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Students 8 to 80 learn Happy English from Mr Edward
By Xu Wenwen |
July 6, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
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SIXTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD Edward Dagwell opens his mouth wide to demonstrate the phonetic ai to his students aged from eight to 80 in his free "Happy English" class at Hupan Community in Hangzhou.
This is Dagwell's sixth year of teaching, and the Australian partners with 62-year-old English teacher Lin Xiaoping, who translates and also teaches students who may be ayis or well-to-do entrepreneurs.
Students call the class "Happy English" since Dagwell and Lin teach English songs, role play and many jokes.
They call him Mr Edward, which sounds lovely in Chinese because Edward in Chinese sounds ai de hua, meaning "love, virtue, China."
The class is also known as "Edward English Club."
It started in June 2005 and offers classes to residents for two hours a week.
So far thousands of students from Hupan and neighboring communities have learned some English or improved their English through the class.
It's not unusual for laowai (foreigners) to give free lectures or instruction in a language corner or class.
But Dagwell has been doing this for more than five years.
He has been nominated as one of Hangzhou's top 10 "Ordinary Heroes."
"I do this because I love China and hope to do something good," he says.
Dagwell, who used to write and edit English textbooks, has been teaching English at Hangzhou Normal University since 2005, and Lin, his best friend, was his neighbor at that time in Hupan Community.
The idea of running a free English club came to Dagwell and Lin while they were strolling after dinner together.
"Since the community offers us a comfortable and secure life, we simply want to give something back," says Dagwell.
He worked as a cook in the Australian army and has volunteered as a lifeguard for many years. "It's our obligation to do what we can do," he says.
"Since we don't have many skills except teaching English, we decided to teach English," recalls Lin.
They were supported by the district government and community. They wrote a textbook and used a conference room in the community office.
Dagwell is dedicated and never misses a class, even when his spinal arthritis acts up.
"It's touching to see him with one hand using the pointer and the other holding his back," says class monitor Xia Zhaoyin.
Dagwell is learning Chinese, with a Hangzhou accent.
He is fascinated by Chinese history and culture and collects crafts and items with strong Chinese elements.
Last December Dagwell got married. His Chinese wife works in Shanghai and says she's been in love with him for years.
Dagwell recently renewed his contract with Hangzhou Normal University. Of course the free English classes will continue.
He plans to work on educational programs to facilitate China-Australia cultural exchange.
This is Dagwell's sixth year of teaching, and the Australian partners with 62-year-old English teacher Lin Xiaoping, who translates and also teaches students who may be ayis or well-to-do entrepreneurs.
Students call the class "Happy English" since Dagwell and Lin teach English songs, role play and many jokes.
They call him Mr Edward, which sounds lovely in Chinese because Edward in Chinese sounds ai de hua, meaning "love, virtue, China."
The class is also known as "Edward English Club."
It started in June 2005 and offers classes to residents for two hours a week.
So far thousands of students from Hupan and neighboring communities have learned some English or improved their English through the class.
It's not unusual for laowai (foreigners) to give free lectures or instruction in a language corner or class.
But Dagwell has been doing this for more than five years.
He has been nominated as one of Hangzhou's top 10 "Ordinary Heroes."
"I do this because I love China and hope to do something good," he says.
Dagwell, who used to write and edit English textbooks, has been teaching English at Hangzhou Normal University since 2005, and Lin, his best friend, was his neighbor at that time in Hupan Community.
The idea of running a free English club came to Dagwell and Lin while they were strolling after dinner together.
"Since the community offers us a comfortable and secure life, we simply want to give something back," says Dagwell.
He worked as a cook in the Australian army and has volunteered as a lifeguard for many years. "It's our obligation to do what we can do," he says.
"Since we don't have many skills except teaching English, we decided to teach English," recalls Lin.
They were supported by the district government and community. They wrote a textbook and used a conference room in the community office.
Dagwell is dedicated and never misses a class, even when his spinal arthritis acts up.
"It's touching to see him with one hand using the pointer and the other holding his back," says class monitor Xia Zhaoyin.
Dagwell is learning Chinese, with a Hangzhou accent.
He is fascinated by Chinese history and culture and collects crafts and items with strong Chinese elements.
Last December Dagwell got married. His Chinese wife works in Shanghai and says she's been in love with him for years.
Dagwell recently renewed his contract with Hangzhou Normal University. Of course the free English classes will continue.
He plans to work on educational programs to facilitate China-Australia cultural exchange.
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