Welcome! My name is Todd Cornell.
My China experience spans 40 years—21 of which I lived in China. I lived in places like—Taipei, Hongkong, and Shanghai in the south, along with the far northern regions of Beijing, Harbin, and Inner Mongolia.
Living in China was an eye-opening experience. It taught me to see the world from a different angle than I grew up knowing. It helped me become more sensitive to, and accepting of cultural differences. It also taught me to better comprehend differing linguistic worldviews. I not only speak the official Mandarin Language, but I have a BA in Mongolian Language and Literature from a Chinese university. This linguistic branching out affords me a broader undertanding of the overall Chinese culture and linguistic makeup.
The languages I speak in order of fluency are: English, Mandarin, French, Spanish, & Mongolian.
I became interested in language at a young age—learning French in an elementary school program that lasted only six months. In high school, I took French, Spanish, and German. As a young adult, I had a dream to learn a second language with the same level of fluency as my native English language. Having the opportunity to live in China and Taiwan for 21 years, I achieved that dream.
I’m a Mandarin Chinese teacher/tutor. I worked as the Associate Director at the Confucius Institute Colorado State University and oversaw the curriculum for teaching Mandarin to English-speaking learners.
I also conduct China business culture training, and teach best practices for success when working with people from Mainland China and Taiwan.
Mandarin is a challenging language to learn, especially living outside the country. My experience of learning Mandarin was deep immersion in the language and cultural environment. I have many Chinese friends and business associates who were my teachers—with many of whom, after nearly 35 years, I am still in contact today.
I want to share the knowledge and understanding I gained through a unique learning experience to shorten the learning curve for motivated learners, and those desiring a quicker, deeper understanding into the Chinese language and culture.
With my guidance, you will gain insight into the Chinese cultural perspective. And you will achieve greater success with your Chinese encounters, despite differences.
Each person or business I work with is one more link to fostering understanding and forward movement to bridge differences and avert misunderstandings around China.
Are you a businessperson, language learner, traveler, or host? 👩💻👩🏿💼👨💼
Are you interested in best practices for working with the Chinese people (China and Taiwan) or learning Mandarin Chinese? I will work with you!
I have been on many Chinese TV talk shows, cultural programs, and podcasts talking about my experiences. I won first prize in a contest for foreigners in China singing Chinese songs on Beijing TV.
📺 The Inner Mongolia TV station compiled a Mandarin-language mini-series about me living with Mongol herders in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, China.
I also hosted Mandarin radio programs in both China and the US.
Verbaccino—What You Need to Understand About the Chinese Culture and Mentality
The Maria Liberati Show—The Culture of Food, and the History of Utensils
10 Million Journey—Todd Cornell – 20 years in China, Product Sourcing, Specifics of Chinese Culture
Analytive Podcast—Doing Business In China
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Français du Canada