Читать книгу The English Teachers - RF Duncan-Goodwillie - Страница 27

Setting the scene: It’s another blue-sky, cold-air day in the centre of the Moscow school where I sit with Carlos. He always seems to have a light manner about him that matches his big smile and floppy black hair which sits across his forehead at a slight angle. He speaks in a way that matches his demeanour: calm, clear and relaxed.

CM: I studied English literature at university because I wanted to be a literary translator, but then I thought, “How can I travel the world and learn other languages?” I could sooner do it by teaching than by translating. So, I started and I really enjoyed it. I began teaching in a private university, then in the national university and then I started teaching Spanish in some very improved schools. And then I started teaching privately. Then I came here.

RFDG: Did you go straight from Mexico to Russia?

CM: I did my CELTA in London. I was there for three months. I think it was only there I really started speaking English.

He laughs a little.

RFDG: So, it was only for the travel aspects?

CM: Yes, but I really enjoyed it as soon as I started.

RFDG: What do enjoy the most?

CM: Trying to understand how language works and finding ways to explain it. I enjoy seeing students understand it. It’s very rewarding. People often say it’s the most rewarding job in the world and I agree to a certain extent. When students don’t say things it’s not so rewarding.

He laughs.

CM: When it doesn’t work it’s not so rewarding at all.

RFDG: Why did you choose to come here?

CM: I went to learn another language and Russian was the next best step. I’m sure Spanish, English, French, Chinese and Japanese have very interesting literary traditions, but Russian was what I thought should be next. It was like, “What has some great literature? Oh it’s Russian. Let’s learn Russian!”

RFDG: If you hadn’t come here, where would you have gone?

CM: Well, there is a French visa I can request once in my life before I’m 30. So, I was thinking either France or Moscow, but if I told them I spoke French I would have had to write in French. It was easier to write in English when I applied for a job here. So I did, got an answer in two days and had the interview the following week. Never got to go to France.

RFDG: Do you think you’ll go there.

CM: Yes, it’s my plan. I have to take advantage of that.

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