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Why I Teach Language Through Culture: From Ancient Egypt to Halloween

Weekly Topic: What inspired me to begin teaching

Ray Roshdy

My journey into teaching began with a simple love for language. It all started when I volunteered online for a short time, helping learners improve their English and Arabic. The experience was unexpectedly rewarding; many told me I had a natural talent for teaching and encouraged me to pursue it professionally.


Inspired by their words, I took the leap, and what began as straightforward language instruction soon evolved into something far more meaningful. 

Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to teach grammar and vocabulary; I wanted to bring language to life. I started weaving culture, storytelling, and creativity into my lessons, transforming them into immersive experiences that go beyond textbooks.

This shift actually mirrors how I approach life in general: I thrive on variety, refreshing my surroundings and routines to keep them dynamic and engaging.

And now I design my lessons the same way; ensuring that every student walks away feeling more inspired, informed, or entertained than when they started.

Today, a significant part of my teaching focuses on ancient Egyptian history and mythology, as well as modern Egyptian culture. These topics not only enrich students’ language skills but also expand their understanding of the world and offer fresh perspectives.

To keep things diverse (and a little playful!) I also create seasonal and holiday-themed lessons. One of my favorites is my Halloween series this year. The intermediate-to-advanced lessons explore customs, folklore, and related vocabulary, sparking deeper discussions, while the new beginner-friendly version welcomes both kids and adults, making the experience accessible to learners at any level.

What keeps me passionate about this work is the joy I see in my students’ reactions. Hearing that a lesson shifted someone’s perspective, sparked their curiosity, or simply made their day brighter is what drives me to keep innovating.

Their encouragement and feedback continually inspire me to design lessons that cater to different interests, levels, and learning styles.

If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to join one of my lessons, and let’s create some memorable learning moments together!

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Footnote: The Halloween lessons mentioned above are available for booking only from October 1st to October 31st. If you’re interested, don’t wait too long!

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This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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