Today I present another written interview with Vanna Chhun of LearnKhmerNow.com, Vanna is a Khmer tutor.
Check out the interview:
1. What got you interested in teaching Khmer to others? Share your story.
I like to teach others khmer as I believe they can learn more about Cambodian culture, and have a lot more enjoyment in the kingdom. Most of my students really strive to be able to go to the market and be able to negotiate and get a more “local” price, then the tourist overcharged price.
2. How do you go about finding new clients to work with? What’s working for you?
I get new students in three ways. The first way is through referrals. I always love when a current or past student recommends me to a friend or associate, especially since i get a new customer, and they get a solid Khmer teacher. The second way is through my website which visitors can find on other web sites linking to it and they can find it through Google. Thirdly is my Facebook page which has 1,500 likes! I get a lot of new customers from my Facebook page.
3. What are some challenges most clients face when it comes to teaching them a new language?
There are a lot of new sounds that English does not have that Khmer language has. This is very hard for new students to master. Pronunciation is very hard, Cambodian isn’t tonal like Thai, but if you pronounce the word a little wrong, the listener is going to have a hard time understanding.
4. How long does it typically take for someone to start speaking Khmer fluently after working with them?
I have had a student become fluent (speaking, reading, and writing) in six months! He was retired, so he had plenty of time to study on his own, and he was very motivated. I would say on average a student needs to spend a year or studying twice a week on their own, and at least one lesson with a native speaker and they will become fluent.
5. What are your future plans for 2014 and beyond?
I really want to get my website to look more professional. I also am working on making a Youtube video series. Besides that I hope to keep having fun and having good health!!!