For Catarina Bento, language learning is not a matter of memorizing vocabulary lists or repeating isolated phrases. Instead, it is an exercise in understanding how people think, communicate, and connect. As a linguistic coach and resource creator based in Lisbon, Bento has developed an approach that reflects both her personal experiences and a broader perspective on how adults learn languages in practical, real-world contexts.
Born and raised in Lisbon, Bento explains her early academic experience as relatively smooth until adulthood introduced new challenges. She explains that her experience with ADHD began to shape how she approached learning more intentionally, ultimately influencing her professional path. "ADHD is often seen as a limitation, but I see it as a superpower when it is placed in the right environment, because it allows you to learn deeply and connect ideas in ways that are not always linear," she says. "This perspective became foundational to my work."
