Emily R. - Tutor in Saint Louis, MO (63110)

I have been studying the Chinese language (Mandarin) for 4 years and counting. I have had American, Chinese, and Taiwanese teachers, and although I have traveled in China, I understand what it is like to learn a foreign language without the benefit of living abroad. As an American myself, I can explain some of the concepts of the language in a way that is more easily understood by other westerners. If you are a beginning or intermediate Chinese student, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of this language, then I am the tutor for you. I've been there, I know how you feel. I can help you to get past that mountain, to feel confident and to progress.

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Maryville University of St. Louis, and may soon also begin tutoring in art. Since graduating in 2002, I have worked as an art instructor at Craft Alliance, an arts organization in St. Louis. I also have more than 10 years experience as a volunteer Bible instructor with my religious organization. For the last 3 years I have done this instruction in Chinese.

My teaching style depends on each student's needs. I never limit my students or tell them something is beyond their reach. Goals are SUPPOSED to be high. However, I only push students if this is what they want/need. No one wants to be overwhelmed or bossed around! My goal is to encourage YOU to have the self-will to keep trying, keep progressing, because if you really want to, you can learn anything, even Chinese. I want to help you believe it is easy.

Chinese

I am an American studying Mandarin Chinese in America. I have studied for 4 years, and counting. Although I have traveled in China, I understand the difficulty in learning this language without the advantage of immersion in the culture, yet, I am confident it can be done. I am more than qualified to help the beginning or intermediate student to overcome the fear that this is a difficult language. In truth, although it takes time, it is a supremely simple one! I have had both American and Chinese teachers. Eastern thought patterns are often very different from western. As an American, I can explain concepts in ways that other westerners can also understand. I am experienced in the used and pronunciation of the phonetic system "Pinyin", and can help the student learn to hear and enunciate the 4 tones. I can explain the use of Radicals when reading characters and using a character dictionary. I can help the student learn to use "NJStar", a Chinese word processing program useful for writing/reading documents and emails in Chinese. I can help the student learn conversation skills, (I have many Chinese friends with whom I speak in Chinese often) and can explain differences in accent and dialect. I can also discuss my observations on culture and people as I've traveled and studied. I have a Bachelor's Degree in fine Arts from Maryville University. This Liberal Arts school helped to give me a wider view of the world which led to my interest in Asian language and culture. My on-going instruction in Chinese has primarily been private, one-on-one; I personally feel this is most effective. I have 6 years experience as an art teacher, and more than 10 years instruction in and experience as a Bible teacher. For the past 3 years, I have done this instruction in Chinese. Although I am not yet finished with my own instruction, I am very qualified to help and encourage beginning and intermediate students of Mandarin Chinese.