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Comments from students of Susan Butler

I am an American student who has almost completed Chinese 103 foreign language here at SCC. This spring quarter is my final quarter before I transfer to Gonzaga University next fall. The purpose of this letter is to inform other students about the fun and knowledge I have obtained from the Chinese language course.

First of all, the instructor of Chinese language class, Susan Butler is the most outgoing, energetic teacher. Her ability to teach Chinese language and culture surpasses all. Chinese class is fun; I never want to miss a day in class. Each eventful day consists of speaking, reading, and writing Chinese Pinyin and Chinese characters. I have an artistic side to myself, and writing characters reminds me of art class. We do many group activities such as roll playing, food potlucks, sing Chinese songs, and playing Chinese games. I have made many new friends in Chinese class, more so than any other class.

Secondly, I must admit that before I started Chinese class, I was very worried about how to learn a foreign language. What was I to do? How was I to do it and get good grades? Foreign language seems so difficult. To my surprise, I was worrying about nothing. Instructor Susan Butler taught us how to study foreign languages and she teaches it in a way that makes it fun and enjoyable. Personally, if I have a class that is fun and enjoyable, I learn much more and my grades excel. I participate in class activities and I try to do two hours of homework each night. The rest of my learning experience happens in class and talking Chinese with my new friends from Chinese class.

I encourage all to take Chinese language. 

Sincerely, 
Bu Lai En (Chinese name)

The Chinese language is in all honestly not one I ever really paid attention to. Wow that I am in Chinese 101! I found the class interesting and fun. The Chinese language is very beautiful, and I enjoyed being in the 101 class. I would recommend it to many people, not if you are about to graduate though. This is my last quarter at SCC, and I am not going to be able to go on to 102 & 103, which is disappointing. If this is your first year at SCC, I highly recommend this class, and you will want to go on to 102 & 103 maybe even to China. To study Chinese there are many ways. The way that works best for me is to say the sentence over and over. I am able to picture the English meaning in my head, so all I have to really work is spelling.

Tai Hai (Chinese name)

I came into her classroom without knowing how to say not one work at all in Chinese, so my first day in her classroom I asked her to please make me a tape to help me with learning how to speak Chinese. Please don’t just sit there, ask for help if you need it, you must ask for help. 

Wu Qu Ming (Chinese name)

How I like to practice is by talking with some friends in the class. If I have more time, I would be in a study group. All in all, Chinese is a very fun, but challenging language to learn. 

Li Ting (Chinese name)

To study I go out to the garage and read Chinese aloud from our textbook. The big problem learning Chinese this way is there is nobody to correct me on my mispronunciations. Listening to the tape you loaned me makes me feel like I am pronouncing the words right, but I am not sure. Sometimes I wish the class were two hours long so we could get more guidance from the native speakers. Oh well you are doing a great job. Thank you. 

I am also going to try and talk to my bird in Chinese and see if that helps.

Han Yu Long (Chinese name)

Chinese has been a great language to learn. I have enjoyed the cultural aspect as well as the mechanics of the language. The language is actually easier to learn than I thought it would be. Much of the ease of learning comes from how the material is presented. The handouts and study sheets focus on the important words and phrases making it easy to understand the basics of the language. It is easy, however, to fall behind if you are not organized or dedicated to showing up to class. If you show up and spend the time studying, it is hard not to succeed. 

Wu Kai (Chinese name)

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