In this course, you will be introduced to unique slang, Anglicism, and different French dialects from around New Brunswick, and the Maritime provinces. You'll also experience Acadian pop culture by breaking down the lyrics and meanings of Acadian songs, reading excerpts from Acadian social media and analysis culture, and breaking down Acadian memes and the meanings behind them. We will also listen to various interviews with Acadians living in the Maritime provinces.
Note: Some conversations will be in French and adult-themed topics will be touched upon.
Thursdays, May 14 to June 4 (4 weeks)
7:30 - 9 p.m.
$99 (+ HST)
Nina Savoie-Colwell is a bilingual educator, education leader, and doctoral researcher from the Acadian Peninsula, raised in a French–English household with deep roots in Acadian language and culture. With over 15 years of experience in adult and postsecondary education, Nina specializes in French as a Second Language (FSL), ESL, curriculum design, and online learning.
Nina has taught at the University of New Brunswick’s College of Extended Learning, CCNB, public school districts, and private programs, delivering courses in beginner to advanced French, Acadian French and culture, conversational English, and individualized language instruction for adult learners. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes practical communication, cultural context, and learner‑centred pedagogy.
In addition to language instruction, Nina designs and teaches courses in digital storytelling for cultural preservation, supporting learners in using digital tools to document, share, and sustain cultural narratives, identity, and lived experience. She shares her passion for digital storytelling with her own narrative inquiry set up as a podcast called "What does it mean to be Acadian?" This podcast has Acadians from across North America share their unique stories and perspectives.
Professionally, Nina is an eLearning specialist and education leader with extensive experience in learning management systems, online program development, and quality assurance across diploma, degree, and doctoral‑level programs. She currently works full-time in eLearning, software training and program leadership, supporting institutions in the development of accessible, engaging, and pedagogically sound online learning experiences.
Academically, Nina holds a Bachelor of Applied Business Management from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. She is currently a doctoral researcher, with research interests focused on Acadian identity, language, culture, and education. Her interdisciplinary background in fine art, animation, and graphic design further informs her approach to teaching, blending creativity with applied, technology‑enhanced learning.
