Considerate and engaging tutor with over 10 years of experience gives Chinese lessons (both Mandarin and Cantonese) in Nottingham

Find out more about SWEE KIAT

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  Yes, I speak Chinese fluently, and it's primarily due to my origins. My family background is Chinese, and I grew up in an environment where Mandarin was the primary language spoken at home. My parents, grandparents, and extended family members all communicated in Chinese, creating a natural immersion for me. This early exposure played a crucial role in developing my fluency.
  
  However, it's not solely because of my origins. I've also been inspired by dedicated Chinese language teachers who further fueled my passion for the language. Throughout my academic journey, I had the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable and enthusiastic educators who instilled in me a love for the language and its rich cultural aspects. Their guidance and encouragement motivated me to refine my language skills, explore advanced topics, and appreciate the beauty of the Chinese language.
  
  So, it's a combination of my cultural background and the influence of inspiring teachers that has contributed to my fluency in Chinese. I believe that both factors have shaped my language abilities and deepened my connection to the language and its cultural nuances.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Selecting a single emblematic representative of the Chinese language's culture is challenging, given the rich and diverse cultural history of China. However, one historical figure often considered emblematic is Confucius (Kong Fuzi or Kongzi), an ancient Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas have greatly influenced Chinese culture, ethics, and society. Confucius' teachings, collected in the Analects, have had a lasting impact on Chinese thought and language.
  
  It's important to note that China's cultural heritage is vast, and there are many other significant figures and literary works that have contributed to the richness of the Chinese language and culture. Different perspectives may lead to different choices for emblematic representatives.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  The Chinese language is incredibly rich and diverse, and there are many aspects of it that are fascinating. One interesting aspect is the use of characters, each representing a morpheme, allowing for a writing system that encapsulates a deep history and meaning in each symbol.
  One example is the idiom "卧薪尝胆" (wò xīn cháng dǎn), which literally translates to "lie on the brushwood and taste gall." It refers to someone enduring hardships and challenges with determination to achieve a goal, drawing inspiration from historical stories. These idioms showcase the beauty and depth of the Chinese language and culture.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Learning Chinese can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, history, and traditions. Besides that, knowing Chinese can enhance the experience of travelling in Chinese-speaking regions and allow for more meaningful interactions with local communities.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  Learning Chinese can pose several challenges for learners, and these difficulties often depend on the learner's native language and prior language learning experiences. Here are some common challenges associated with learning Chinese:
  
  Character Writing and Memorization: Chinese characters are logograms, and each character represents a morpheme. Learning to write and memorize thousands of characters can be daunting for learners.
  
  Tonal Nature: Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch or intonation of a word can change its meaning. There are four tones and a neutral tone, which can be challenging for learners who are not used to tonal languages.
  
  To make the process of learning Chinese more manageable and effective, consider the following tips:
  
  Consistent Practice: Regular and consistent practice is crucial for mastering any language, including Chinese. Dedicate time each day to study and practice.
  
  Use Language Apps and Resources: There are numerous language learning apps and online resources specifically designed for learning Chinese. These often incorporate interactive exercises, quizzes, and pronunciation practice.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  Many learners of Mandarin Chinese often find characters and their stroke order to be a significant challenge. One day, a language student was practising writing the character "马" (mǎ), which means "horse." The student was diligently following the correct stroke order but accidentally switched the order of the horizontal strokes.
  
  The result was a character that looked more like "虫" (chóng), meaning "insect" or "bug." The switch of strokes turned a horse into an insect, leading to a moment of amusement for both the student and their language teacher.
  
  This anecdote humorously highlights the precision required in writing Chinese characters and the occasional surprises that come with mastering their intricate details. It's a reminder that making mistakes in language learning is normal, and these moments can be both entertaining and educational.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Travelling to a Chinese-speaking region can significantly enhance one's language skills and knowledge. Immersing oneself in the linguistic and cultural environment provides unique opportunities for learning. But at the same time, It's important to note that while travel can be a valuable supplement to language learning, it's not the only way to acquire language skills. Consistent study, practice, and exposure to the language through various resources are essential components of language proficiency.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  Remember that language proficiency is a continuous journey, and there is always room for improvement. Embrace the learning process, stay curious, and remain dedicated to your language learning goals. In short, I am just loving it!