Navigating the Mandarin Maze: Choosing the Right Language Teacher in Shanghai
Living in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai offers many opportunities, but mastering the local language is key to genuinely immersing oneself in the local culture.
Mandarin is the term used through much of the Western world, but the Chinese themselves refer to the language as
普通话 (pǔ tōng huà), 中文 （Zhōngwén) or 汉语（Hānyǔ)
Choosing a Chinese language teacher can significantly impact your learning journey, and there are various options to consider: language schools, online classes, and face-to-face private tutors.
Language schools in Shanghai, such as That's Mandarin, are a popular choice, offering structured curriculums and a social environment. Pros include a consistent schedule, resource access, and a chance to make new friends. However, the rigid schedules might not suit everyone, and the group setting may not provide the personalized attention some learners crave.
Online classes, on the other hand, offer flexibility and convenience. With many platforms to choose from, students can select a teacher based on their specific needs. The downside is the potential lack of face-to-face interaction, making it challenging to practice real-life communication skills. Technical issues can also pose a hindrance.
For those seeking personalized attention, face-to-face private classes with a tutor might be the ideal solution. Customized lessons cater to individual learning styles, and students can progress at their own pace. However, private tutoring can be costly; finding the right tutor requires thorough research.
When my clients and expat friends share their Mandarin learning experiences, most of them would recommend what works for them and tell me what to avoid.
1) A bilingual person is not necessarily a good teacher. There are also a variety of accents across China. A good teacher should know how to teach authentic Mandarin to a person learning it as a foreign language; teaching a language requires patience and understanding of the student’s needs and culture.
2) There are many individual Mandarin teachers, but a good one is hard to come by. If you find one, keep it and spread the word!
3) There are also courses for executives with a completely different approach that helps CEOs and top management staff to learn spoken language linguistically without learning the characters and reading.
I have a friend spending 150 RMB an hour for 2 years, 3 times a week. He didn’t pick up the language and thought that was a complete waste of time and money. Until he told me about this specialised program he enrolled in, paying a premium price, I was stunned by his progress. He is almost fluent now with a great deal of vocabulary and pronounces words accurately. He can now communicate with this staff in Mandarin and even company event speeches.
But suppose you cannot afford a premium price. In that case, I have an excellent polyglot friend who is a legitimate and qualified Language teacher (Both Mandarin and English), and she occasionally takes on local cultural group tours for expats in Shanghai. Her name is Li NanNan (Bella Li). She has 10 years and over 10,000 hours of teaching experience. She can tailor courses based on different requirements and communicate in Korean and Spanish.
Her rate is slightly higher than that of other Mandarin teachers, but I have confidence that the progress and outcome would be worth it.
The first 10 Readers of this blog post can enjoy 20% off (240 CNY per hour) when you hire her as your Mandarin teacher.
Her WeChat ID is BellaNNL or you can get in touch with her on WeChat by scanning her WeChat QR code below and mention Genie:
Nan Nan’s WeChat QR Code
I am so happy to see some of my referrals are making significant progress with her Mandarin teaching and even applying for the path to pass HSK which is the official Chinese Proficiency Test!
Why is it crucial to learn Mandarin while living in Shanghai?
Beyond the practical benefits of navigating daily life, speaking the local language fosters deeper connections with the community. It opens doors to understanding Chinese culture, building meaningful relationships, and enhancing professional opportunities.
In conclusion, the choice of a Mandarin language teacher in Shanghai depends on personal preferences and learning styles. Language schools, online classes, and private tutors have pros and cons. Regardless of the method chosen, the importance of learning Mandarin while residing in Shanghai cannot be overstated. It's not just about mastering a language; it's about unlocking the cultural richness and opportunities of genuinely connecting to this dynamic city.