LIU Xiaolong
- Position
- Head Chinese Instructor
- X.Liu@leeds.ac.uk
- Location
- 22 Clarendon Place
Hometown in China
I'm from a city in the north of Anhui province.
Favourite food
I love sharing hotpot with friends.
Hobbies
I have lots of hobbies!
I love the outdoors and activities like climbing, hiking and cycling. In fact I enjoy all kinds of sports and physical activity including tennis, basketball, and going to the gym.
In addition to this I also like reading, writing, and playing guitar.
I'm a big fan of travelling too - this is one reason I've chosen a job that allows me to work abroad. This is a photo of me on Mount Kilimanjaro!
Favourite thing about teaching Chinese
It feels amazing to have a conversation with one of my students in Chinese. I feel proud and honoured to be able to help them communicate in another language and it makes my work so rewarding.
Top tip for beginner learners of Chinese
I don't want to scare anyone, but I do think it is important to realise that it takes time to learn Chinese. This can help you to be prepared and set yourself up for success. It's a long road but it's definitely worth it, and teachers like me are here to support you every step of the way!
Top tip for more advanced learners of Chinese
Communicate with native speakers as much as you can. Make friends with Chinese people and go to China if you have the chance. Our China Camp is a great opportunity to visit the country but I'd advise living in China for a while if you can. If you are a university student then consider competitions like Chinese Bridge.
Favourite Chinese saying or chengyu
勤能补拙 (Qín néng bǔzhuó - a rough translation is "diligence cures clumsiness")
I don't feel like I'm particularly smart, but I like to think if I work hard I can achieve my goals. Hard work and diligence is also key to success in Chinese learning.
A Chinese TV show I recommend to students
非正式会谈 (Informal Talks) is great. It's a variety show featuring young people from different countries discussing topical issues in Chinese, showing the differences and similarities between different cultures in an amusing and entertaining way.
You can watch it on Youtube here
Chinese teaching background and experience
Before coming to Leeds I worked at the Confucius Institute at the University of Malawi for 6 years and spent one year at the Confucius Institute at the University of Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan.