Bringing the Croatian language to life

Growing up in Čičkovina

In the small village of Čičkovina near Varaždin, Nikolina was raised in a community where language carries distinct character. The local dialect – with its unique open and closed vowels and musical cadence – sounds almost like singing to outside ears. “Our dialect is very melodic – we speak as if we’re singing,” she explains with evident pride.

This linguistic distinctiveness became a source of fascination for Nikolina early on. Neighbours could barely understand them, yet within the community, this shared way of speaking created a powerful sense of belonging. It was here, listening to the rhythm and flow of her village’s speech patterns, that her love affair with language began.

Discovering a passion for teaching

At 23, while studying Germanistics and Croatistics at the University of Zagreb, Nikolina found that teaching offered the perfect outlet for her lifelong enthusiasm for language and creative expression. Unlike many who enter teaching through inspiration from school mentors, Nikolina’s path grew organically from her own relationship with words.

“Since childhood, I’ve been writing in Croatian – essays, creative pieces – it’s always been a way to express myself,” she reflects. This natural connection between language and self-expression shapes her approach in the classroom. For her, teaching Croatian means sharing not just vocabulary and grammar but a gateway to personal growth and cultural understanding.

What began as academic interest has evolved into a vocation that allows her to connect with students while celebrating the language she loves. Each lesson becomes an opportunity to build bridges between cultures, creating spaces where learners feel comfortable exploring new linguistic territory.

Humour and creativity in the classroom

Spend five minutes in Nikolina’s class and you’ll likely hear laughter. Her teaching style prioritises creating a relaxed, playful atmosphere where students feel safe making mistakes – the necessary stepping stones to fluency.

“I’m constantly making jokes, and my students enjoy them,” she says. “Sometimes we even practise mild swearing – it’s part of the culture, after all!” This light-hearted approach disarms the anxiety that often accompanies language learning, particularly for beginners confronting unfamiliar sounds and structures.

Beyond humour, Nikolina infuses her lessons with creative elements that keep engagement high. She regularly introduces idiomatic expressions and phrases discovered during her own language explorations. “When I find something interesting in Croatian or German, I immediately share it with my students,” she explains. This practice highlights language as a living, evolving entity rather than a static set of rules to memorise.

Her teaching materials focus on authentic conversations that reflect real Croatian life, allowing students to imagine themselves navigating the streets of Zagreb or ordering in a coastal restaurant. By connecting language to genuine cultural experiences, she makes learning both practical and meaningful.

Nurturing progress and confidence

One memory stands out vividly in Nikolina’s teaching experience: a particularly shy student who initially struggled with speaking. “He was so hesitant at first, afraid to make mistakes,” she recalls. “Then one day, he suddenly launched into a long conversation in Croatian without even realising it.”

This transformation from silence to spontaneous speech represents everything Nikolina values about teaching. The moment wasn’t just a victory for the student but affirmed her approach and reminded her why she teaches. “I felt proud of him, but also a little proud of myself for playing a role in his journey,” she admits.

By tailoring her methods to individual learning styles and goals, Nikolina ensures each student progresses comfortably. Some need grammar-focused instruction, others thrive with conversation practice, and many require a flexible blend depending on their mood and energy levels. “Sometimes a student is having a difficult day for speaking, or I might be struggling myself,” she acknowledges. “We adapt to the situation and find what works in that moment.”

Life beyond the classroom

When she’s not teaching, Nikolina indulges her passion for cooking, experimenting with Italian cuisine – pasta, pizza, and lasagne – alongside traditional Croatian dishes like sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls). She balances academic pursuits with life’s simple pleasures: binge-watching period dramas like Bridgerton (after devouring all the books “in one go”), and carving out quality time with loved ones.

Despite her busy schedule, maintaining close connections remains Nikolina’s priority. “Family and friends play a crucial role in my life,” she emphasises. “I always make time to simply talk and laugh together, without worrying about other obligations.”

This balance between professional dedication and personal joy reflects the wholeness she brings to teaching. By approaching language as both a technical skill and a doorway to human connection, Nikolina offers students more than just Croatian vocabulary – she provides a pathway to authentic cultural understanding and self-expression.

Her parting message to language learners everywhere echoes the warmth and encouragement that define her teaching: “Stay motivated and never give up. When you’re truly passionate about something, you can achieve your goals and find satisfaction in your progress.”