Welcome from Meetup!
I believe in breaking barriers. Language can be walls that divide, but I tear them down and turn them into bridges. I clarify cultural misunderstandings, and open new worlds.
Learned languages the hard way. Child of immigrants thrusted into the role of family interpreter at the tender age of five. Struggled with complex government documents. As school crept in with more English, my own heritage language was withering away. Elders chastised me for poor Chinese while still making me translate for them wasn't fun either. Still, I found Chinese entertainment to escape from the world around me. This was the beginning of my method of language immersion.
Chinese, being a context-heavy language, gave me a lot of hard knocks. Even if you learn words, there's even more that's not said. It took me years to figure out what was going on. I battle-tested my language skills in real-world situations --lots of arguments with my parents. In the end, it paid off. With age, my parents and I have mellowed out, and I've learned to tailor my speech, not just using words I learned, but to speak in a way that makes them understand. More importantly, to know which battles to choose, and celebrate the small victories in language.
Along the way, I've met fellow language geeks, and want to foster a community of learners who support each other. It's lonely out there, so let's tackle our language issues together. I want to empower all of you to use your new language skills in real-life situations. This is an ongoing journey, so bare with me as I constantly refine and improve my teaching approaches.
"Languages are a reflection of our culture, and culture is a reflection of our languages."
This interplay between language and culture has driven me to delve even deeper into cultural research. My background & research has equipped me with a unique lens for seeing the world. I can quickly spot inconsistencies and false representations. In a world rife with disinformation and stereotypes, my critical eye and nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics are what you need. I'm eager to apply these skills to help any industry create more accurate portrayals of diverse cultures. Whether it's providing context for language use in different situations, or offering cultural insights, I'm passionate about contributing to more accurate and meaningful cultural representations.
Whether you're a language learner looking to master real-world communication or a professional seeking accurate cultural representation, I'm here to guide you through the complexities of language and culture. Let's work together to bridge linguistic divides and create more authentic, nuanced cultural narratives.
Practice Cantonese over lunch on the weekdays!