Used to work in 7 different countries / Qualified education professional & native Mandarin / Cantonese tutor providing high-quality Chinese lessons for beginners to advanced learners online and in She

Find out more about Xiaowen

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

  - I am originally from Guangdong China, so Cantonese and Mandarin are my mother languages. I grew up speaking them every day with my family and locals. Besides my native roots, my former Chinese teachers really sparked my passion for languages and traditional culture, which pushed me to love teaching and sharing my language with people worldwide.

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

  - I really admire the ancient poet Su Dongpo. He is elegant, positive and full of wisdom, perfectly showing the gentle and profound spirit of Chinese culture. Also, classic Cantonese singers and opera artists represent the unique warmth and charm of Cantonese local culture.

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

  - I love the polite, soft daily greetings and warm respectful phrases used in Cantonese and Mandarin. I also deeply cherish Chinese traditional customs such as respecting elders, festival traditions and meaningful old proverbs. They carry tender feelings and precious life wisdom.

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

  - Language is my identity and my greatest connection to my hometown and culture. It means so much to me because it lets me build friendships with international students, spread lovely Chinese culture, and help everyone communicate freely, travel easily and achieve their personal learning goals.

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

  - Most learners find tones, unique pronunciation and Chinese characters the hardest part. The most effective way to learn is relaxing daily practice, listening to native conversations, speaking bravely without worrying about mistakes, and learning practical daily sentences rather than rigid textbook knowledge. Patient guidance also helps learners improve quickly.

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

  - When I was young, I was quite shy and dared not speak loudly in class. My teachers always encouraged me to read poems and practise oral speaking. Gradually I became confident and fluent. This experience made me understand how important encouragement is, so I always treat my students gently and never make them feel nervous while learning.

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

  - I currently live in Sheffield UK, and have experienced different foreign cultures. Communicating with people from all over the world every day helps me understand exactly what foreign learners struggle with. It also enriches my teaching materials, making my classes more real, vivid and close to daily life.

• 8. What makes you a Superprof in language?

  - I am a friendly, patient and passionate native tutor. I teach in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, never push students hard. I customize every lesson based on students’ level and hobbies, focus on practical speaking and real usage. I care about every student’s progress, and I always make learning easy, fun and effective.