I have been learning Chinese on and off since I was 25. After graduating from teachers college, I specialized in second language acquisition and second language education in schools.
Chinese is not an easy language to learn. Like all learning, it does require a labour of love and a lot of persistence.
After studying Chinese for three years at university in Australia, I was fortunate to spend 18 months in China studying the language and traveling. China in the mid 90's was a very different place to what it is now. That sojourn led me to return to Australia and begin my career as a teacher.
In 2012, I spent a month in Taipei learning one on one for 15 hours per week. It felt good to be learning Chinese again. My goal is to sometime soon sit the level 5 Chinese proficiency test.
I often wonder why I chose to learn Chinese and spend so much time immersed in all things China related. My answer is that it chose me.
I often wonder why I chose to learn Chinese and spend so much time immersed in all things China related. My answer is that it chose me.
Hi Robin
ReplyDeleteWe were wondering what you have been up to since we last met up in Singapore. Are you still in contact with any of the ex-Er Wai students? We have settled in Brisbane. Phil & Yuka
Phil and Yuka, I am in touch with a few people from the old 二外 days. Tonia and Natalie are FB friends and Lorne who now works for Deakin Uni. Hope all is well. Still in Singapore and about to start my EdD.
ReplyDelete