French teacher fluent in four languages
January 27, 2016
French teacher Dina Baalbaki will be inducting several students into the National French Honors Society on Wednesday at 8 a.m. in the auditorium.
Born in Senegal, French teacher Dina Baalbaki is fluent in multiple languages. Her early life in Africa and her ability to speak several languages caught the attention of Wingspan’s Olivia Womack who sat down with Baalbaki for this Q&A.
Wingspan: What was it like where you grew up?
Baalbaki: “It was beautiful, everybody liked everybody. The community was very close, the school system was divided in two sections: private schools and the other ones; the public ones. Senegal is in West Africa and we’re surrounded by beautiful beach resorts and nice people. The official language spoken is French but there’s many other sub languages and I am fluent in the main one spoken across the country called Wolof.”
Wingspan: What made you want to move to the U.S.?
Baalbaki: “I came to this country because my ex-husband graduated from college here and had his job here.”
Wingspan: Was it hard to adjust?
Baalbaki: “It was, I didn’t have any family.”
Wingspan: How many languages can you speak?
Baalbaki: “I speak four languages fluently, and I’m proficient in Spanish, which is my 5th. I can’t wait to learn Portuguese.”
Wingspan: What’s your native language?
Baalbaki: “French and Lebanese is my language.”
Wingspan: Are your kids able to speak French as well?
Baalbaki: “Yes, my kids speak French and many other languages.”
Wingspan: Do you miss Senegal?
Baalbaki: “Oh, I miss it dearly. This is the time of year besides summer where I wish I was there.”
Wingspan: What made you want to teach?
Baalbaki: “I wanted to help kids be better at my language, understand the culture of French and all other Francophone cultures, and be a good role model to our students and community.”
Wingspan: What’s your favorite thing about teaching?
Baalbaki: “When I hear students speak in French and when they do it with self-confidence, that is priceless!”
Wingspan: What is your best experience here on campus?
Baalbaki: “Building stronger classes of motivated kids, and the experience and fun we all get from it.”