1. What is the “Delta Method”?

This method compares students’ native language, X, to their target language, Y. As illustrated in the figure below, this method finds the ‘similarities and differences (Delta ∆)’ between the two languages in areas such as vowels, consonants, intonation, syllables, grammar structure, number system, usage, etc., and presents these to students in a systematic manner. The more similar X is to Y, the less difficult it is for students to learn the difference, ∆.  As a result, this method places students in a familiar and easily comprehensible environment, making the acquisition of a new language much easier and faster while inspiring more confidence.

2. What is “Delta Method Chinese”?

This is the Delta Method applied to Chinese as the target (2nd) language, Y.  Our textbook, “New Method Chinese 新法学中文”, is based on the principles of “Delta Method Chinese” where the native (1st) language, X, is English.

3. What is the “Delta Method Universal”?

This method is language independent: it can reuse a learner's native language X to learn/teach a target language Y, where native and target can be any pair of languages.  The theory is also reversible: either from X to Y or from Y to X; the more the language X resembles language Y, the more robust the method becomes.

4. I was not an English major. Could I still teach this method successfully?

The textbook “New Method Chinese 新法学中文” was written for all Chinese language teachers, whether they be English or non-English majors.  As shown in the examples, the book lays out the similarities and differences between English and Chinese in a structured manner where English grammar is clearly explained.  Thus, the learning of Chinese grammar is fully integrated but entirely implicit to the students, relieving them of strenuous and time-consuming workloads.

5. Why should I, as a teacher, choose to use this method?
   
   1) For teachers, teaching the difference (delta) between languages is much easier than teaching a language starting from the ground up.
   2) For students, learning the difference (delta) lessens workload and activates “reuse and association,” stimulating interest, curiosity, attentiveness, and confidence.

6. What is “Glue Language”?

Glue Language is as critically important as the textbook for learning/teaching a second language. The elements in Glue Language (“glue drops”) are the supportive filler words, phrases, and sentences required to “glue” the main teaching topics together in the target language during a textbook lesson.  These glue drops are essential in an immersion class, exposing students to vital words, phrases, and sentences far before they are addressed in textbooks.  Glue Language thus supplies the “missing link” in second language learning and teaching. 

7. I want to create an immersion environment in my classroom.  Would “Glue Language” help?

Certainly (and with great effect too)! The elements in Glue Language (“glue drops”) are the supportive filler words, phrases, and sentences, which are essential in an immersion class, exposing students to vital words, phrases, and sentences far before they are addressed in a textbook. From the perspective of application, there are two types of glue drops: general and specific.  Under the teacher’s guidance, students acquire the general glue drops on a daily basis and then acquire the scenario-specific glue drops before a related textbook lesson is taught. As the glue drops accumulate and are repeatedly practiced, the cumulative effect is that students are able to immerse themselves in the target language. Consequently, students are able to assume the teacher’s role in classroom practice and role play to affect student-centered learning. This heuristic technique may further extend to textbook lessons.  Glue Language is thus a powerful and enabling tool for creating a successful student-centered immersion environment and developing a winning student-centered immersion curriculum.

8. I want to create an immersion environment featuring student-centered learning.  Would “Glue Language” help?

Yes!  This again has to do with the concept of “glue drops.”  From the perspective of application, there are two types of glue drops: general and specific.  Under the teacher’s guidance, students acquire the general glue drops on a daily basis and then acquire the scenario-specific glue drops before a related textbook lesson is taught. As the glue drops accumulate and are repeatedly practiced, the cumulative effect is that students are able to immerse themselves in the target language.  Consequently, students are able to assume the teacher’s role in classroom practice and role play to enable student-centered learning. This heuristic technique may further extend to textbook lessons.  Glue Language is thus a powerful and enabling tool for creating a successful student-centered immersion environment and developing a winning student-centered immersion curriculum.

9. Do you offer corporate “Chinese Language and Culture Education Services?”

Yes, we do.  Here are testimonials from our corporate students.  Please contact us at contact@deltamethodchinese.com with any inquiries or to express interest in our education services.

10. Do you offer seminar and workshop services on “Teaching with The Delta Method and Glue Language”?

Yes, we offer seminar and workshop services for the educators of elementary schools, secondary schools, and higher education institutions on the following topics. Please contact us at contact@deltamethodchinese.com with any inquiries or to express interest in these services.

1. Introduction to “The Delta Method,” a breakthrough in Second Language Education
2. Introduction to “Glue Language,” the missing link in Immersion Program Curriculum Design
3. The design of Immersion Program Curriculum with Student-Centered Learning Enabled
   • Based on “New Method Chinese” textbook and Glue Language
   • Based on “Any” textbook and Glue Language

11. Are you open to future collaboration?

The breakthrough and missing link that we are sharing with you is a unique gateway that opens a new realm of opportunities in the areas of linguistics and second-language education.  We are happy to welcome you, the world language educators and researchers, to collaborate with us for further research on the following topics (not a limiting or exclusive list):

    11.1    General Theory: Delta Method Universal
    11.2    Classroom implementation results: data collection, evaluation, and research
    11.3    Authoring textbooks in “Delta Method” for any language pair of interest, such as
               11.3.1   Chinese to English
               11.3.2   English to Spanish
               11.3.3   French to Italian
               11.3.4   Any 1st language, X, to any 2nd language, Y
    11.4    Authoring Glue Language books in languages other than Mandarin Chinese

Please contact us at contact@deltamethodchinese.com with any inquiries or to express interest in this endeavor.

Testimonials

"In less than 1 year of classes at a rate of 1 class per week, I have learned far more from Mr. Kuo than the 8 combined years that I lived in China. The big difference is that [the Delta Method] has given me a logical connection between the Chinese language which I want to obtain and my native English." (Go to full testimonial)

I have lived in Taiwan for 2 years and mainland China for 6.  After this time, one would expect that I would be fluent in Chinese.   However, I have struggled making progress.  I learned enough to get by day to day, but my progress came to a plateau quickly.  I tried suggestions such as watching Chinese television, but the language ability did not come to me by the exposure process that had worked for others.

In less than 1 year of classes at a rate of 1 class per week, I have learned far more from Mr. Kuo than the 8 combined years that I lived in China.  The big difference is that Mr. Kuo’s method has given me a logical connection between the Chinese language which I want to obtain and my native English.  Mr. Kuo’s method points out the key differences between Chinese and my English foundation.  After understanding these differences I have been able to bridge the gaps that previously limited my progress.

Mr. Kuo is an excellent teacher.  He has wonderful patience.  He is always willing to answer any questions before continuing on with the lesson plan.  He does not let me or others remain in the dark.  He takes the time necessary to clear all misunderstanding before moving on.  I also appreciate his approach where he cycles through the review of the previous material prior to the introduction of new subject matter.  The review and repetition has helped me very much in my retention.  His classes are very entertaining.  He uses real life examples to keep each class exciting and interesting. 

I feel very lucky that I have been able to attend the language classes offered by Mr. Kuo.  At the start of the class, I told Mr. Kuo that I would be his biggest challenge based on my lack of progress after living in China for 8 years.  I am very happy that Mr. Kuo rose up to this challenge and helped me move forward toward my goal of becoming fluent in Mandarin Chinese.  Thank you Mr. Kuo.

Tom A, Durham, NC

Mr. Kuo is an excellent teacher who combines a novel, well-structured approach to teaching Mandarin with an entertaining personal style. Having learned several languages and having had a lot of dealings with China for more than a decade including several false starts to learn Mandarin, I found Mr. Kuo's method extremely user friendly and refreshing. By first and foremost leveraging the known and common aspects of the English language to Mandarin, one can fairly quickly develop a basic conversational foundation which can then be augmented at the speed at which one can learn vocabulary. Mr. Kuo's method and teachings have allowed me to start making short conversations, follow very basic discussions and very importantly in my line of work know when to say what during diverse settings while dealing with Chinese business people.

For these reasons, I rate Mr. Kuo’s method as a superior tool particularly to lay a solid foundation for pinyin, tone, and grammar, over commonly branded online or CD methods, while pointing out though that these common-method products may be complementary to one’s learning of vocabulary and pronunciation.

Alex S, Research Triangle, NC

I would absolutely recommend any class taught by Mr. Kuo.  His enthusiasm toward teaching Mandarin Chinese is inspiring and helped me to learn more than I would have otherwise.  To start with, the material we use in class has been written by him so he knows what he's talking about.  He created a method of teaching that builds on the student's knowledge of the English language.

Next, the material is presented in an organized manner at a speed that is just right.  Mr. Kuo also takes time to teach his students the Chinese culture and why the language works.  The most important thing to me is he offers the correct methods alongside with the street version of how the language is spoken in everyday conversation.

Without his help I would not have advanced as far as I have, nor would I have the enthusiasm to continue with my studies into another year.  So if you're looking for a fun way to learn the language you will find it with Mr. Kuo!

Matt S, Morrisville, NC

Mr. Kuo is an excellent teacher. While the idea of learning Chinese can be daunting, his relaxed teaching style makes for an enjoyable, low-stress experience.

Mr. Kuo's classes include a good balance of practical Chinese language instruction and useful cultural information. He has developed an innovative approach which leverages the student's native language as the starting point for learning Chinese, focusing on the differences between the two languages. The result is an easier and faster path to language acquisition.

Todd A, Raleigh, NC

I was thinking about taking Chinese language class with my daughter. I was very nervous about it. At orientation for her, Mr. Kuo spoke to our group.  He explained the [Delta Method] to us.  His enthusiasm for teaching Chinese really impressed me.  I made up my mind right then and there to sign up.  He has really delivered.  He has a great way to show how English relates to Chinese.  I hated taking Spanish in school, but I am really enjoying Chinese.  When people learn I take Chinese, they always tell me how hard it is.  I laugh and say with the Delta Method it is not that hard.  Then I say something in Chinese and they are really impressed!

Kathy T, Raleigh, NC

Taking Chinese was something I have always wanted to do.  So when Cree offered the classes I jumped on it.  When I entered the room I did not know what to expect. Mr. Kuo made the class feel comfortable.  He is very energetic and very knowledgeable of the Chinese culture.  He keeps the class on our toes.  He makes the class exciting, to the point were sometimes I don't want to leave.  For me I hardly ever interact with Chinese people.  So I came in like a baby to this language.  Over the last 16 weeks I have learned so much, about the culture and the language.

Cassandra J, Raleigh, NC

Mr. Kuo's Delta method is a unique way to take advantage of the student's foundation in English. The method uses this foundation and builds upon it to teach a new language by focusing on the differences between the two.  Mr. Kuo is a very dedicated instructor and is flexible in his teaching to accommodate the needs of the class and his students. He is willing to answer any questions and/or concerns from his students.  Mr. Kuo's presentation on Chinese culture is very beneficial. It provides great insight in dealing with Chinese co-workers and suppliers.

Scott P, Cary, NC

I really enjoyed this book and felt that it was an excellent first introduction to Chinese.  I've always wanted to become more familiar with this language, but I was intimidated by what I thought were the vast differences between Chinese and English.  This teaching method cleared up that misconception within the first few minutes!  Understanding the structural similarities between the two languages helped me gain a much stronger foothold from which to explore and gain familiarity with Chinese very quickly.  In contrast to traditional methods which require you to parrot phrases without really understanding (or even knowing) what you are saying, this method helps you pick what you want to say, determine the structure you need, and then find the correct words.  It stresses communication rather than memorization.  I'm looking forward to using some of this new-found knowledge to better interact with my co-workers in China.

John W, RTP, NC

This was a tremendous first course in Mandarin Chinese.  It boosted my confidence and gave me the necessary tools to begin learning a difficult language.  The system Mr. Kuo has created was specifically developed for students who think and speak in English.  He has used his thorough understanding of both languages to develop materials that can help a native English speaker quickly learn to speak Chinese.  As I continue my studies, the lessons learned from this book have formed a firm foundation on which to build my understanding of Mandarin.  I am so glad I began my Chinese studies with this method!

Heather W, Durham, NC

Using a combination of Mr. Kuo's method and traditional methods has been a very effective way for me to learn Chinese. I have researched many books and websites, and found Mr. Kuo's teaching method to be unique, clear, and effective. I believe this method has accelerated my learning by giving me a solid foundation to build on. It enables me to get a deeper understanding from my lessons in a traditional textbook by already knowing how the information relates. If you'd like to get a head start learning Chinese, I highly recommend that you begin by preparing yourself with Mr. Kuo's method. 

Andre A, RTP, NC

Since our company has been doing business in China, I have been trying to learn Chinese conversation in order to communicate with my Chinese counterparts.  However, I found that the conventional methods that are based on memorization do not work well since it does not provide systematic insight into the sentence structures and language fundamentals.  I tend to quickly forget what I have learned.  Through comparison to English sentence structure, the Delta method provides a quick and practical way to apply knowledge of English language in formulating Chinese sentences.  The Delta method teaches you “how to fish” rather than “fish it for you”.  I found that after one year of Delta method, I can use the knowledge to construct a new Chinese sentence without having to memorize the sentence before hand.  I highly recommend the Delta method to anyone who wants to quickly learn Chinese conversation but also wants to retain what they have learned.

Dan B, RTP, NC

I wanted to thank Mr. Kuo for the great first year of instruction in his Chinese language study. Mr. Kuo’s method of teaching and the class participation of all the others make it a very satisfying program and enlightening introduction to the Chinese culture. I would recommend his class to anyone that wants to start a fresh language journey.

Tim W, Raleigh, NC