Bonjour ! I'm the writer and editor of this online French learning site.
 

Life Story
Born and raised in Illinois, I happily escaped to California at the age of 20. I spent 2˝ years going to school and working in Monterey and another 3˝ working, going to school, and goofing off in San José. After living in Morocco for two and a half years, I spent four years in Pennsylvania before moving to Costa Rica.
  

Interests
Language is the great love of my life, and computers are in my blood, so the two together are a match made in heaven. I also love traveling, trying new restaurants, cooking, biking, and especially reading. I also enjoy dancing (belly, nightclub, Latin, you name it), but I'm not that great at it and don't make enough time to practice.
  

Education
I began attending Knox College in 1991, but transferred to Monterey Institute of International Studies after two years, where I received a BA in International Studies, and then completed the first year of MIIS' translation and interpretation MA program. After a two-year hiatus, I spent a year studying French linguistics and literature at San José State University.
  

Professional Experience
I started studying French in 1987 and Spanish two years later. I've been to France on numerous occasions, including 6 weeks in Rouen and two months in Paris. I worked as a freelance translator for several years and taught French and Spanish at an adult education center for over a year.
  

Skills
I speak fluent French, conversational Spanish, and pidgin Darija (Moroccan Arabic). I am a terrific cook (if I do say so myself), very computer literate, and a certified Adult Education teacher in the State of California. I can type about 85 words per minute (if you allow me the backspace key for typos), read a novel in an afternoon, "mirror-write" with both hands at the same time, and wiggle my eyebrows separately. ;-)
  

Other Information
I love language, and I love being able to share it via this wonderful tool: the internet. I'm truly delighted to have the opportunity to share my knowledge of and love for the French language with you, and though this site is small now, I will eventually turn it into a comprehensive French language resource for students and teachers.

I've Guided the French language site at About.com since 1999, and I have three other sites: e Learn Spanish language, e Learn English language, and The Veggie Table (vegetarian recipes and info). I also do some freelance work as a translator (French -» English and Spanish -» English), proofreader, and webmaster.

I am the author of seven language books:

1. Intermediate French for Dummies
2. The Everything French Phrase Book
3. The Everything French Verb Book
4. The Everything French Grammar Book
5. The Everything Spanish Verb Book
6. The Everything Kids' Learning Spanish Book
7. The Everything Kids' First Spanish Puzzle and Activity Book

Learn more about me at my personal website.

If you'd like to know how you can help to support this site, please click here.

Copyright ©   Laura K. Lawless  All rights reserved.