If you’re searching for an engrossing chat about books, movies, art, language, or anything in between, look no further than Yann Dardonville. New to Commonwealth this school year, Mr. Dardonville wears his passions on his sleeve, bringing an infectious enthusiasm to his French classes—an environment, he says, where “being a clown” is only an advantage. 

1. What does your ideal afternoon entail?

A long and meandering walk on a sunny spring afternoon to go read in the park. 

2. If you could study any field aside from your own, what would it be?

 Political economy, human geography, or history.

3. Whom do you most admire?

Both of my parents, as well as my godfather, Dale, who has spent a large part of his life advocating for peace and justice.

4. Which word or phrase do you most overuse?

I am trying to train myself not to say “after all.”

5. When and how did you first become interested in your work? 

My mom was a French teacher in Seattle, so I would often assist her in her classes as early as when I was six years old. I was surrounded by teachers growing up, so the idea of taking up teaching (and specifically language teaching) came naturally to me. 

6. What is your favorite aspect of your career?

My favorite thing about language teaching is that being a clown doesn’t detract from, but rather frequently augments, your teaching. 

7. How do you define success?

By the extent to which that success leads to the flourishing of others.

8. What book do you wish you had read sooner?

The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon. 

9. Coffee or tea? 

Coffee, preferably black! 

10. Pen or pencil?

Pen.

11. Scripted or improvised?

A bit of both (yes and)?

12. What is your favorite museum?

Le Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nantes. It’s a perfectly sized museum with some great permanent and temporary exhibits. When I lived there, I used to be able to go for free!

13. What is your favorite mode of transportation?

For shorter distances, a tram. For longer distances, a high-speed train. 

14. What do you bring to a potluck?

Tabouleh.

15. What is your go-to Boston eatery?

Though I have not lived here for very long, there is only one correct answer: Cutty’s in Brookline. I have to thank Ms. Earnest for the recommendation. 

16. If you could live as a local for 48 hours anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

Saint-Pierre et Miquelon off the coast of Canada, which is technically a part of France (fun fact: it was an active hub for smugglers during Prohibition!).

17. If you could join any past or current music group, which would you want to join?

Alvvays.

18. What is the best gift you have ever given?

One summer, I crafted a set of engraved wooden earrings out of wood from the island I was working on using some of my dad’s old work tools (he was a furniture restorer). Quite special if you ask me!

19. What is the theme song of your life?

Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.” (This is a joke.)

20. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

Willem Dafoe. (This is not a joke.)

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