Meet Your Instructor

Taught by Violette

An experienced Arabic educator with a deep personal connection to Arabic language and culture.

Violette Abawi in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Violette in Wadi Rum, Jordan — where language, culture, and heritage come together.

About Violette

A Deep Love for Language

Kalima Language Academy was founded by Violette Abawi, an experienced Arabic educator with a deep personal connection to Arabic language and culture. Born in Jordan, Violette brings both cultural perspective and teaching experience to the classroom. Her approach is warm, patient, and encouraging, helping students build confidence while developing meaningful skills in speaking, reading, writing, and cultural understanding.

Violette believes that learning Arabic is about more than vocabulary and grammar. Language creates connections — between generations, families, cultures, and communities. Kalima Language Academy was created to give children, teens, adults, beginners, and heritage learners a welcoming place to build those connections through language.

Teaching Philosophy

Language as a Living Thing

Violette's approach to teaching is rooted in a simple belief: language is not a set of rules to memorize — it is a living thing, shaped by the people who speak it and the cultures that breathe life into it. Every lesson at Kalima reflects this philosophy. Grammar is taught in context. Vocabulary is learned through stories. Culture is not a supplement to the curriculum — it brings language to life.

01

Every learner is seen

Small class sizes are not just a logistical choice — they are a commitment to knowing every student by name, understanding their goals, and celebrating their progress.

02

Patience is the foundation

Learning a new language takes courage. Violette creates a classroom where mistakes are welcomed, questions are celebrated, and no one ever feels behind.

03

Culture Brings Language to Life

Arabic traditions, stories, music, and cultural experiences help students understand the language in the context of the people and communities who speak it.

Background

Experience & Background

Violette brings personal heritage, cultural depth, and genuine teaching experience to every classroom.

OriginBorn in Jordan — brings firsthand cultural perspective to every lesson
TeachingExperienced Arabic educator focused on language, culture, confidence, and meaningful learning.
LocationBased on Chicago's North Shore — serving the greater Chicagoland area

Educator • Presenter • Lifelong Learner

Bringing New Ideas Into the Arabic Classroom

Violette's approach combines a deep connection to Arabic language and culture with an interest in how new teaching methods can help students learn.

In 2026, Violette presented "AI in the Arabic Language Classroom" at the CATA Pedagogy Conference at the University of Chicago, exploring how educators can use artificial intelligence to create proficiency-aligned activities and differentiated practice for language learners.

For Violette, technology is not a replacement for the teacher or the cultural experience. It is another tool that can help make language learning more personal, engaging, and effective.

Violette Abawi presenting AI in the Arabic Language Classroom at the 2026 CATA Pedagogy Conference, University of Chicago

Arabic Educator & Presenter

Violette Abawi presenting "AI in the Arabic Language Classroom" at the 2026 CATA Pedagogy Conference at the University of Chicago.

Ready to Learn with Violette?

Classes begin September 2026. Contact Violette for program details, schedules, and enrollment information.