sentence building plans instead of memorising sentences;
explaining how language works so that my students can become independent as quickly as possible.

I look forward to meeting you.

Sonia

5.0

(1)

I offer personalised English tutoring for students of all levels. Whether you're looking to improve your grammar, expand your vocabulary, or strengthen your essay-writing skills, I provide tailored lessons to help you succeed. I specialise in preparing students for exams, including KS1, KS2 and GCSE levels, with a focus on reading comprehension, analytical writing, and critical thinking. My goal is to make learning enjoyable and interactive, ensuring progress at your pace. I assign homework after every session and provide regular feedback to help track improvement.

Moreover, as a native Spanish speaker, I provide dynamic and interactive lessons to help you master the language. My classes cover everything from basic conversational skills to more advanced grammar and vocabulary. Whether you're preparing for exams, traveling, or simply want to learn a new language, this course is designed to help you achieve fluency. Lessons are adapted to meet your individual needs, with a focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. No prior experience required, and I provide continuous feedback to ensure your confidence in speaking Spanish grows.

I also specialise in tutoring Biology, Physics, and Chemistry for students at all levels, including those preparing for their SATs and GCSEs. My aim is to simplify complex concepts and make them accessible, whether you're studying cell biology, atomic structure, or the laws of motion. I provide clear explanations, practice exercises, and real-world examples to enhance your understanding. Homework is assigned after each session, and I offer progress reports to help track your improvement. This class will help you build a strong foundation in science and boost your confidence in tackling exams.

Additionally, I offer Religious Studies tutoring for students in grades 3 to 11, focusing on exploring various world religions, ethical discussions, and moral philosophy. My lessons encourage critical thinking about different belief systems, their histories, and their influence on societies. Whether your child needs help understanding religious texts, preparing for exams, or wants to learn more about world religions, my lessons are tailored to meet their individual needs. I provide engaging discussions, regular homework, and progress updates to ensure a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject.

Beatrice

5.0

(1)

My ESL course for teenagers and secondary school students is tailored to support learners at KS3 and KS4 levels. With five years of experience teaching students in different countries, the UK, and online, I am well-versed in the UK curriculum and can ensure your child catches up and excels. This course emphasizes a balance of fun, games, and educational content, making writing engaging and accessible. Through interactive activities, students will develop their vocabulary, grammar, essay writing, and creative expression, gaining confidence in their English skills. Each session is adapted to the student's pace, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable learning experience.

Lea

5.0

(1)

French experienced and qualified native tutor.

My primary goal is to understand what your needs are to help you feel comfortable speaking and writing French by working on pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and conversational skills. Together we will set specific targets depending on those needs, your interests and language level while having fun learning.

I will quickly identify your weak areas and adapt my teaching methods according to each student be it on your business premises or your home. Lessons are usually task-based and centred around practical functions.

By the end of our sessions, you should feel equipped and confident to continue to progress on your learning journey outside of our classes with the resources and strategies I will provide you.

Alexia

5.0

(1)

If you are looking for an engaging, patient teacher, familiar with the language acquisition process, I could be the right fit for you! It is becoming increasingly valuable to be able to speak several languages, and finding a personal tutor is a great way to start! This class will help you on your journey to learning French. The beginning of learning a language can be a daunting experience but I aim to make it approachable, fun and comprehensible for beginners, and help to expand your skills in the language.

I am familiar with young children and I understand the value in making learning a memorable, engaging and fun experience. However, I am happy to work with people of all ages looking for someone to guide them through the basics of the French language and lead them to advanced! I study French language and society at the top university in the UK, so I am able to apply the skills I acquire through rigorous teaching, and transform them into an approachable teaching style.

Jack

5.0

(1)

As an English Literature tutor, I will help students improve their understanding and skills in literary analysis, reading comprehension, and essay writing. I am most familiar with the AQA teaching syllabus. Ultimately, I want to provide personalised support to help students:

-Understand classic and contemporary literary works
-Develop critical thinking and analytical skills
-Prepare for GCSE, A-Level, and other academic exams
-Improve essay writing techniques

Specifically this might include support with some of the following:

-Breaking down literary texts
-Analysing themes and literary devices
-Practicing close reading techniques

Eilidh

5.0

(1)

Setswana is a rich, rhythmic language spoken in Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Belonging to the Bantu family, it closely resembles other languages in the region.
I have found learning Setswana through several terrific teachers, thorough textbooks and daily life enriching.

Growing up in Botswana, speaking this beautiful and intricate language, or at least making an effort to do so, can transform the way you live in Botswana.
I have taught semester-long regular beginners Setswana lessons to children aged 7-12 and adults, with strong emphasis on understanding grammar by breaking it down into “formulas” for how to form tenses and sentences. I teach these and vocabulary through a mix of traditional explanatory lectures, practice exercises and creative games, accompanied by study techniques I have found very useful for learning foreign languages. I have also worked as a trained English tutor, and study linguistics at university, both of which have shaped me to better understand and teach language.

Each class will consist of grammar formulas (eg: basic conjugation in the present tense: linking pronoun [for the human noun class group, for example: ke=I, o=you, o=him/her, re=we, le=you plural, ba=they] + “tla” [as in “will”] + verb), some vocabulary words, spoken or written exercises or games to go through together and longer practice exercises to build independent confidence.

My teaching materials I use I developed whilst living in Botswana, and have already been used with my aforementioned classes. I hope they can help you too !

Francesca

5.0

(1)

👋🏼 Hello! I'm Francesca. Do you want to learn or improve your Italian?
No problem, more than 300 students have studied with me and learned while having fun. I started teaching at 19 thanks to the director of my high school and I have more than 15 years of experience, in Italy and abroad, all over the world thanks to the internet.
I offer online Italian courses for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced learners, i.e., C2. I always have quality reference books to recommend to students.
My classes are highly personalized and tailored to the specific needs of each student. I guarantee quality because I put a lot of passion and care into everything I do, trying not to overlook the details.

🚀 During the lessons, I will help you learn the basics of general Italian, paying attention to pronunciation and intonation while reading. I am always attentive to the needs of the students and ready to tailor my lessons. My lessons are an investment for the present and the future because they are prepared with passion, a lot of experience, and dedication 🧡.

🌟 If you are a beginner, don't worry because I take great care to make you feel comfortable.

➡️ I work on different levels: conversation on different topics, grammar, reading, writing, dictation and games (role-playing games in which the student can test himself by communicating in a natural and practical way with the teacher, as in real life).
In addition, preparation for official language certificates (CELI, CILS, PLIDA), the Swiss maturity exam, apprenticeship as a commercial employee CFC and tailor-made courses in a certain professional field.
➡️ All levels: A1-C2