Former Project Manager and Engineer Offers Business and Tech Chinese Lessons + Child Chinese Teaching Experience

Find out more about Sabrina

• 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, I grew up speaking Chinese. I was raised in a Mandarin-speaking environment, and from a young age I loved reading and writing. Literature has always been a big part of my life, and it naturally deepened my connection with the language.

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

  One representative figure I admire is Chi Chun (琦君), a Taiwanese writer known for her warm, nostalgic essays that reflect life in Taiwan during the mid-20th century. Her works often explore childhood memories, family bonds, and cultural identity. She has played an important role in Taiwanese literary history and is well-loved for her elegant writing style and emotional depth.

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

  A phrase I particularly like is 「慢慢來」 (màn màn lái), which means “take your time” or “slow down.” It reflects a gentle, patient attitude in Chinese culture—encouraging people not to rush and to approach things with calmness and care.

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

  Speaking Chinese matters to me because the number of Chinese speakers and the global influence of the language continue to grow. More importantly, mastering the language allows me to better understand Chinese history, literature, and cultural traditions, which are deeply tied to the identity of Chinese-speaking communities.

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

  One of the main challenges is the writing system. Chinese characters are complex and not phonetic, which means you cannot guess the pronunciation from the appearance of the character. Understanding the origin, structure, and logic behind character formation—such as radicals and traditional etymology—greatly helps memory and comprehension.

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

  One memorable experience was doing a language exchange with international classmates during my postgraduate studies. I taught them Mandarin and introduced them to Taiwanese culture, and in return, they shared their own languages and traditions with me. We even travelled around Taiwan together. It was both meaningful and unforgettable.

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

  Working in Guangdong helped me understand the regional diversity of the Chinese language. I was exposed to different accents, linguistic habits, and cultural customs across southern China. This experience deepened my awareness of how Mandarin adapts to different local contexts and how language reflects regional culture.