Ik ben een vriendelijke, tweetalige docent met een masterdiploma, gespecialiseerd in het lesgeven aan zowel kinderen als volwassenen, inclusief beginners en mensen zonder enige voorkennis. Ik bied ook

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• 1) 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, Mandarin Chinese is my first language. I was born and grew up in China, where Mandarin was the language I used every day at home, at school, and in the community. Growing up immersed in the language and culture gave me a strong foundation not only in speaking and listening, but also in reading, writing, and understanding cultural nuances.

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

  One historical figure I admire is Confucius. His ideas about respect, education, and self-improvement have deeply influenced Chinese culture and the way the language is used, especially in expressions, idioms, and values passed down through generations. Many Chinese phrases and ways of thinking still reflect his teachings today.

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

  One phrase I particularly like is “慢慢来” (màn man lái), which means “take it slowly”. It reflects a very important cultural value in Chinese learning and life: patience. It reminds learners that progress takes time and that it’s okay to learn step by step, especially with a language as rich as Mandarin.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Mandarin matters deeply to me because it connects me to my roots, my family, and my culture. At the same time, it has become a bridge between cultures in my life. Teaching Mandarin allows me to share not only a language, but also stories, perspectives, and understanding between people from different backgrounds.

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

  The main difficulty in learning Mandarin is usually tones and characters. However, with the right guidance, consistent practice, and a supportive learning environment, these challenges become manageable. I believe learning should be clear, structured, and encouraging, with plenty of speaking practice and real-life examples to build confidence.

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

  At school in China, we spent a lot of time reading texts aloud and practising characters stroke by stroke. At the time, it felt repetitive, but I later realised how valuable that foundation was. It taught me discipline, attention to detail, and appreciation for the logic and beauty behind Chinese characters, something I now enjoy sharing with my students.

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

  Living and working in different environments and later teaching Mandarin in Australia helped me see my own language from a learner’s perspective. Explaining Mandarin to non-native speakers strengthened my understanding of grammar, pronunciation, and common difficulties, and helped me become a clearer, more empathetic teacher.