Chinese isn’t one of the easiest languages to learn. But when you combined design with language to make character recall easier and more interesting, you might have something hen hao (very good).
Growing up in Taipei as a daughter of a calligrapher, London-based Chinese-language teacher Hsueh Shao Lan has invented Chineasy, or Chinese (made) easy. It’s a system that relies on a visual-based learning system which teaches Chinese characters through neat little illustrations, allowing learners to accelerate their understanding of Chinese through a fun and simple way!
The entrepreneur’s latest endeavour, inspired by learning the strokes and shapes of Chinese words from her mother and her struggle with teaching British-born children Chinese, said: “I realised just how difficult Chinese characters are for a native English speaker to learn. It was like torture for my kids!”
“Over the past few years I been wondering if I can break down this wall so anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the beauty of this sophisticated language can do so.”Hsueh Shao Lan, at one of her TED Talks
Her ingenuity and drive have gained worldwide recognition, from a meeting with the British prime minister to a recent recognition awarded by Wallpaper* Magazine’s prestigious 2014 Design Award for Life-Enhancer Of The Year.
Chineasy is now going worldwide in more than 12 languages. You can get your hardcopy on Amazon or the audio-book on iTunes.
“One tree’s a tree, two trees together, it’s the woods, three trees together, we create a forest.”Hsueh Shao Lan, exclaiming to her audiences at TED
