Chinese is one of the top languages to learn in the world, for a variety of reasons. Spoken by nearly 1.3 billion people, it is no secret that Chinese is one of the most widely known languages. For this reason alone Chinese is an incredibly practical language to know: it can be useful for work, for travel, or making social connections. Beyond practicality, however, there are so many reasons people are eager to learn Chinese. First of all, knowing Chinese will provide one entry point into exploring one of the most beautiful and ancient cultures in the world. Secondly, China is home to some of the world's most fascinating histories, and being able to read Chinese and understand it can open a world of writing and film. Thirdly, children and adults with a Chinese heritage that want to build or enhance their existing language skills may also be interested in learning their family's language.
If you happen to be a multilingual Chinese speaker yourself, you may be wondering how you can leverage your linguistic proficiency as an educator or a translator. Chinese is a complex and challenging language for many, so having these skills at your disposal puts you at a great advantage if you want to work in the world of applied linguistics, especially if you can also speak English and other languages. But how do you get started in the world of education and translation? How do you get your career started?
Chinese speakers have access to one of the largest economies and linguistic communities in the world. Those that speak Chinese are highly valued in the workforce, especially in translation and education. Learn everything you need to know about starting a career as a translator or tutor!
Becoming a Translator
Those that are interested in providing translation services will find many options depending on the country they want to work in. In Canada, there are specific certification processes for each province, so you will want to check the website of the Canadian Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters Council to learn more. Some translation companies, such as MCIS, may also provide professional development and guidance on becoming a translator.
In addition to or as an alternative to translation, you may also want to become a language educator. Let's take at deep dive into learning what it takes to teach Chinese.
How Do I Prepare to Teach Chinese Classes?
Preparing to teach a Chinese goes far beyond being able to speak Mandarin or Cantonese. As a teacher, you will want to know the best pedagogical strategies to ensure your students are engaged and learning. You will also want good resources that learners can use to practice Chinese and reach the learning expectations for the level of the class you are teaching. For this reason, it is important to learn which qualifications are available to teachers of Chinese, as well as what a lesson might be like.
One calling multilingual speakers often have is to work in the field of translation and interpretation. Like teaching, translating is a rewarding and empowering role that enables others to communicate. Find out more about the learning and training it takes to start this career.
What Qualifications do I Need to Become a Chinese Teacher?
Becoming a foreign language teacher is not like becoming a general public teacher in Canada: you will not, for example, need to have a university degree or a teaching certificate. This is because foreign language classes are not regulated by a provincial body: you could get a job or start tutoring with the linguistic knowledge you have on hand. However, having certifications and degrees will certainly support your preparation: your clients will want to know they are receiving instruction from a teacher with a strong academic background.
For example, schools that offer Chinese instruction will typically want teachers with pedagogical experience and an understanding of how to plan engaging and effective lessons for students. To get this type of experience, you may want to earn a teaching qualification as a regular educator or a foreign language educator. You may acquire this qualification by getting a certificate in teaching Chinese as a second or foreign language, or TCSOL. TCSOL certification is available at major colleges and university all over the world, and will set your resume apart to employers if you are looking to work in a school.
What are Typical Chinese Lessons Like?
The structure and activities that Chinese teachers use largely depend on a number of factors:
- the age of the learners
- the level of proficiency students already have
- the curriculum of the program you are teaching
- the needs of learners
- what resources you have available
If you are teaching younger learners, much of the best teaching you will do will involve games, activitites, art, and other structured activities that will support the curriculum you are teaching. Older students will benefit from interactive activities that facilitate oral language development, as well as practice to develop literacy and language for the workplace or classroom. The best way to learn how to plan your lessons is to look at examples from other successful teachers, or take a training course that will enable you to develop the right pedagogical skills.
It's important to keep in mind that preparing to work as a translator or educator will take much more than being proficient or fluent in both Chinese and English, though being multilingual is an excellent starting point. So what experiences do you need to work in the field?
How Can I Start Teaching Chinese Classes Near Me?
Getting started in your teaching career starts with identifying what your long term goals are. Do you want to teach abroad? Work in a public school system? Be a teacher in a private school? Is Chinese the only subject you want to teach? Do you want certification? Once you have figured out what your long term educator goals are, you will find it much easier to build a background of experiences and training to make you a suitable candidate for an employer.
What is the Job of a Cantonese or Mandarin Tutor Like?
The first thing to acquire once you have set your goals is to gain teaching experience. One great way to get experience is to work as a tutor: you can do this part time, which is an excellent option if you have enrolled in teacher training. Tutoring is one job you can acquire relatively easily to start teaching. A tutor is an educator that works with students one-to-one or in small groups, helping them with work they are doing in their existing classroom. A tutor may also help individuals learn a specific skillset, such as Cantonese for Travel or Mandarin for the Workplace.
Being multilingual is a great starting point for a career as a translator or teacher, though you will need certification to work in the field. It may help to learn industry specific vocabulary for working in areas such as medicine or business. Find out more about career preparation for the education and translation fields.
How do Chinese Language Tutors Promote their Services?
You can easily start your tutoring career and promoting your services by creating a profile on Superprof Canada. Superprof is a site that connects learners with students, including languages such as Chinese. On Superprof, a wide range of students can browse your profile to see if you are the right instructor for their needs. If you do not have any instructional experience, you may want to post services for conversation practice for older learners that have already developed proficiency. You could also do beginner classes with an age you feel comfortable teaching, whether it is younger kids, teens or adults.
You can visit the Superprof site to set up your tutor profile quickly and easily. Include your photo, a description of your educational background, and instructional experiences (if you have any). Then prospective students can find you and messsage you directly through the site. Set up your profile on Superprof today!
What Do I Need to Know to Be a Childrens Tutor for Learning Chinese?
Chinese tutors that want to work with younger children will want to know what realistic learning expectations are for Children, as well as the resources available that are designed specifically for children. The internet is an obvious place to find excellent teaching resources for kids, such as videos and activities that are colourful, playful and fun. Keep in mind, however, that the best way for learners of all ages to start speaking a new language is through spontaneous, level appropriate conversation: as a teacher and speaker of Chinese, you are your students' best resource!
Becoming a Chinese translator and a teacher may seem like wildly different career paths, but ultimately you will be using your skills as a multilingual communicator to do the unique work inherent to both fields. Which job will earn you more income?
Is it Better to Teach Cantonese or Mandarin Lessons?
One thing many prospective Chinese educators may be wondering is about which variety or dialect of Chinese it is more profitable to teach: Cantonese or Mandarin. If you know how to speak and read in both dialects, then you are in a great position because you can offer both choices in your services. However, one dialect does not neccessarily provide one advantage over another. Being bilingual in any language is an important asset! While more people speak Mandarin than Cantonese, and it is spoken in most of mainland China, you will still be able to find plenty of people interested in learning either for their respective reasons. For example, many people with a Cantonese speaking background will still be interested in learning Cantonese, especially if they are looking to reconnect with their heritage or communicate with family. Those that can teach Mandarin will also find plenty of prospective students because so many people want to learn the dialect for professional and academic purposes, since it is the more "formal" and literary variety.
Because both dialects share the same character system, teachers of either (or both) Cantonese and Mandarin can help students acquire literacy skills in the language. Written Chinese consists of thousands of characters, and it will take students a lot of time to understand the different systems used for written communication! As a teacher in any Chinese dialect, you will likely have no problem putting your skillset to work.
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