Samn J.
- Portage, MI 49024 ( 21.1 mi )
- Experienced German Tutor
- Male Age 33
- Member since: 04/2014
- Will travel up to 30 miles
- Rates from $15 to $25 /hr
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On-line
In-Home
- Also Tutors: Russian, Latin
German is one of my top subjects! While I am not a native speaker of German, I do speak it fluently, and anytime I have spoken with a German they have remarked that my pronunciation is nearly on par with that of a native speaker. I learned German at the University of Michigan, where I took 3 years of German classes, but have supplemented these classes with countless hours of self-study of German literature and film. Furthermore, I have intensely studied linguistics, focusing on the history of the Indo-European languages. Although, my primary discipline at the University was music composition, a creative pursuit about which I remain passionate, I have nurtured a parallel interest in linguistics for years, and will pursue a masters and doctorate in this field. I believe that my understanding of the grammar of German, as well as the structure of language in general, allows me to peer into the language with much greater insight than those who learned it through instinct. Essentially, I am able to bring the best of both worlds to the table; speaking the language with the ease of a native, and grasping its structure with the perspective of a linguistically trained foreign learner.
I think it is very important to meet the student at their level of interest and need. If the primary goal is simply getting enough experience to do well on a test or excel in a class, I focus on nemonic aids or other techniques (depending on the students learning style) to ensure success with this shorter term goal. If the student has a thirst for knowledge and wishes to explore the language in more depth, I am also very willing to take them on a journey through all of its intricacies. The point is to not force my own interests and expectations on the student, but to meet them where they stand. I also believe strongly in presenting new information in plain language, often employing the use of easily relatable metaphors to explain abstract concepts. Despite my love of grammar, I also find hands on experience with the target language to be indispensable. For example, when drilling ne ... read more
