Our unique methods
Meridian has successfully taught Chinese to students of all levels, all age groups and academic backgrounds in the UK for many years.
It is this extensive experience that has enabled us to develop our own range of proven methods, tools and materials—already being used by many teachers across the UK and beyond—to help you learn better Chinese faster.
What is TDR™?
院长 教育总监 TDR is a method used to explain the structure of the Mandarin Chinese language. The advantage of the TDR method over others is its use of aspects of traditional Chinese culture to explain the Chinese language. This makes it much easier for students to grasp the simplicity of Chinese grammar whilst simultaneously helping them understand the culture that lies behind the language.
- T stands for “Tian” meaning Heaven or Time
- D stands for “Di” meaning Earth or Location
- R stands for “Ren” meaning Man/Human/Person’s activities or Natural Events
The Natural Order
This is the fundamental concept that underlies the Chinese view of the world—a natural order or sequence, emphasising large over small, universal over specific, mankind over the individual. This philosophy is reflected in the way Chinese people think, speak and write and understanding it is the key to learning Chinese quickly and successfully.
A standard Chinese sentence always follows the TDR sequence. In other words, the sentence begins with WHEN something is happening, then WHERE, then WHAT.
The TDR method includes in its system a number of simple but powerful tools and techniques to help the learner to grasp more quickly how the Chinese language works. For example the ‘Fingers’ tool helps learners to use their own hand to memorise and decode the five main Chinese sentence types.
Integrates Chinese Culture
Famous Chinese cultural concepts are also embedded in the TDR method. The idea of harmony for example, is not only a core part of Chinese culture but provides a simple and effective way of explaining the structure of basic Chinese sentences. TDR’s use of Yin and Yang to explain the head and tail of sentences makes understanding speech patterns easier than ever.
Most Chinese courses rely on ‘imported’ grammatical concepts and syntax to explain the Chinese language; concepts that are often inappropriate and overly complicated which ultimately make learning more difficult. They also create an unnatural split of language and culture which hinders real cultural understanding and therefore proper communication with Chinese people.
The more natural TDR method created and used by Meridian has a simple logic which makes the basic principles or building blocks of Chinese surprisingly obvious and easy to master. So our students quickly acquire a solid grasp of the basics of both language and culture, enabling them to communicate properly in a relatively short space of time.
Easier method for beginners and children
The Tian Di Ren method is particularly suitable for beginners and children as it helps them to learn the language as a native Chinese person would learn it. Its simplicity is also especially helpful for those who say they “can’t learn new languages”. By using this method and the essential tools it provides, the cultural barriers can be reduced greatly and beginners can immediately start to understand and speak Mandarin Chinese.
3D approach to learning
In our new Zoom In Mandarin courses, we use a three dimensional approach to teaching. Students primarily focus on learning the language but integrated within this learning are various aspects and subjects of Chinese culture some of which you actually get to experience as part of the course! These include feng shui, martial arts, calligraphy, food & drink and even some philosophy. You’ll pick up some old and new Chinese customs and traditions and learn all about some of the rituals and superstitions from ancient times that are still alive and well in China today.
We believe just learning the language is like having a blunt tool. By giving you a taste of Chinese culture (sometimes literally) then you’ll gain a better understanding of Chinese and communicate effectively and impressively with Chinese people.
Personalised
Meridian believes the student always comes first. That’s why we have a completely student-centric attitude about the way we teach. What this means is that unlike many other Chinese classes, all Meridian students benefit from lots of one-to-one personal attention from teachers and teaching assistants. We spend time working on your specific needs, interests and issues so the result is total compatibility of our teaching style and your individual learning style. This means that you progress faster and enjoy learning more.
Bi-lingual and bi-cultural teachers
Our founder, David Su Liqun has lived and taught Chinese in the UK for over 25 years. More recently he has also trained many Chinese teachers. All of Meridian’s teachers are native Chinese speakers but with good English language skills and plenty of experience teaching people of all ages and backgrounds in the UK. They have all lived in the UK for years and as such are both bi-cultural as well as bi-lingual. This often has advantages for the students learning with Meridian.
Unique lesson formats
We have a huge variety of new, unique techniques, tricks and exercises that are always challenging, sometimes funny and definitely rewarding. Sometimes collaborative, sometimes competitive, they are all designed to build confidence, interaction, realism and enjoyment! Lessons have a varied pace and include lively spells and quieter times for absorbing what you’ve learned. Classes are structured and focused but always enjoyable.
