- Certified Mandarin and Cantonese teacher with 4 years of teaching experience - will customize the lessons and teaching materials according to your Chinese level.

Find out more about Kincle

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  Yes, I grew up speaking both Mandarin and Cantonese in China, which form the core of my identity. Later, while pursuing my Master of Education at the University of Melbourne, I realized how powerful language can be in connecting people and cultures. This inspired me to start tutoring, sharing not only the language but also Chinese culture with my students.

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

  Confucius is a key figure representing Chinese culture. His teachings on respect, family, and harmony still influence modern Chinese language and values, especially in formal and business contexts.

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

  I love the phrase "加油" (jiāyóu), meaning "add oil." It's a versatile, positive way to encourage others, and I often use it to boost my students' motivation and confidence.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Mandarin and Cantonese connects me to my heritage, and teaching them helps me share Chinese culture with others. Language is a bridge, and I'm passionate about using it to build cultural understanding.

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

  The biggest challenges are the tones and characters. I help my students by focusing on the basics of pinyin to build a solid foundation for pronunciation and tone accuracy, which makes learning characters and conversation easier over time. Patience and consistent practice are key to progress.

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

  When I was learning English, I struggled with pronunciation and vocabulary. I vividly remember participating in a language exchange program, where I practiced speaking with native speakers. This experience boosted my confidence and taught me the importance of immersion and real-life practice, which I now apply when helping my students learn Mandarin and Cantonese.

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

  Studying in Australia was pivotal for my English language skills. Immersing myself in a diverse environment allowed me to practice English daily, improving my fluency and cultural understanding. This experience helps me empathize with my students learning Mandarin and Cantonese, as I can relate to their challenges and share effective strategies from my own journey.