You Can Learn Chinese: Recent Episodes
Jared Turner, John Pasden
You can Learn Chinese, a podcast by Jared Turner and John Pasden of Mandarin Companion. Hear Chinese learning experts discuss how to learn Mandarin!
What does it mean to walk in the footsteps of an ancestor whose life connected China and America more than a century ago?
In this episode, Ben Lee shares how moving to Wuhan in 1992 pushed him to learn Chinese for survival—and eventually led him back to a remarkable family legacy. His great-grandfather was part of the Qing Dynasty’s Chinese Educational Mission, became an early voice in Chinese American literature, and even crossed paths with Mark Twain.
Ben and Jared explore heritage, identity, education, and the lifelong rewards of learning Chinese. Ben also shares practical advice for learners, including why the best approach is simple: start, keep going, and accept that there will always be more to learn.
Links from the episode:
- “When I was a boy in China” by Yan Phou Lee | Project Gutenbert and Amazon
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Whether you're planning your first trip to China or reminiscing about past adventures, Jared and John share why even a little Chinese can transform your experience, from connecting with locals through place names and ordering regional specialties to navigating trains, buses, and the occasional unexpected adventure.
Along the way, they swap memorable stories of language mishaps, overnight train rides, questionable transportation choices, and the kinds of travel misadventures that become some of the most memorable stories. They also discuss the balance between relying on translation apps and building the confidence to communicate on your own, and how some of the best language learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
If you're thinking about visiting China, or just looking for motivation to keep studying, this episode will remind you that travel isn't just a reward for learning Chinese; it's one of the best ways to accelerate your progress.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
What happens when a childhood choice turns into a life-changing career change?
In this episode, Jared talks with Jake Hines, an Australian content creator based in Xiamen, China, whose Chinese learning journey began in high school thanks to a nudge from his mom. After years working as an engineering project manager, Jake left his stable career during COVID to pursue a very different path: traveling through China, creating videos, and rebuilding his life around the language he had once studied as a teenager.
Jake shares how early trips to Nanjing sparked his fascination with Chinese, why he sees language learning as a form of “Type II Fun,” and how the challenge of Mandarin became part of its appeal. He also explains how creating Chinese-language content has become one of his most powerful learning tools. From filming conversations with locals to translating, subtitling, and editing the same footage over and over, Jake discovered that video creation can turn real-world Chinese into deeply memorable comprehensible input.
The conversation also explores Jake’s experiences studying at Xiamen University, making friends through Chinese, learning through graded readers and podcasts, and building a media career in China. He shares the story of winning an award for a video about Dehua porcelain and being flown to Beijing to speak on a live panel in Chinese.
Jake’s practical advice: find a personal project that makes Chinese useful, consume content you genuinely enjoy, talk to yourself in Chinese, and embrace mistakes as part of the process. As Jake’s shirt says: 问题不大, no big problem.
Links from the episode:
- The Journey of Jake | YouTube, Instagram, 小红书
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Are you getting everything you can out of your Chinese lessons?
Jared and John share practical strategies for multiplying the value of every class or tutoring session. You'll learn how to review lesson notes more effectively, identify the corrections that matter most, create better flashcards, and use recordings to improve your pronunciation and speaking ability.
They also show how modern AI tools can analyze lesson transcripts, uncover recurring mistakes, highlight useful vocabulary, and generate personalized review materials based on your actual conversations.
Whether you study with a tutor online or in person, these techniques can help you remember more, notice patterns faster, and make measurable progress between lessons.
This episode was sponsored by italki.
Visit their website via the link below and get $5 off when you purchase $10 worth of italki credits using the promo code "TURNER "
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App: https://go.italki.com/turner2607appLinks from the episode:
- italki | online language tutors
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
When Emma first came to China for a two-month internship, she had no intention of learning Chinese. In fact, she had spent years telling herself she simply wasn't a "language person." But after returning to China a second time, a desire to communicate her strict vegan diet led her to begin studying Mandarin. What started as a practical goal soon became a transformative personal journey.
In this episode, Emma shares how she went from intense textbook study and relentless productivity to discovering that real language growth happens through connection, conversation, and embracing mistakes. She reflects on joining an HSK 2 class with zero Chinese background, burning herself out through perfectionism, and eventually finding a healthier approach by building friendships with Chinese speakers and immersing herself in everyday life.
More than a language-learning story, this is a conversation about transformation. Emma and Jared explore cultural adaptation, reverse culture shock, and how learning Chinese can change not just how you communicate, but how you think, who you become, and where you belong.
Why do tones sometimes seem “good enough”… until they suddenly create complete chaos?
In this episode, Jared and John dive into one of the trickiest realities of learning Chinese: when small tone mistakes collide with low-context situations and produce surprisingly big misunderstandings.
Inspired by a real-life exchange student story in Shanghai, they share some hilarious examples of Chinese mix-ups involving pandas vs. chest hair, thesis defenses vs. poop, and one especially memorable mistake involving “receiving payment.”
Beyond the laughs, this episode explores why context matters so much in Chinese, especially with names, place names, numbers, and situations where listeners don’t have enough clues to infer what you mean.
Jared and John also share practical strategies to reduce communication breakdowns: using written backup, giving extra context, confirming understanding, paying closer attention to “recasts,” and learning how to spot your own pronunciation errors.
If you’ve ever been convinced you said something correctly only to get blank stares in return, this episode is for you. Mistakes are part of the process, but with a little awareness and a few smart habits, you can avoid some of the most spectacular ones.
Links from the episode:
- Chinese Pronunciation Wiki
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
What happens when your reason for learning Chinese changes?
In this interview, Jared talks with Anastasia Tulupova about her journey from a goal-driven teenager in Ukraine, determined to master the “hardest language in the world” and become a translator, to a Chinese teacher who now helps others learn more effectively. Along the way, she realized that the path she started on wasn’t the one she actually wanted.
After years of structured study and passing HSK exams, everything changed when she arrived in China and discovered she couldn’t actually communicate. That moment pushed her to rethink not just how she was learning, but why.
We discuss the trap of perfectionism, the gap between knowing and using the language, and how consistent, real-world practice, often messy and repetitive, became the key to her breakthrough. Her story is a strong reminder that progress doesn’t come from getting everything right, but from showing up, speaking up, and sticking with it.
If your Chinese learning journey has ever felt frustrating, unclear, or like your goals are shifting, this episode will help you refocus on what actually works, and what really matters.
Links from the episode:
- Xiya Chinese Teacher | Anastasia on Instagram
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
What does it actually mean to be at a “level” in Chinese and why does moving up feel so slow?
In this episode, Jared and John dig into the concept of leveling from both the perspective of the learner and from decades of experience in creating Chinese learning content. With John’s decades of experience building structured learning systems, from ChinesePod to Mandarin Companion, you’ll gain insight into what goes into defining levels and why it’s much harder than it seems.
Along the way, they dig into why vocabulary lists alone don’t define your level, how “Swiss cheese” gaps in knowledge form, and why reinforcement, not just new content, is key to long-term progress. You’ll also hear practical insights on how immersion, motivation, and structured input all play a role in helping you truly level up.
John also shares a new project from Allset Learning: a set of free, level-based Chinese newsletters designed to provide consistent, engaging input for learners at three different stages. Follow the links below to subscribe for free.
Links from the episode:
- ABC (All the Basics of Chinese) | Substack
- AIC (Accessible Intermediate Chinese) | Substack
- ARC (Advanced Readings in Chinese) | Substack
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Most people struggle to find time to learn Chinese. Adam started learning it in the middle of one of the most intense study periods of his life, and kept going.
A pre-med student at the University of Illinois, Adam didn’t begin with a clear plan or a class requirement. Instead, it started with curiosity: books on cross-cultural healthcare, exposure to Chinese classmates, and a growing realization that language could open doors not just academically, but humanly.
In this episode, Jared sits down with Adam to unpack how that curiosity turned into real progress in just a year and a half. From grinding through Anki decks and ChinesePod to forming friendships that pushed his speaking skills forward, Adam shares what actually made the difference and what didn’t.
They dig into the moments that changed everything: discovering how Chinese characters really work, moving from inconsistent self-study to structured learning, and pushing past the mental barrier of “I understand the words, but not the sentence.”
But the real payoff? Adam is already using Chinese in the real world. Whether it’s bonding with friends over hot pot or helping comfort a Chinese-speaking patient during a painful procedure, his story is a reminder that language learning isn’t just about fluency, it’s about connection.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your efforts will actually lead to something meaningful, this episode shows exactly how they can.
Links from the episode:
- Kid Learning Chinese | Adam Syed on Instagram
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
How could learning Chinese shape your life? From meeting lifelong friends (and even a spouse!) to navigating life in China with the help of mentors, coworkers, and “ayi” caregivers, Jared and John share stories that highlight the human side of language learning.
John reflects on his 25+ years in China, including how speaking Chinese led to deeper, more authentic relationships, and Jared shares unforgettable experiences, from starting a bakery in Shanghai to building trust with partners across China.
Along the way, they explore a bigger question: what’s the real point of learning Chinese? Beyond vocabulary and grammar, it’s about connection. It’s about the relationships you build, the cultural insights you gain, and the doors that simply wouldn’t open otherwise.
If you’ve ever wondered whether all the effort of learning Chinese is “worth it,” this episode offers a clear answer.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Jade grew up knowing she was half Chinese, but without the language, family connection, or cultural context to understand what that really meant. In this deeply personal episode, she shares what it was like growing up mixed race in a mostly white community, carrying questions of identity, belonging, and cultural disconnection from an early age.
Jade shares why learning Chinese became much more than a language goal. What began as a quiet lifelong pull eventually turned into something healing, empowering, and transformative during the pandemic, when she finally committed to learning Mandarin seriously. She describes how Chinese gave her a way to reconnect with herself, reshape her story, and discover a new sense of confidence.
Jade’s journey took her to Taiwan, where studying Mandarin brought both joyful breakthroughs and very real culture shock. From challenging start to the unexpected feeling of being seen as someone who might belong, Jade reflects on how language learning, identity, and personal growth became inseparable.
This is an honest and moving conversation about mixed identity, heritage learning, and the powerful role language can play in helping us become more fully ourselves.
Links from the episode:
- LengLengCoolJade | Instagram
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Should you learn Chinese by reading children’s books? It’s a common recommendation, but is it actually a good idea?
In this episode, Jared and John unpack why kids’ books aren’t as “simple” as they seem. These books are written for native-speaking children who already have years of spoken fluency. They’re often read aloud by parents and packed with specialized vocabulary, proper nouns, literary language, and characters that learners rarely need early on. What looks beginner-friendly can quickly become frustrating and inefficient.
So why do people keep suggesting it? Usually because it worked for them—as native speakers. But second language acquisition research shows that learners benefit most from high-frequency vocabulary and carefully controlled input.
That’s where graded readers come in. Designed specifically for language learners, they limit vocabulary and characters while still telling engaging stories. The goal isn’t to learn Chinese like a child, it’s to build a strong foundation so you can eventually read whatever you want.
If you’ve ever struggled through a “simple” children’s book, this episode explains why, and what to read instead.
Links from the episode:
- 7 Mistakes about Extensive Reading (w/analysis of《好饿的毛毛虫》) | Mandarin Companion
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
In this episode, Jared chats with Jack Mullinkosson, whose Chinese-learning journey runs from a Vice China documentary set… to living with a Chinese immigrant family in suburban California… to studying in Chengdu… and now biking from Chengdu to Hanoi.
Jack got started the way many learners do: by feeling left out. On set, surrounded by Chinese speakers, he noticed how differently the foreigners who spoke Mandarin were treated. Chinese looked like a superpower, and he wanted it.
With plenty of downtime during the shoot, Jack began studying characters and survival phrases, boosted by the classic “Your Chinese is so good!” encouragement (even when it wasn’t). That early confidence turned into a full-on obsession.
Then COVID hit, and Jack found a creative workaround. Back in the U.S., he made a flyer in Chinese offering to live with a Chinese family in exchange for helping their kids with English. The result: four months in a Rancho Cucamonga “McMansion” shared by multiple Chinese families, nightly Mandarin dinners, and a crash course in immigrant hustle and real-world language practice.
Along the way, Jack:
- Read Mandarin Companion graded readers to build his foundation
- Used shadowing to level up tones and pronunciation
- Looked for chances to speak—even when it was inconvenient
- Turned everyday errands into “Chinese missions”
After a few years in Brazil, where he learned Portuguese and became a remote software engineer, Jack returned to China with a new goal: connect Chinese to his career. He now makes videos in Chengdu, capturing spontaneous conversations with park shūshu fitness legends, friendly aunties selling plum wine, and locals who light up when a foreigner speaks Mandarin.
And one of the coolest payoffs? While traveling in Spain, Jack used Chinese to order food from a Chinese restaurant owner when neither of them shared English or Spanish.
Links from the episode:
- Jack Mullinkosson | Instagram
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Struggling with listening comprehension in Chinese? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help. Jared Turner and John Pasden dive into practical, tech-powered strategies for sharpening your Chinese listening skills using AI transcription tools and other smart resources.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to use AI tools to turn Chinese audio into transcripts you can study.
- Why listening comprehension is often one of the hardest skills—and how to make it easier.
- How to “train your ear” with slowed-down, AI-generated audio.
- Ways to leverage native content such as TV shows, songs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and make them more accessible for learning.
- The value of transcribing your own Chinese speaking to catch patterns, mistakes, and growth areas.
John and Jared walk you through real-world workflows, tools they’ve personally used, and the best types of media for improving listening. Whether you’re trying to understand a native podcast, follow along with a Chinese drama, or make sense of a street conversation you recorded, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for turning audio into insight and comprehension.
Listening doesn’t have to be your weak spot. With today’s tools, it can become your strength.
Links from the episode:
- TurboScribe | AI transcription tool
- Language Jones & Anki Hyper TTS | YouTube
- "Duìbùqǐ Wǒ de Zhōngwén Bù Hǎo" | Sung by Transition on YouTube
- “One Semester of Spanish - Love Song” | YouTube
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
in this episode, Jared sits down with Alexander Brose, President & CEO of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada, to trace his remarkable journey learning Chinese and how it shaped his life and career in unexpected ways.
From his early years living in South Korea with his family, to choosing Mandarin over Cantonese at an international school in Hong Kong, Alex shares how Chinese gradually became part of his identity. He continued studying the language through high school and later majored in Asian Studies at Cornell University. A pivotal summer in Harbin with the CET immersion program further deepened both his language skills and cultural connection to China.
Alex’s path led him to build cross-cultural musical collaborations between China and the U.S., eventually becoming the founding Executive Director of the Tianjin Juilliard School. He reflects on how speaking Chinese created unique professional opportunities, opened doors to deep cultural understanding, and enabled him to be at the forefront of classical music education in China.
Throughout the episode, Alex offers thoughtful reflections on the value of immersion, the challenges of maintaining language confidence, and the power of music as a bridge between cultures.
Links from the episode:
- Alexander Brose | Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada)
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
- CET Academic Programs
- From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China | IMDB
Is handwriting Chinese characters slowing you down? In today’s digital world, does it still make sense to focus on writing by hand or should you just type? In this episode, Jared and John dive deep into this hot-button issue for Chinese learners: handwriting vs. typing.
Pulling insights from a research paper by Chinese Breeze creator Chengzhi Chu (储诚志), they explore how character instruction is evolving and why prioritizing typing can make your learning faster, more efficient, and less frustrating, especially for adult learners.
They’ll break down:
- Why typing Chinese is not “cheating”, it’s how Chinese is actually used today
- How handwriting can become a bottleneck to fluency and motivation
- What it really means to “know” a character in the modern era
- The myth of muscle memory and why stroke order perfection isn’t essential
- Why it’s okay to treat handwriting as a hobby, not a core skill
You’ll also hear how character writing has changed more in the past 20 years than the previous 2000, the "three eras" of Chinese writing, and how modern teachers are shifting to a “typing-first, handwriting-second” approach in classrooms around the world.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by handwriting or wondered if you’re “doing it wrong” by typing, this episode will give you the clarity, and permission, you need to move forward confidently.
Links from the episode:
- The Evolution of Hanzi Proficiency and the E-Writing Transformation of L2 Chinese Teaching in the Digital Age | Paper by Chengzhi Chu
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
- Learn Chinese Characters by Reading (the book)
- Learn Chinese Characters by Reading (free resources for 200 characters)
What began as a teenage crush became a lifelong journey into Chinese for Matthew McGuire, an Australian creator and accent coach. In this episode, Jared sits down with Matthew to discuss how he learned Mandarin without textbooks, grammar drills, or writing practice. Instead, he immersed himself in love dramas, shadowed dialogue, and built a Chinese-speaking social circle. Matthew shares how his curiosity and enjoyment guided him from impressing a girl from Sichuan to achieving real proficiency and forming meaningful friendships. He also explains how Chinese opened doors for him both personally and professionally, and why he believes language learning should be fun, intentional, and grounded in real-life use. For anyone feeling stuck in their studies or unsure of how to move forward, Matthew’s story offers valuable perspective and inspiration.
Links from the episode:
- Matthew McGuire on Instagram | @realozziemcguire
- Chinese graded readers make an excellent gift! Head over to: https://www.mandarincompanion.com
- AllSet Learning has some amazing deals on lessons right now: https://www.allsetlearning.com
With AI advancing at lightning speed, many are wondering: Do I still need to learn Chinese? Jared and John say yes, and in this episode, they break down 10 ways your Chinese skills remain AI-proof. These are the kinds of things no app, bot, or translation tool can truly replace.
Along the way, you'll hear stories about phone conversations that left taxi drivers in disbelief, the joy of reading your first Chinese book, and how language learning leads to deeper relationships.
Whether you're just starting or years into your Chinese journey, this episode is your reminder that learning Chinese is still very much worth it and more human than ever.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
- AllSet Learning
In this episode, Jared sits down with Renata Mirkova, a Chinese language educator from the Czech Republic whose journey into Mandarin began not with a grand plan, but almost by accident. What started as a university entrance decision led her to master Chinese, live in China, and now teach both Czech and Chinese across cultural boundaries.
Renata shares the unique challenges of learning Chinese in a non-English-speaking environment, including outdated textbooks from the 60s, Czech-Sinology programs steeped in history, and a lack of direct Chinese-to-Czech resources. But through her perseverance and multiple immersive experiences in China, Renata carved out her own path to fluency.
From surviving the linguistic chaos of Sichuan dialects to interpreting for Czech officials on business trips in China, she offers candid reflections on what works for her, what didn’t, and how learning Chinese changed her life. She also gives insight into her current work creating Chinese learning materials specifically for Czech speakers and what it’s like teaching Czech to Chinese speakers in return.
Links from the episode:
- Learn Chinese with Renata Mirkova | Website
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
After 300 days of secretly studying Chinese, one guy surprises his partner with phrases like “the cheesecake is grieving” and “the purple elephant eats passion for breakfast.” It’s a bit humorous, but it also highlights a bigger issue: extreme learning methods that feel productive but fall flat in practice.
In this episode, Jared and John dive into seven common extremes they’ve seen (and lived) in the world of learning Chinese. From bingeing flashcards or grammar rules to over-relying on Duolingo or doing nothing but watch TV in Mandarin, these extremes can slow your progress, or worse, burn you out completely.
Drawing on personal experience, stories from past podcast guests, and insights from language learning experts like Paul Nation, the hosts break down what works, what backfires, and how to build a more balanced and effective approach to learning Chinese.
If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your methods, this episode will help you get back on track.
Links from the episode:
- “Burnout, Breakthrough, and Fluency: Chaniece’s Story” | YCLC Podcast
- “Vocab Apps and Learner Engagement” – Jonathan Covey Interview | YCLC Podcast
- “Steven Kaufmann “The Linguist” Interview” | YCLC Podcast
- Hack Chinese | Modern flashcards
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Can you become fluent in Chinese without teachers, classes, or even Chinese speakers around you? For Serbian software engineer Marko Javoanovic, the answer is “yes” by focusing on “fluency now”.
In this episode, Marko shares how he started learning Japanese out of a love for anime but quickly pivoted to Chinese when he realized there were far more Chinese people than Japanese in his hometown of Novi Sad, Serbia. What began as a curiosity turned into a disciplined daily habit that transformed not only his language skills but also his friendships and worldview.
Marko dives into how he built real working fluency from scratch using English-language resources like Mandarin Companion, YoYo Chinese, and extensive listening and how that foundation led to translating live at a visa interview, making friends over baozi, and becoming part of his local Chinese community.
His story includes:
- Why he stopped obsessing over flashcards and HSK levels
- How “fluency now” helped him understand without translating
- Why tones matter more than you think (like mixing up “food” with “video”)
- The emotional reward of using Chinese to truly connect
This episode is a roadmap for any Chinese learner, especially those going it alone.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
- Little Chinese Everywhere | YouTube
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Ever wonder how the place you study Chinese can shape your accent, comprehension, and even identity as a learner?
In this episode, Jared and John dive into the importance of where you learn Mandarin in China and how different regions can affect your speaking and listening skills. From Beijing’s “pirate R’s” to the relaxed tones of Taipei and the “happy medium” of Shanghai, they explore the linguistic quirks of China’s top Mandarin learning destinations.
You’ll hear:
- The differences between Chinese accents in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei
- Why Shanghai might be the perfect balance for learners
- How non-standard Mandarin can actually improve your listening skills
- What it's like to learn Chinese in tier 2 or tier 3 cities (or tier 88) and why it might supercharge your progress
- Stories from past podcast guests, including John D’Andrea's experience being laughed at for his Lanzhou accent
- How regional accents and fangyan (local dialects) impact Mandarin learning
- A mildly controversial debate on cilantro in beef noodles
If you’ve ever thought about studying in China or are curious about regional language variation, this episode is a must-listen.
Links from the episode:
- John D’Andrea’s story | YCLC Podcast #10
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
What happens when you move abroad at age 10 and suddenly find yourself in daily Chinese class? For Freddy Buechel, it was the start of an adventure that took him from Singapore to Taiwan, back to the U.S., and eventually to Shanghai for a full-on study abroad immersion.
In this episode, Freddy shares his winding journey of learning Chinese across multiple countries, his turning point moment ordering bubble tea as a kid, and why fluency is a “moving target.” He talks about the humbling reality of using Chinese in the wild, how boxing with a former world champion in Shanghai boosted his Chinese, and why he eventually chose to focus on Chinese over Russian.
Freddy is now a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, known online for his hilarious and motivational Instagram videos shouting in Chinese from mountaintops, canyons, and even Times Square. He reflects on how making language fun has kept him motivated and how every learner can find their own way to enjoy the process.
Links from the episode:
-
- @theBaoLuo 保罗 | Freddie’s Instagram
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Jared and John are back with a full episode dedicated to answering listener questions covering everything from language learning strategies to cultural quirks.
They explore the challenges of using sarcasm in Mandarin, how to prepare for a trip to China if you're not yet fluent, and whether watching Chinese TV shows actually helps improve listening skills.
And yes, they also get into one of the most common learner frustrations: you ask a question in Chinese, but when the reply comes… you’re totally lost. It happens to everyone, so what can you do about it?
They also share thoughts on overcoming the intermediate plateau, what makes leveled content like graded readers so effective, and how to build study habits that actually stick. Along the way, they reflect on their own learning experiences, like John’s ongoing Italian project and Jared’s use of Chinese in everyday work and life.
Packed with relatable stories and practical insights, this episode offers encouragement and clarity for anyone learning Chinese—whether you're just getting started or pushing through the advanced stages.
Listener Questions Answered From:
- Elena Leeds (elenaleeds8505)
- Owen Kempton (owenkempton9691)
- Gregor Schafroth
- Kathryn Bozzay
- Ming (Chinese immersion teacher)
Notable Quotes:
“Sarcasm just doesn’t work the same way in Chinese. It’s not that it doesn’t exist, it’s just different.” —John
“If you’re learning Chinese and you’re not enjoying it, it’s going to be hard to keep going.” —John
“Leveling content is deceptively hard. It’s why our readers take so long to write, and why they work so well.” —Jared
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, John and Jared discuss the concept of fluency now as opposed to some distant time in the future and how reading will get you there.Guest interview is with Olle Linge of Hacking Chinese and Chinese language enthusiast extraordinaire. He offers the Chinese learning tips that he wishes someone had told him back when he started Chinese.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this EpisodeMandarin Companion Memes - InstagramFunny Chinese ShirtsHacking ChineseEscape – Chinese language text game#46 How to Learn to Read Chinese: Pinyin, Characters, Vocabulary#47 How to Learn to Read Chinese: Baby Steps to Real ReadingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What happens when a Swedish physics student decides to go all-in on Chinese? Meet Karl Vilhelmsson, a particle physics student at Stanford’s SLAC lab and a self-described language adventurer.
From a middle school classroom in Stockholm to immersive conversations with a Taiwanese friend and a solo Chinese language-only trip to Suzhou, Carl shares how curiosity and fun fueled his Chinese learning journey.
Carl talks with Jared about building meaningful friendships through Chinese, discovering the joy of reading and writing characters, and how Chinese has deepened his global perspective, both personally and professionally.
Carl’s story is a reminder that Chinese is learnable, and it doesn’t have to be boring.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Chinese learners today are surrounded by video, TikToks from tutors, YouTube explainers, online courses, sitcoms, and AI-powered tools promising to boost your progress. But with so much content, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck in passive learning.
In this episode, we dive into how to actually learn Chinese through video. Jared and John discuss the strengths and limitations of different approaches, from short-form content on social media to more structured courses. They talk about when Chinese movies and TV shows become useful (and when they’re just frustrating), the surprising downsides of subtitles, and how to match video content to your level.
You’ll also hear about powerful tools like Language Reactor and SRT subtitles, how AI transcription can supercharge your review sessions, and why relying on ChatGPT alone might not get you very far—yet.
John also shares a big announcement: the launch of AllSet Go, a short video course designed to take absolute beginners from zero to ready for real online Chinese lessons.
Links from the episode:
- AllSet GO 10-lesson video course for absolute beginners | 50% off Voucher: YCLCGO
-
72 The Truth about Chinese subtitles | You Can Learn Chinese
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Chaniece Chen didn’t just study Chinese, she built her own major, battled burnout in an intensive language program, and came back for more. In this episode, Jared talks with Chaniece about her 12-year journey in China, from struggling with tones to thriving in Shanghai as a translator, community organizer, and content creator.
Chaniece opens up about the highs and lows of immersion: how her college program led to burnout, how thinking in Chinese helped her improve, and why perfectionism can be a hidden danger for motivated learners. She also reflects on what it's like being a Black woman in China, her experience in Xinjiang, and how she built a life, and family, abroad.
Links from the episode:
- @ThisIsChaniece | Instagram
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
You’re reading Chinese, and there it is, pinyin over every character. It feels helpful, even comforting. But is it actually holding you back? In this episode, Jared and John explore how pinyin can become a crutch that cripples your Chinese progress and keeps you from truly mastering characters.
They revisit Jared’s blog post from years ago, Pinyin Over Characters: The Crippling Crutch, and unpack how this issue is still alive and well, especially with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek.
You’ll hear how pinyin over characters affects your eye movement, slows your reading speed, and hinders character recognition. Jared and John also break down the psychology behind why pinyin is so hard to ignore and offer practical strategies to reduce your reliance on it. From browser extensions to smarter AI prompts, they share ways to keep pinyin available only when you need it, not when it interferes.
If you’ve ever found yourself relying too heavily on pinyin, or wondering why your reading fluency isn’t improving, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need to move forward.
What you’ll learn:
- Why native Chinese speakers learn characters before pinyin
- How pinyin affects your focus, memory, and reading speed
- The difference between helpful support and harmful overuse
- How to use AI tools more intentionally in your learning
- What extensive reading looks like without pinyin distractions
- The importance of finding level-appropriate reading materials
Links from the episode:
- Pinyin over Characters: The Crippling Crutch
- Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
- Learn Chinese Characters by Reading | Amazon
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
In this episode, Jared sits down with Chimsy—marketer, meme connoisseur, and host of the China University Podcast—to dive deep into his unconventional journey from Costa Rica to China. What started as a challenge to prove a dismissive restaurant owner wrong turned into a life-changing adventure of language, culture, and self-discovery.
Chimsy shares how he went from working graveyard shifts in call centers to earning a Chinese government scholarship, despite setbacks like failing the HSK 3 and losing his passport on day one in China. Through humor and raw honesty, he reveals the challenges of adjusting to life in Chinese university dorms, building real friendships, and grinding through language barriers.
Be prepared for his raw, unvarnished, and honest take on learning Chinese and living in China, how memes can be more than just entertainment, and why making one good Chinese friend can change everything.
Links from the episode:
- China University Podcast Memes | Instagram
- China University Podcast | Spotify
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
AI tutors are everywhere—but are they actually good for learning Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John take a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of AI-powered language learning tools. They explore how these AI tutors work and why tools that work well in English often fall short in Chinese.
You'll learn:
-
The surprising limitations of AI when it comes to staying within beginner-friendly vocabulary
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How AI tutors compare to human teachers in giving corrections (including recasting!)
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Why voice recognition can be a dealbreaker—especially for Chinese tones
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What makes a good AI language partner... and where most still fall short
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Whether AI tutors reduce anxiety or just reduce motivation
You’ll get practical tips for using AI tools effectively depending on your Chinese level and what features to look for if you’re exploring AI conversation practice or personalized lessons.
Curious or skeptical about AI tutors? This episode will help you evaluate whether they’re worth your time, and how to get the most out of them.
Links from the episode:
- Recasting in Language Learning | SinoSplice
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Meet Paul Mike Ashton, the American content creator who turned a quirky catchphrase into a nationwide sensation with his viral "City 不 City" meme. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Paul's curiosity for Asian cultures led him to study Chinese, setting him on a path that would take him from the Amish countryside to the neon lights of Shanghai.
From his first Chinese class in high school to study abroad stints in Beijing and Johannesburg (yes, really), Paul’s journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and a healthy dose of not knowing when to quit. After grinding through HSK tests and Chinese financial risk management courses (in Mandarin, no less!), Paul found his blend of cultural comedy struck a chord with millions of Chinese netizens. His catchphrase "City 不 City" not only trended across Chinese social media but also got plastered on billboards and even echoed by Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds.
In this episode, Paul, also known as “Bao Bao Xiong”, shares the wild ride of becoming a foreign comedy star in China, why jokes are way funnier when you finally understand them in Chinese, and how mastering the language unlocked friendships and career opportunities he never imagined. If you've ever wondered how a small-town kid from Pennsylvania could end up a meme sensation in China, or if you're just looking for a good laugh, you won’t want to miss Paul’s incredible, meme-worthy story.
Links from the episode:
- Paul Mike Ashton | Instagram and YouTube
- 保保熊 | 抖音
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Is translation a necessary tool or a crutch that slows down your Chinese fluency? In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden dive deep into the role of translation in language learning. They explore the history of the grammar-translation method, the rise of communicative language teaching, and how translation can both help and hinder your progress.
Drawing on their own experiences learning Chinese, they share practical insights on when and how to use translation effectively — from using Google Translate strategically to understanding why translating word-for-word isn't always a bad thing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your Chinese, this episode will help you find a balanced approach to translation that boosts your confidence and accelerates your learning journey.
Links from the episode:
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Jared chats with Grant Brown, an expert in HSK and AP Chinese test prep. Grant shares why so many students fail, and more importantly, what you need to do to pass. Drawing on his experience as both a teacher and test prep specialist, he offers practical and often overlooked advice you won’t hear anywhere else.
You’ll learn why reading is your secret weapon and how it can make your classmates think you did a year abroad in China. Grant also shares how to build stamina for test day, memory tricks that actually work, and why learning in context helps you retain more, faster.
Whether you're taking one of these exams or just want to improve your Chinese study strategy, this episode is packed with insights that can give you the edge.
Links from the episode:
- How to Pass the AP Chinese Exam: Secrets from a Teacher with a Perfect Pass Rate | Mandarin Companion
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Surprise! When it comes to Chinese, learners sometimes know things native speakers don’t. In this episode, John and Jared explore intriguing aspects of the Chinese language that learners often understand better than native speakers. From tone change rules, verb conjugations (or the lack thereof), and those tricky three 的, 得, and 地, they break down details that most Chinese speakers never had to consciously learn. They also highlight why having a trained tutor can make a difference for you.
Links from the episode:
- Aspect, not Tense | Sinosplice
- Structural particle "de" | Chinese Grammar Wiki
- Separable verbs in Chinese | Chinese Grammar Wiki
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
No matter how long you've been learning Chinese, you’ll still have an accent. But why is that? In this episode, Jared and John talk about your accent in Chinese and how to reduce it. They discuss the differences in how accents are perceived in China versus the West, tackle some of the toughest pronunciation challenges like pinyin pitfalls, tone swaps, and the elusive Mandarin "R" sound, and share insights on what it really takes to sound more native.
Whether you’re a beginner struggling with pinyin, an intermediate learner trying to nail your tones, or an advanced student aiming for clarity over perfection, this episode will help you level up your pronunciation and be understood with confidence.
Links from the episode:
- Chinese Pronunciation Wiki | Free pronunciation guide
- Pronunciation Packs (scroll down) | AllSet Learning
- Mandarin Chinese Tone Pair Drills | Sinosplice
- The 3-2 Tone Swap Error | Sinosplice
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
What happens when an American comedian immerses himself in Chinese comedy? Jesse Appell’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Jesse shares how his curiosity about language led him to study in China, become a Fulbright scholar, and apprentice under a master of Xiangsheng (traditional Chinese cross-talk comedy). He takes us through the highs and challenges of performing comedy in Chinese, founding a bilingual comedy club in Beijing, and why understanding humor is the ultimate test of language fluency.
Jesse also discusses his shift into social media and entrepreneurship with Jesse’s Tea House, his global tea business. Plus, hear his insights on learning Chinese, navigating cultural differences, and why embracing the hard parts of language learning leads to real growth.
Links from the episode:
- Jesse’s Teahouse
- Jesse Appell Comedy | Laugh Beijing
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
There is a growing buzz around "RedNote" (小红书), as westerners—especially “TikTok refugees"—flock to this Chinese social media platform. But what is beyond the hype and can you use it to learn Chinese?
In this episode, Jared and John dive into how you, as a Chinese learner, can use this tool to level up your language skills. Because there is no division between Chinese and international content on the app, they discuss how you can find content tailored to your interests and engage with the unique environment and community that offers real-world context for learning Chinese and building cultural awareness.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion | Graded readers
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Vincent, a passionate Chinese and Spanish teacher in California. While growing up in rural Ohio, he visited cousins living in France which sparked his interest in languages. Later while in high school, he spent a year as an exchange student in Taiwan, an immersive and challenging Chinese learning experience that transformed his perspective.
Joseph reflects on his journey from struggling with tones and characters to achieving fluency, emphasizing the role of community, persistence, and connection. He also shares how these experiences inspired his teaching philosophy and offers practical tips for language learners.
Tune in to hear Joseph’s story and gain insights into mastering Chinese, the impact of immersion, and how learning languages can unlock a deeper connection to the world.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion | Graded readers
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Ready to turn your Chinese learning aspirations into reality? Jared and John share insights on how to stay focused and motivated by finding your “why” and setting actionable goals. From avoiding common pitfalls to celebrating small wins, this episode is your guide to making 2025 the year you thrive in your Chinese learning.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion | Graded readers
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired! In this milestone 150th episode, we’re looking back on the most incredible stories from our interviews over the past two years. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs, surprises, and unforgettable moments shared by our amazing guests. This episode is a must-listen for anyone learning Chinese or simply fascinated by the journeys of others embracing the language and culture.
Links from the episode:
- You Can Learn Chinese | Podcast page
- Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us
Host Jared Turner isn’t just a language enthusiast—he’s also a seasoned Dungeon Master! In this episode, Jared and John dive into thow learning Chinese parallels a game of Dungeons & Dragons. From creating your "character" as a language learner to rolling the dice in real-life conversations, they discuss how elements like leveling up, overcoming challenges, and wielding the right weapons will help you through your language encounters and lead you towards your ultimate quest: mastering Chinese.
Links from the episode:
- Living in China is like an RPG | SinoSplice
Andrew Dougherty first learned Russian and some Spanish and French before pursuing Chinese. Sensing the opportunity China held, Andrew pursued Chinese language studies in the early 2000’s. This opened opportunities that kept him in China for nearly two decades working in the financial sector, but also somehow unwittingly was the vehicle where he launched his side career rapping about China’s diverse political and social landscape. Join Jared as he talks with Andrew about his unique journey, humorous stories, and insightful perspectives.
Links from the episode:
- The Red Print Album | Big Daddy Dough’s China raps
- Beijing State of Mind | YouTube
In this listener mailbag episode, Jared and John dive into real questions from Chinese learners on topics that every language student encounters. From using AI tools to keep your Chinese sharp between classes to understanding the balance between formal and everyday vocabulary, we’re covering it all.
You’ll learn strategies for finding the right reading materials for extensive practice, how to identify the best resources for grammar improvement, and whether handwriting will remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. Plus, tune in for insights on Chinese history, cultural connections, and even a little humor from your favorite hosts. Join us for practical advice to keep your Chinese journey on track!
Links from the episode:
- Listener Questions & Feedback | Mandarin Companion
John and Jared discuss the all too common situation of pinyin over Chinese characters, something Jared sometimes refer to as the “crippling crutch”. They go into depth on why this is so common, why it is so detrimental, and what to do instead.
Guest interview is with Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] Sampani Kessi, the founder of Elementary Chinese, a popular YouTube and Instagram channel for learning Chinese. He will tell his tale of falling in love with Chinese while in …Paris! And then he takes us on his journey moving past the limitations of the traditional Chinese education system and forging ahead with new ideas on how people can learn.
Links from the episode:
- Pinyin Over Characters: The Crippling Crutch | Mandarin Companion
- Elementary Chinese | Kwadwo on YouTube
- Chinese memes | Instagram
In this episode, Jared and John dive into the concept of "narrow reading"—a strategy that involves focusing your language learning on a specific topic or genre to accelerate progress. They explore how this targeted approach deepens vocabulary and comprehension through repeated exposure to related content, making language acquisition more efficient. By honing in on subjects you're passionate about, learning Chinese becomes not only more enjoyable but also significantly more effective. Tune in to discover how narrowing your focus can supercharge your language learning journey!
Links from the episode:
- “The Case for Narrow Reading” | Stephen Krashen
- How Your Personality Changes in Another Language | interview with Taha Shlibek
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
Elijah Wilcott never thought he was cut out for learning languages. With a self-proclaimed terrible memory and a history of struggling in language classes, he picked up only a handful of basic phrases after teaching English in China for two years. But when he found a compelling reason to learn Chinese, Elijah dove into full-time language study, and adopted a relentless approach to learning, immersing himself in every learning tool he could find. His persistence paid off, turning his language struggles into a powerful success story. Tune in to hear how Elijah discovered his purpose, pushed past his limitations, and ultimately transformed his life through learning Chinese. His story is a testament to the power of finding your "why" and never giving up.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
If you're learning Chinese, these are the must-know answers about Chinese characters. Join Jared and John as they dive into key questions like: Should you learn characters right from the start? Is handwriting really necessary? Should you choose simplified or traditional? Get clear, practical advice and actionable tips that will transform the way you approach learning characters, helping you make smarter decisions and boost your progress!
Links from the episode:
- 200 Foundational Characters
- Learn Chinese Characters by Reading | Amazon
- Transforming Hanzi Pedagogy in the Digital Age | Amazon
During a trip to Hong Kong, Mike Kennedy haphazardly began studying Chinese characters which started him on a path he could have never imagined. His growing passion for Chinese drove him to co-found Jinbu Pal, a reading app for Chinese, and start a YouTube channel where he makes cocktails in Chinese. From visiting factories in China to karaoke bars in Taipei, Mike's stories are both inspiring and unique!
Links from the episode:
- Jinbu Pal Chinese reading app
- Home Bartending Journey | YouTube
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
Jared and John explore how randomness and unpredictability can prepare you for adventures in your Chinese learning journey. From spontaneous conversations with native speakers to the unexpected challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, they delve into why seeking variety and embracing randomness are not only the “spice of life” but also key to success when using language in real-world situations. You'll hear stories of real-life encounters, tips on how to incorporate more spontaneity into your studies, and insights on balancing structured learning with unpredictable experiences. Jared and John aim to inspire you to take on new challenges and embrace the unpredictable moments that lead to true fluency.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion
In this special episode, host Jared Turner takes you inside a study abroad trip to China with a group of teenagers including his two sons.
These teenagers, who have been learning Chinese for years in a dual language immersion program, finally get to put their skills to the test in the wild, navigating real-world challenges, stepping out of their comfort zones, and experiencing those "aha" moments of realizing they can truly speak Chinese!
From hilarious mishaps to triumphant conversations, these stories will inspire as you witness the magic of immersive learning.
Don’t miss this exciting episode packed with adventure, growth, and the real impact of learning Chinese!
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion
Do you think your Chinese skills are better than they actually are? You might not be alone. This cognitive bias can cause learners to overestimate their proficiency, leading to overconfidence and potential setbacks in their language journey.
Jared and John share personal anecdotes and experiences, breaking down the stages of language learning where this effect is most prevalent. They discuss the importance of humility and realistic self-assessment in mastering Chinese, providing practical tips on how to identify and overcome overconfidence. Tune in to gain insights on how to accurately gauge your language skills, set realistic goals, and continue progressing towards genuine fluency.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, this episode will help you navigate the challenges of self-assessment and keep your Chinese learning journey on the right track. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that could transform your approach to mastering Chinese!
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion
Cleopatra Wise initially had no desire to learn a foreign language but after being convinced to go to China for a class trip, her visit to Shanghai became a transformative experience that sparked her interest in learning the language. She embarked on a quest to learn Chinese which ended up with her working in Taiwan, Beijing, and later working for the Asia Society in New York. Cleopatra also shares three aspects of her experiences as a black Muslim woman living in China: being black in China, connecting with the black diaspora in China, and wearing hijab in China. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing new experiences and the profound impact that learning Chinese has had on her personal and professional life.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion
Discover why reading in Chinese is a game-changer for fluency and learn the best time to start using graded readers. Jared and John break down the benefits of extensive reading and offer tips on how to integrate graded readers into your study routine for maximum impact. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, find out how reading can accelerate your Chinese learning journey.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- John D’andrea Interview | YouTube
- Theresa Munford Interview | YouTube
- Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Dive into the world of raising bilingual children with Sunny from Spot of Sunshine Chinese. In a chat with Jared, Sunny shares her journey from Taiwan to the suburbs of Chicago, discussing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining language and cultural connections.
She offers tips and expert advice on effective strategies for parents raising bilingual children, emphasizing the importance of motivation, comprehensible input, and creating an immersive environment at home. Tune in to discover Sunny's insights and learn how to support your child's bilingual development.
Links from the episode:
- Sunny at Spot of Sunshine Chinese | Instagram and Website
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Jared and John delve into research discussing the crucial role of attitudes and preconceptions of a culture towards learning its language. They explore the many facets of this issue, including how the current state of China’s political relations impacts language learning in the West.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Jared Turner interviews Matt William Knowles, a former college football player, who turned an unfortunate event into a remarkable life-changing adventure in China. After a career-ending injury left him uncertain about his future, Matt took a volunteer teaching position in one of China's most impoverished regions, Guizhou Province. Here, Matt found himself in a remote town far removed from the comforts and familiarity of his South Carolina home. Without any knowledge of Chinese, he faced the challenge of communicating with his students and the local community, sparking his dedication to mastering Chinese.
Matt's story is not just about language learning; it's a tale of personal resilience and transformation. He shares how immersing himself in the culture and the language reshaped his identity and life's direction, leading him from the classroom to unexpected fame on Chinese television and stages. This inspiring story shows that with enough determination, you can turn even the most daunting setbacks into new pathways of success and fulfillment.
Tune in to hear how Matt's unique experiences in China taught him not just a new language but opened doors to a world of new opportunities and self-discovery.
Links from the episode:
- Matt William Knowles | Personal website
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Hosts Jared and John discuss the frustrations of a learner who came to John for help, particularly with pinyin and differentiation of similar sounds in Chinese. They explore why learners often misapply English pronunciation rules to pinyin and how comprehensible input can ease the learning curve. This episode is not just a deep dive into the phonetic and perceptual aspects of learning Chinese; it's also a heartening reminder that while the journey to fluency can be fraught with frustration, tailored strategies and persistent effort can lead to meaningful progress.
Links from the episode:
- Character Play in Chinese | Sinosplice
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Driven by her love for Asian cultures, anime, and K-pop, Happi (from Happi Across Cultures) has learned Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Starting with friendships with exchange students, she went on to double major in Chinese and Japanese including studying abroad in Tokyo and Shanghai where she deeply engaged with the local culture. An accomplished singer, her story takes a viral turn when she sings at a concert with the famous Chinese singer, Joker Xue ( 薛之谦 Xuē Zhīqiān), showcasing the incredible opportunities that arise from language learning. For an inspiring tale of cultural immersion, language mastery, and musical collaboration, tune into this episode and follow Happi's ongoing journey on social media.
Links from the episode:
- Happi’s viral duet with Joker Xue | Instagram | Weibo
- Happi @ Instagram | Weibo | Douyin
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
- Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Dive into the fascinating world of East Asian languages with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. Whether you're navigating the tonal waves of Chinese or untangling the polite intricacies of Japanese, this episode offers a deep dive into the nuances, challenges, and delights of learning these two rich languages. They also discuss invaluable resources for learners and the global implications of the Chinese diaspora versus Japanese homogeneity.
If you've ever pondered the complexities of learning Japanese or Chinese or are simply fascinated by the cultures behind these languages, this episode is a must-listen.
Links from the episode:
- Language Power Struggles | Sinosplice.com
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
In this riveting episode, a clueless American white guy shocks a podcast host with flawless Chinese using one trick that teachers hate! Our special guest, Ari Smith, widely recognized as Xiao Ma on YouTube, shares the unexpected journey that led him from being a curious American to a Chinese-speaking internet sensation.
Our special guest is none other than Ari Smith, widely recognized as YouTuber Xiao Ma. In this light and engaging interview, we dig into how he got started with Chinese and how he turned, almost by happenstance, into a YouTube sensation.
Starting with a random free class in Chinese, his fascination with Chinese propelled him to immerse himself in its language and culture, leading to a year in China where he embraced full Mandarin immersion, laying the groundwork for his fluency.
Ari reveals how his genuine interactions in Chinese settings, from restaurants to nail salons, have captivated and motivated many. He also discusses his experiences into learning lesser-known languages, such as Native American dialects, underscoring the importance of preserving endangered languages and offering insights into the vast landscape of linguistic diversity.
Links from the episode:
- Xiaomanyc 小马在纽约 | YouTube
- YourTeacher.AI
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Some people may find they have a knack for learning Chinese, but deciding to make Chinese a part of your life is another decision entirely. Akeel Alleyne shares his story from learning Chinese in high school to making the move to live and work in China. He talks about how Chinese has enriched his life, helped find his calling, and enabled him to carve out his own career.
Links from the episode:
- Card Games for Language Learning | Where John & Akeel met
- Akeel Alleyne | Linktree
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Join us as we step into the world of China's educational system. With an extra special guest interview, we pull back the curtain of how Chinese is taught in Chinese schools. These first-hand insights shed light on how China’s classrooms influence how Chinese is taught around the world.
Links from the episode:
- Memes for Chinese Learners | Instagram
- Mandarin Companion graded readers
Hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden give you some pro tips on how to use AI, specifically Chat GPT, to learn Chinese. They explore a variety of use cases, including limitations and tips on how to get the most out of these large language models we call artificial intelligence.
Links from the episode:
- Chat GPT
- Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
John and Jared have some sad news to share and want your feedback on the future of the podcast.
So you want to get back into learning Chinese after taking a break. John and Jared give you tips on how to get back into learning Chinese and make it an even better experience than before. Guest interview is with Martina Fuchs, who started her career as an Arabic-speaking spy for the Swiss government and later became a TV journalist for China’s state broadcaster CCTV.Links from the episode:This Modern Chinese Life | All Set Learning lesson packTaylor Swift speaking Chinese deepfake | The China ProjectMartina Fuchs on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There is no shortage of advice on how to learn Chinese, but in this episode, hosts John and Jared not only talk about 10 common bad tips for learning Chinese, but also reframe them so you know what to do instead. Guest interview is with Dave Landis, a language enthusiast who shares his journey of learning Chinese, the role it played in his relationship with his Taiwanese wife, and how it benefits his teaching career. Links from the episode:Chinese Grammar WikiSherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | Level 2 graded readerCathoven Text Analyzer Dave Landis BlogTimestamps Don't worry about tones [00:01:55]The misconception that tones are not important in speaking Chinese and that native speakers don't use tones naturally.Characters are too hard, just focus on speaking [00:04:21]The belief that learning characters is unnecessary and that focusing on speaking is enough to learn Chinese.Chinese has no grammar, don't worry about it [00:06:14]The misconception that Chinese language has no grammar and that learners don't need to study it.The capability of kids books [00:09:41]Kids books have a higher reading level than learners, and they contain special use vocabulary that may not be useful for learners.Reading novels as a beginner [00:11:09]Reading novels as a beginner is not an effective way to learn Chinese, as it is slow and challenging.Chinese poetry and idioms [00:13:17]Chinese poetry and idioms are not essential for beginners and should be appreciated at higher levels of language proficiency.All you need is Immersion [00:20:05]Discussion on the idea of immersing oneself in the language to learn it naturally and effortlessly.You need A well-rounded approach to learning Chinese [00:24:01]Emphasis on the importance of using multiple resources and methods to learn Chinese effectively.The lack of Chinese news sites for kids [00:30:21]Discussion about the limited availability of news sites in Chinese specifically designed for kids.Recommendation of a text analysis tool for Chinese [00:31:48]Introduction and recommendation of an online tool called "Cathoven" for teachers to analyze and level Chinese texts.Dave Landis' language learning journey [00:33:37]Interview with Dave Landis, a middle school teacher, about his language learning experiences, including his interest in German and Vietnamese before eventually learning Mandarin.Meeting and Marrying his Wife [00:41:36]Dave discusses how he met his wife and how learning Chinese helped him develop their relationship.Communicating with Bilingual Spouses [00:42:50]Dave talks about how communication with his wife is mostly in English, but sometimes they switch to Chinese, especially when speaking to their children.Studying Mandarin in China [00:45:14]Dave shares his experience of studying Mandarin in China, including his decision to attend the Chinese Language Institute in Guilin and his interactions with locals.Developing Listening Comprehension [00:52:14]Dave Landis discusses the importance of speaking to someone younger than him to improve his listening comprehension while learning Mandarin.Progress and Study Methods [00:52:48]Dave Landis talks about the progress he made during his time in China, including studying HSK 4, reading articles about China, and telling dad jokes in Chinese.Language Endurance and Filling in Gaps [00:56:38]Dave Landis and Jared Turner discuss the importance of language endurance and how participating in a language program helped fill in gaps in listening and speaking skills.The importance of reading graded books and getting a tutor [01:03:28]Dave recommends reading Mandarin Companion and Chinese Breeze books and getting a one-on-one tutor for rapid progress.The benefits of studying Mandarin overseas [01:04:12]Dave shares the example of a classmate who made rapid progress by studying Mandarin overseas and encourages others to do the same.Dave Landis' blog and his experience at CLI [01:04:38]Dave Landis talks about his blog, where he discusses the books he has read and his experience at CLI. A link to his blog will be provided in the show notes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Stories about the impact of extensive reading on language fluency pulled from studies and research. Guest interview with Sarah Reinstein, a game developer.
You know a lot of Chinese, but can you actually use it? Listen to the stories of 10 years in Xinjiang from John Summers.
John and Jared discuss 5 principles to optimize your note-taking for language learning to maximize your learning gains. Guest interview is with Nick Anderson, a cross-cultural consultant and Chinese accent coach in Hollywood.Links from the episode:* Shirts for Chinese Learners | Mandarin Companion Merch * Chinese-like Graffiti in Atlanta | SinoSplice.com * Mandarin Studies | Nick Anderson’s website
What if your perfectionism is holding you back from progressing in Chinese? In this episode, hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden delve into the impact of perfectionism on language learning. From listening and speaking to reading and writing, they explore how perfectionism can both hinder and help your progress.
Special guest interview is with Rob Neal, a passionate Chinese language teacher from Manchester, England, who shares his experiences and insights into teaching Chinese culture and language.
Don't forget to subscribe and share the podcast!
Links from the episode:
- The physics of languages| Physics World
- Mandarin Companion Newsletter | Sign up at the bottom of the page
- Shirts for Chinese Learners | Mandarin Companion Merch
Timestamps
Perfectionism and its effects [00:00:44]
Discussion on the concept of perfectionism and its impact on language learning.
Perfectionism as a barrier to progress [00:01:21]
Exploration of how perfectionism can hinder language learning and the fear of failure associated with it.
Adjusting standards and realistic expectations [00:03:44]
The importance of adjusting perfectionist tendencies and setting realistic standards to facilitate language learning progress.
Reading Pain and Effective Language Learning [00:09:35]
The hosts discuss the negative impact of reading pain on motivation and the effectiveness of learning a language through grinding through difficult books.
Finding the Right Level for Reading [00:10:26]
The hosts emphasize the importance of finding the right level for reading and how it can greatly benefit language learning progress.
Handwriting vs. Typing in Chinese [00:11:34]
The hosts discuss the separate skills of handwriting and typing in Chinese, and how being a perfectionist in handwriting can impede learning progress.
The importance of tones in pronunciation [00:19:41]
Discussion on how tones are an aspect of pronunciation and become more important as language proficiency increases.
The role of grammar in language learning [00:22:29]
Exploration of the significance of grammar in Chinese language learning and the advice to not be overly perfectionist about it.
Embracing imperfections in language learning [00:25:36]
Discussion on the benefits of embracing imperfections in language learning and how it can lead to growth and progress.
The Physics of Languages [00:30:37]
Discussion on applying physics models to analyze language spread and common features between languages.
Zipf's Law of Brevity [00:32:36]
Explanation of a statistical law that states more frequently used words tend to be shorter, supported by a study of over a thousand languages.
Rob's Chinese Journey [00:34:49]
Interview with Rob Neale, a Mandarin Chinese teacher, about his experience learning Chinese and his parents' involvement with China in the 80s and 90s.
Learning Chinese in China [00:40:24]
The speaker discusses their decision to go to China to learn Chinese and their initial experiences in Beijing.
Choosing China over Japan [00:41:11]
The speaker explains why they chose to go to China instead of Japan and their excitement about the rapid changes happening in China.
Immersion in Chinese Language [00:44:30]
The speaker talks about their language learning process in China, including joining a language course and practicing Chinese with classmates and locals.
The Transformational Experience [00:51:35]
Rob shares his experiences of taking students to China and how it transformed their motivation and perception of learning Chinese.
Working for the BBC during the Olympics [00:52:57]
Rob talks about his job as a local fixer for the BBC during the Beijing Olympics and how it motivated his students to continue learning Chinese.
The Future of Chinese Language Education [00:56:22]
Rob discusses the current challenges in Chinese language education and the importance of understanding China in the 21st century.
The PhD research on pronunciation [01:00:31]
The speaker discusses their experience doing a PhD in second language acquisition, focusing on pronunciation, and how it gave them a new lease of life.
The importance of reading for pleasure [01:02:36]
The speaker shares their regret of not starting to read Mandarin Companion books earlier and how reading for pleasure can greatly improve language skills.
The controversy around the importance of tones [01:05:12]
The speaker talks about their controversial PhD thesis that tested the assumption that tones are not crucial for understanding spoken Mandarin, and discusses the findings of their research.
The roommate's taxi story [01:11:48]
An anecdote about the speaker's Italian roommate trying to call a taxi in China using the word "choo choo."
Advice for learning Chinese [01:12:35]
The guest, Robert Neil, gives advice on learning Chinese, including persevering, not being afraid of making mistakes, and immersing oneself in the language and culture.
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What does a great tutor do differently? How often should they correct you? What should you do if you can’t afford a private tutor? John and I will give you tips and advice on how to identify a tutor who can help you take your Chinese to the next level. Guest interview is with Lucy Jak-Lax, an aspiring musician who fell in love with China, explored the diverse ethnic music of the country, and has even written her own songs in Chinese. By combining her love for Chinese and music, she is forging her own career and loving the ride.
Replay of episode 36 first aired on May 18, 2020.
Links from the episode:
- iTalki | Online tutors
- @lush_ess | Lucy Jak-Lax on Instagram
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In June of 2023, Jared Turner delivered the keynote speech at the Swire Chinese language conference in Newcastle, England. This episode features his address discussing Chinese learner motivation, specifically how to help students find their own motivation as well as identifying what can squash it. After a Q&A session, there are six speed interviews with Chinese teachers from the UK sharing their stories of why they started to learn Chinese.
The Swire Chinese Language Conference [00:01:20]
John and Jared talk about the Swire Chinese Language Conference and its purpose in promoting Chinese language education in the UK.
Observing Chinese Classes in the UK [00:02:26]
Jared shares his experience of visiting classrooms in London and Oxford to observe Chinese language education the UK.
Keynote Address: Discovering motivation behind learning Chinese [00:04:25]
Jared discusses research conducted by Mandarin Companion, which identified six distinct groups of Chinese language learners based on their reasons for learning Chinese.
How to help students find their motivation [00:15:32]
Jared discusses practical ways to help obligated learners discover their own intrinsic motivation for learning Chinese.
Q&A: The importance of intrinsic motivation [00:21:45]
Interview with Jared: Jared discusses the challenges of helping students find their intrinsic motivation to learn Chinese and the fragility of motivation.
Q&A: What stops students from learning Chinese? [00:23:35]
Jared answers a question highlighting the difficulty and time it takes to feel a sense of accomplishment in learning Chinese and how it can affect motivation.
Q&A: Why are students from immigrant families who have learned English not motivated to learn Chinese? [00:25:34]
Jared answers question about why kids who have learned English as a second language may not be interested in learning another language like Chinese.
Q&A: What are some best practices from the USA? [00:27:19]
Jared explores the use of innovative teaching methods, such as comprehensible input, and the benefits of dual language immersion programs in the US education system.
Robert Neil: Swire Chinese program overview [00:29:33]
Robert is the coordinator for the Swire Chinese center in Manchester, England. He explains the Swire Group’s involvement in Chinese language education in the UK.
Interview: Dean Robinson [00:32:40]
Dean shares his two-decade journey of learning Chinese, initially motivated by his fascination with Chinese culture and later by a professional goal. He emphasizes the significant role technology and a clear purpose can play in language learning.
Interview: Zainab Khalid [00:36:53]
Zainab, who helms a Mandarin teaching department, shares her spontaneous decision to study Mandarin at university despite initial intentions to pursue sciences. She stresses the rewarding nature of Mandarin learning, suggesting it becomes easier and more gratifying as proficiency increases.
Interview: Alex Tarbot [00:39:26]
Alex, who transitioned from Spanish to Chinese due to its potential opportunities, discusses his language learning journey and how the allure of understanding Chinese culture kept him motivated.
Interview: Jay Smith [00:42:03]
Jay, a former entrepreneur turned Mandarin teacher, shares his random decision to learn Chinese influenced by his sister's suggestion. His passion for languages and the ability they offer to connect with others, combined with his experiences in China, have cemented his path.
Interview: Torri Widowson [00:44:50]
Tori, a teacher from Whitburn School, speaks about her early experiences in learning Chinese, the cultural insights gained through language, and how technology has revolutionized language learning.
Interview: James Stagg [00:48:50]
James talks about his passion for teaching and ensuring that children and young adults have a positive and engaging experience learning Mandarin.
Jared and John answer listener questions about learning Chinese such as the effectiveness of extensive reading, habits for Chinese learners, tools for learning word context, and the helpfulness of Chinese media. Guest interview is with Shannon Kennedy, a polyglot for whom Chinese became a significant part of her life and shares the impact it had on her friendships and career.
The Q&A session begins [00:01:40]
Jared and John answer listener questions about learning Chinese and discuss the benefits of extensive reading and the whole language model.
The debate on whole language vs. direct instruction [00:03:07]
John explains the difference between whole language and direct instruction and how it applies to learning Chinese.
The progression of Mandarin Companion books [00:08:36]
Jared and John discuss the progression of Mandarin Companion books and how to determine when to move up to the next level based on reading speed and vocabulary acquisition.
Opportunities to Speak Chinese [00:13:35]
Jared shares his habit of always looking for opportunities to speak Chinese and how it has helped him improve his language skills.
Checking Tones for Accurate Pronunciation [00:11:52]
John talks about the importance of remembering tones and shares his habit of frequently checking tones to improve pronunciation.
Learning Words in Context [00:15:57]
Jared and John discuss the importance of learning words in context and suggest using dictionaries with sample sentences to understand how words are used.
Using Chinese media for language learning [00:21:36]
Discussion on whether consuming Chinese media like TV shows, movies, and social media is an effective way to improve tones and natural speaking flow.
The helpfulness of Chinese restaurants for language learners [00:27:53]
Sharing a travel hack of visiting Chinese restaurants while traveling abroad to find Chinese-speaking staff who can provide assistance.
Learning Multiple Languages [00:31:29]
Shannon shares how she got involved in learning multiple languages and the program requirements she had to meet.
Discovering Croatian [00:33:26]
Shannon talks about her personal connection to the Croatian language and why she started learning it independently.
Starting to Learn Chinese [00:38:27]
Shannon explains how she decided to learn Chinese and her initial experiences with the language, including the importance of learning pinyin and characters.
Learning Chinese for my child [00:40:40]
Shannon shares their motivation to learn Chinese when they found out they were pregnant and their journey of studying the language for their child.
Personal rewards of learning Chinese [00:44:55]
The speaker talks about the personal rewards they have experienced, including making close friends and having unique experiences, thanks to their ability to speak Chinese.
The impact of speaking Chinese on friendships and career opportunities [00:49:32]
Shannon shares how speaking Chinese with her friends in Shanghai made her feel more included and created a different dynamic within the group.
Advice for learning Chinese and overcoming challenges [00:52:01]
Shannon gives advice on not being intimidated by learning Chinese, taking it step by step, and the value of being able to communicate with people in China who may not speak English.
Do you ever wonder why language learning materials are filled with dialogues? In this episode, John and Jared discuss the benefits of dialogues in language learning, such as authentic spoken language, contextual learning, and natural listening comprehension material including possible drawbacks such as outdated or contrived content. Guest interview is with Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese-American hip hop artist who adds a unique perspective on bridging cultures through music. Bohan shares his experiences growing up in China and the United States, pursuing music, and incorporating his Chinese culture into his work.
Links from the episode:
- Bohan Phoenix
- The Monkey’s Paw | Mandarin Companion Level 1 graded reader
- Language learning has nothing to do with smarts | TED Radio Hour
The usefulness of dialogues [00:02:05]
John and Jared discuss the benefits of dialogues in language learning, such as providing authentic spoken language, contextual learning, natural listening comprehension material, speaking practice, vocabulary expansion, and grammar learning.
Potential drawbacks of dialogues [00:07:41]
John and Jared mention the potential drawbacks of dialogues, such as outdated or contrived content and cramming too much vocabulary or grammar into a single dialogue.
Expanding vocabulary and learning grammar [00:08:29]
John and Jared explain how dialogues can help learners expand their vocabulary and learn grammar in a natural context.
Benefits of Dialogues [00:10:08-00:12:08]
Dialogues provide authentic spoken language, contextual learning, natural listening comprehension material, speaking practice, vocabulary expansion, grammar learning, cultural insight, and engagement.
Using Dialogues in Stories [00:13:12-00:13:55]
Dialogues can be used in stories to break up longer paragraphs of text, provide a break for the reader, and keep the story interesting.
Shared Bikes in Shanghai [00:19:04-00:19:40]
Shared bikes are here to stay in Shanghai, with the blue Hello bikes and yellow Made Twin bikes being the most popular. They are super convenient and can be unlocked with both Alipay and WeChat apps.
Mobike Memories [00:20:21]
Jared and John reminisce about the evolution of bike-sharing services in China.
Enjoying Language Learning [00:22:22]
Jared discusses an article about the importance of enjoying language learning and how it can lead to success.
Bohan Phoenix Interview [00:24:20]
An interview with Bohan Phoenix, a bilingual and bicultural hip hop artist, about his humble beginnings in China and his journey to becoming a successful musician in the US.
Moving to the US [00:30:43]
Bohan Phoenix talks about his move to the US from China at 11 years old, his struggles with culture shock, and his experiences in school.
Rap music and confidence [00:37:44]
Bohan Phoenix discusses how he discovered rap music and how it helped him gain confidence and find his identity in a new country.
Supportive mother [00:39:42]
Bohan Phoenix talks about his mother's supportive attitude towards his exploration of music and identity, and how it helped him gain confidence.
Bohan's music journey [00:40:42]
Bohan Phoenix talks about his journey into music, from leaving voicemails with raps to performing in high school and eventually pursuing music full-time.
Embracing two cultures [00:44:06]
Bohan discusses his journey of embracing his Chinese culture and incorporating it into his music, as well as his experiences of being a "perpetual foreigner" in America.
Approach to bilingual songwriting [00:47:53]
Bohan talks about his approach to mixing English and Chinese in his music, from starting with just a few lines to experimenting with different rhythms and eventually dialing it back to convey his ideas more effectively.
Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings [00:50:42]
Bohan Phoenix shares his experiences with cross-cultural misunderstandings between China and the US.
Personal Relationships in Music [00:56:25]
Bohan Phoenix talks about how his personal relationships, particularly with his mother, influence his music.
Teaching English through Chinese Sonics [00:59:38]
Bohan Phoenix shares his experience teaching English to his bandmates in China by writing Chinese sonics next to English words.
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Questions are a fundamental function of language. John and Jared talk about how to use asking and responding to questions to maximize your learning gain. Guest interview is with Jonathan Rechtman, a simultaneous interpreter, entrepreneur, and consultant.
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion Merch Black Friday sale | Website
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We all come into language learning with different expectations. John and Jared talk about common expectations many learners have versus the reality of the language. Guest interview is with Dan Stephenson, consultant, China watcher, and a guy with his fingers in many pies.
Links from the episode:
- Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | Mandarin Companion Level 2 graded reader
- Mandarin Companion | Brand new website
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After nearly 4 years since the first episode, Jared and John celebrate their 100th podcast episode with two special interviews with two special guest interviewers. Even John gets to do the intro this time!
Links from the episode:
- Mandarin Companion | Chinese graded readers
- Chinese learning memes on Instagram
- SinoSplice | John’s Blog
- AllSet Learning
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You’re learning Chinese, but are you getting better? Chances are you’re improving but it can be hard to notice the progress. John and Jared discuss 9 signs that your Chinese is getting better so you can start celebrating those wins! Interview is with Arthur Jones, documentary filmmaker and director of The Six, a new documentary about the six Chinese survivors of the Titanic.
Links from the episode:
- Small Personal Victories in Language Acquisition | Sinosplice
- The Six 《六人》Documentary | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Weibo
- How Jane Austen’s early Chinese translators were stumped by the oddities of 19th-century British cuisine | The Conversation
- The Secret Garden | Mandarin Companion Level 1
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There are a lot of opinions about how to learn Chinese with some of it being just plain bad! John and Jared share some of the worst advice they’ve come across, why it’s bad, and what you can be doing instead to get your Chinese on track.
Interview is with Steve Kaufmann, legendary polyglot and speaker of 20 languages, including Chinese!
Links from the episode:
-
84 How to progress from textbooks to conversation
-
70 Reading the News: Do’s and Dont's
-
87 The 6 Types of Chinese Learners
-
79 Why typing characters is better than handwriting
-
23 Pinyin Over Characters: the Crippling Crutch
- Erhua | The Chinese Pronunciation Wiki
- Country of the Blind | Mandarin Companion Level 1
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Many people study for the HSK exam but will focusing your language learning on your interests and needs be better and faster? Well, yes…maybe! In this episode John and Jared discuss how to bring better focus to your studies so you can beat the pants off the HSK. Guest interview is with Ben Whatley, avid Chinese learner and co-founder of Memrise.
Links from the episode:
- Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) | Wikipedia general info
- HSK-Mod | Live, one-one-one online courses by AllSet Learning
- No links for too much sugar in your Chinese food… no one needs that
- Simply Chinese | Comprehensible input YouTube channel
- Memrise | Co-founded by guest Ben Whatley
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Does a musical background make you better at Chinese? Believe it or not, there is research on this very subject that John and I are going to delve into. Guest interview is with Murray James Morrison, jazz musician, composer, and professor at NYU Shanghai.
Links from the episode:
- Research Paper | Identification of Mandarin tones by English-speaking musicians and nonmusicians
- Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | New Level 2, 450 Words, Mandarin Companion Graded Reader
- Sinica Podcast hosted by Kaiser Kuo
- The China Project | Rebranded name for SupChina
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Anyone can learn a language, but in this episode, John and I are going to talk about five qualities of good language learners. Call them qualities, call them attitudes — these adjustments will help maximize your learning results.
Guest interview is with Zachary Gidwitz, who despite having a Chinese teacher tell him to give up, later progressed to a level that opened up job opportunities with one of China’s largest ecommerce giants.
Links from the episode:
- YCLC #7 The Myth of Learning Chinese Like a Child
- Tolerance of Ambiguity and Use of Second Language Strategies
- Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai (Mandarin Companion’s next book!)
- The Six | Documentary about 6 Chinese survivors of the Titanic
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The Ultra-Traditional, the “Buddy”, the Know-it-All, and the “Too Nice” are all teacher types that John and Jared are going to break down and you should consider avoiding. That being said, they have some redeeming qualities too!
Interview is with Brad Johnson whose interest and friendships were the driving force in improving his Chinese skills to the level where he now hosts a podcast in Chinese.
Links from the episode:
-
87 The 6 Types of Chinese Learners
-
79 Why typing characters is better than handwriting
- Emma 《安末》 (Mandarin Companion Level 1 graded reader)
- Brad Johnson’s Podcasts | MianBao.fm
- Xiaoyuzhou podcast app
- Top 100 Podcasts on Xiaoyuzhou
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In this special episode, John and Jared interview game-based learning expert Fred Poole who is a professor at Michigan State University, an avid gamer, and also an advanced speaker of Chinese and Spanish.
Links from the episode:
- Fred Poole at Github
- Game and Activity Book by Fred Poole (PDF)
- Identity RPG game
- Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Curly Haired Company | Mandarin Companion Level 1 graded reader
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Have you ever had comments in Chinese about your weight, asked how much money you make, or experienced just a general lack of “please” and “thank-you”? John and Jared talk about common usages of Chinese that at times can be perceived as “rude” by non-native speakers. Plus we’ll talk about how YOU can avoid being perceived as rude to Chinese speakers. Interview is with Randy Telfer who was first drawn to Chinese by martial arts and today has built a life and career around Chinese.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How long can you use Chinese before your “brain is full”? John and Jared talk about endurance in Chinese, how to build stamina, and what to expect as your Chinese progresses to the next level. Interview is with Tyler Christler, an American based in Dalian speaking Dongbei-flavored Mandarin who produces videos on Chinese social media.
Links from the episode:
- Chinese Vocabulary Wiki | AllSet Learning
-
30 Second Language or Foreign Language: What Type of Learner Are You?
- Tyler Christler is “铁蛋儿Tyler” on Douyin and Bili Bili
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What do you do when your dictionary says one thing but native speakers say it differently? John and Jared will talk about how to handle this and put it to use in your own studies.
Interview is with Ryan Alexander Holmes, an actor, popular TikTocker, and black Afro Asian American, or Blasian.
Links from the episode:
- Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism | YouTube
- Pronunciation Variants | Chinese Pronunciation Wiki
- The Ransom of Red Chief | Level 1 Graded Reader
- Reading is the original SRS | Sinosplice
- Ryan Alexander Holmes | TikTok and Instagram
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Jared and John discuss a research paper on learner engagement with vocabulary apps. Whether you’re an independent learner or a teacher, there are plenty of surprises and takeaways!
Interview is with Jonathan Coveny, whose obsession with Chinese took him on a winding path of learning the language. Especially for all you study nerds out there, don’t miss this one.
Links from the episode:
- Research Paper: Stimulating learner engagement in app-based L2 vocabulary self-study: Goals and feedback for effective L2 pedagogy by Xuehong (Stella) He, Shawn Loewen
- Episode 40 How to Set Goals for Learning Chinese
- Xiao Ming, Boy Sherlock | Breakthrough Graded Reader
- The Chinese Nickname for “Love, Death & Robots” | Sinosplice
- Stories from our Readers: From Flash Cards to Martial Arts -Jonathan’s Story | Mandarin Companion
- Episode 61 interview with Jonathan Becker | You Can Learn Chinese
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Learning a language is much more than learning vocabulary. This includes understanding and anticipating interactions within a cultural context. John and Jared discuss exactly what this means and what you should know to maximize your gains.
Interview is with Elisa Ferrero, a native of Italy who learned English to learn Chinese and today is a Chinese teacher to Spanish speakers in Argentina.
Links from the episode:
- AllSet Learning 1-on-1 Live Lessons
- You Can Learn Chinese in Taiwan (even now!)
- HSK Level | vocab level assessment
- Elisa Ferrero website | ElisaLaoshi.com (Spanish)
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In 2021, Jared and John at Mandarin Companion surveyed over a thousand Chinese learners worldwide. Based on a statistical analysis, they found six main types of Chinese learners. Which one are you? Interview is with Dillon Jaghory who achieved a high level of Chinese proficiency while living in the U.S.
Links from the episode:
- Country of the Blind | Mandarin Companion Level 1
- Chinese Character Challenge | Ridiculously basic & somewhat nostalgic game for reviewing HSK characters
- 天天跳绳 | Exercise app in Chinese
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Slang words in Chinese are always evolving, but is it worth it to learn? As always, it depends. Guest interview is with language enthusiast, author, academic, and polyglot Kyle Anderson.
Links from the episode:
- Kyle Anderson | New Books
- Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Curly Haired Company | Mandarin Companion Graded Reader
- Slow Chinese 每周漫闻 | Weekly Chinese slang newsletter
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Learning from native speakers is essential. In this episode, Jared and John will make you aware of ways they can also lead you astray. Guest interview is with Nicholas Hung who went the extra mile to reconnect with his roots.
Links from the episode:
- Never Trust a Native Speaker – Sinosplice
- Pronunciation Variants – Chinese Pronunciation Wiki
- The Secret Garden －Mandarin Companion Level 1 Graded Reader
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Do you ever feel like you’re trying to get conversational in Chinese but seem to be stuck in textbooks and classes? In this episode, John and Jared discuss the leap involved in moving beyond textbook Chinese to conversational Chinese
Guest interview is with Andrew Methven, whose adventures backpacking through the mountains and villages of China inspired him to learn Chinese.
Links from the episode:
- Podcast #13 | The Four Keys to Learning Chinese You Need to Know
- Paul Nation – The Four Strands
- Upgrading Self-Introductions – Sinosplice
- HSK-Mod Courses - AllSet Learning
- Slow Chinese 每周漫闻 on Subststack
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
WeChat is the most popular instant messaging platform in China. In this episode, John and I are going to tell you tips and tricks on how to use Wechat to learn Chinese.
Interview is with Matt McGill, star actor on the popular YouTube China expat comedy channel “Mamahuhu”.
Links from the episode:
- Where to get WeChat 微信
- Mamahuhu | YouTube Channel
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If you’re into music, this episode is for you! John and Jared talk about how Chinese songs can help you learn Chinese.
Interview is with Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese American hip-hop artist straddling two cultures. If you’ve not yet heard of him, then don’t miss this one!
Links from the episode:
- 我的朋友在哪里 | Chinese kids song
- Stinky Tofu Song (臭豆腐之歌) | Chinese Buddy
- The Moon Represents My Heart | 月亮代表我的心
- 好想好想 | Zhao Wei 赵薇
- Christmas Music in Chinese | Sinosplice
- Netease Music | Chinese music app
- Jekyll and Hyde | Mandarin Companion Level 2
- Bohan Phoenix | All links
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Do native speakers know the tones? How well do you need to know tones to listen or speak? Jared and John delve into these and other questions with answers that might surprise you! You’ll come away with a longer-term strategy for learning tones, even if you’re as tone-deaf as John once was.
Interview is with Daniel Nalesnik, who, due to a fluke scheduling error, took a Chinese class, fell in love with the language, quit his job, and ended up in China studying full time.
Links from the episode:
- Chinese Pronunciation Wiki by AllSet Learning
- Hack Chinese flashcard platform
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Sometimes we forget how easy it can be to practice Chinese. In this episode, Jared and John talk about everyday games, like Uno and charades, you can use to practice Chinese. Suitable for all ages and learning levels, these are guaranteed to inject some fun into your Chinese learning!
Interview is with Martina Fuchs who started her career as an Arabic-speaking spy for the Swiss government and later became a TV journalist for CCTV, China’s huge state broadcaster.
Links from the episode:
- Liars Dice – Classic Chinese game of dice
- Card Games for Language Learning – SinoSplice
- Martina Fuchs on Instagram
- Interview with translator William White
- Emma 《安末》 – Mandarin Companion Level 1 graded reader
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Jared and John talk about why typing characters leads to better learning outcomes than handwriting. They dispel conventional wisdom backed by science from an academic research study by Dr. Phyllis Zhang (张霓). You may have an opinion on the matter, but now it’s time to find out what the actual research tells us.
Our interview is with Eileen Wu, a heritage learner who decided to get serious about learning Chinese and did a head-first career dive into China.
Links from the episode:
- "Typing to Replace Handwriting: Effectiveness of the Typing-Primary Approach for L2 Chinese Beginners" by Phyllis Zhang
-
05 Writing Characters: Is It Worth Your Time?
-
64 Tips and tricks for typing Chinese
-
66 Guest: Matt Coss (8 Tips for Using Your Dictionary)
-
68 Why Is Chinese So Damn Hard
-
08 Guest: Dr. David Moser (Tones, Music, and Confidence)
- In Search of Hua Ma (Mandarin Companion Breakthrough Level book)
- Dr. Tim Xie (谢天蔚), California State University, Long Beach
- The 5 Best Apps for Reading Chinese
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John and Jared have pulled the best stories out of all of the guest interviews of 2021. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and be inspired as we look back on the year.
Links from the episode:
-
70 Reading the News: Do’s and Don'ts
-
60 How Chinese Food Can Help Your Chinese
-
59 Bridging to Breakthrough and Abigail Washburn
-
55 Flashcards, spaced repetition software, and building proficiency
-
56 When Should You Start Learning Characters?
-
69 The rivalry: Beijing vs. Shanghai
-
74 Improving your listening skills (Part 2 of 2)
-
73 Improving your listening skills (Part 1 of 2)
-
65 Going all the way: Graduate studies in Chinese
-
68 Why is Chinese so damn hard?
-
72 The Truth about Chinese subtitles
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, John and Jared talk about something close to their hearts: reading in Chinese. They discuss the different types of reading, different techniques for advanced learners, and specifically how you can harness the power of extensive reading to accelerate your Chinese.
Guest interview is with Sebastian Mueller from Germany, who moved to China and, in addition to his day job, is a growing personality on Chinese social media.
Links from the episode:
- Science of Reading: Simple View (Wikipedia)
- Winter Cheer Chinese Courses (AllSet Learning)
- Andrew Methven’s Slow Chinese 每周漫闻
- Radio.Garden - live radio stations worldwide
- Sebastian Mueller on 小红书
- Sebastian Mueller on LinkedIn
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In this episode, John and Jared respond to a listener question about Cantonese, which leads to a discussion around China’s numerous dialects/languages, which are in fact “topolects.”
Guest interview is with Daniel Pang, who grew up speaking Cantonese at home, became a doctor, then quit his job to learn Chinese.
Links from the episode:
- Varieties of Chinese (Wikipedia)
- "A language is a dialect with an army and navy" (Wikipedia)
- Just Friends? / 我们是朋友吗？ (Mandarin Companion graded reader)
- Wu Chinese Wikipedia
- Daniel Pang YouTube channel
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode John and Jared share the proper way to compare similar words, characters, sounds, and grammar points. There’s a time and a place for everything, and once you know the right way to approach these comparisons, you can maximize your learning.
Guest interview is with Stefan Erfurth, a Chinese learner from Germany working in artificial intelligence who decided to put his heart into learning Chinese all because of a little girl.
Links from the episode:
- Pitfalls of Studying Similar Words (AllSet Learning)
- Jekyll and Hyde - Mandarin Companion Level 2 graded reader
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcastsand they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebookand catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared talk about three types of research-backed strategies and tips you can employ to improve your listening skills, specifically in the areas where you struggle.
Guest interview is with Gabrielle Barnett from Jamaica, whose quest to learn Chinese has opened doors and taken her around the world, far beyond anything she could have imagined.
Links from the episode:
- Intelligibility of normal speech I: Global and fine-grained acoustic-phonetic talker characteristics (research paper, PDF format)
- Chinese Pronunciation Wiki: Pinyin Chart, Pinyin “Gotchas”
- When a Window is a Door (Sinosplice)
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Listening is one of the biggest challenges for Chinese learners. In this two part series, John and Jared talk about the most complicating factors to understanding spoken Chinese. You’ll become aware of these and be able to pinpoint where you may be struggling.
Guest interview is with Marc Dupont, a lobbyist from Canada whose personal quest has kept him learning Chinese for over 20 years.
Links from the episode:
- Chris Max interview episode: #28 A Method to Remember Thousands of Characters
- Robin MacPherson interview episode: #62 Make your language learning learner-centric
- Robin MacPherson: Learning One Foreign Language Completely Changed My Life
- The Prince and the Pauper - Mandarin Companion level 1 graded reader
- Mandarin Companion Memes
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcastsand they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
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John and Jared use research to address issues related to watching movies in Chinese, with and without Chinese subtitles. Find out what the academics say and stick around for the practical advice!
Guest interview is with Jeremy Bai, a translator, author, and ENNIE-winning game designer who turned his fascination with Chinese martial arts into a career of translating Chinese novels for a living.
Links from the episode:
- Factors Influencing the Use of Captions by Foreign Language Learners: An Eye‐Tracking Study, Paula Winke, Susan Gass, Tetyana Sydorenko (2013, The Modern Language Journal)
- To Live / 活着 (IMDb)
- Mandarin Companion Memes on Instagram
- Mandarin Companion Meme on Facebook
- Mandarin Companion Memes on Twitter
- The Garlic Hangover (Sinosplice)
- Jeremy Bai website
- Deathblade/Jeremy Bai YouTube channel
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcastsand they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebookand catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How do Chinese people feel about a foreigner with a potty mouth in Chinese? Are curse words worth learning? John and Jared talk about swearing in Chinese and what you should be aware of.
Guest interview is with Ashleigh Au, who combined her language skills and life experiences to create career opportunities that otherwise would have been unobtainable.
Links from the episode:
- Swearing in a foreign language is the first step to fluency… [Note: Clickbait title]
- Profanity: Types by Purpose (Wikipedia)
- Mandarin Chinese Profanity (Wikipedia) -- WARNING: this includes graphic stuff!
- Ashleigh Au at Ou & Company
- Educating Girls of Rural China
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcastsand they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebookand catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Reading a Chinese newspaper is a common goal for many learners, but is it the right goal for you? John and Jared talk about what you need to know about the news in Chinese, how to get started, and the options available to you.
Guest interview is with Michael Berry, a professor at UCLA who specializes in Chinese literature, cinema, and pop culture.
Links from the episode:
- The Chairman’s Bao (simplified news stories)
- ARC: Advanced Readings in Chinese (free Substack newsletter)
- Michael Berry professor at UCLA
- Wuhan Diary: Dispatches from a Quarantined City - translated by Michael Berry
- Key Word of the Month: 减负 (jiǎn fù)
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcastsand they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebookand catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared answer a listener’s question about the rivalry between China’s two most famous cities: Shanghai and Beijing. They discuss culture, history, and language, and even provide one additional view from a mystery correspondent!
The guest interview is with William White, a professional simultaneous interpreter in Chinese with decades of experience and stories.
Links from the episode:
- “What are the differences between Shanghai and Beijing?” (Quora.com)
- “Shanghai vs. Beijing” (Sinosplice.com)
- “Beijing vs. Shanghai” (Versus.com)
- Heaven is high and the emperor is far away (Wikipedia)
- ARC: Advanced Readings in Chinese (Substack)
- Yangshuo County (Wikipedia)
- The China in Africa Podcast
- Bio of interpreter William White
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared are going to revisit and unpack this classic question posed by Dr. David Moser three decades ago and identify what is hard about Chinese, what is easier now, and whether Chinese really is harder than other languages.
The guest interview is with Sarah Kutulakos, a lifetime Chinese learner and the executive director at the Canada China Business Council.
Links from the episode:
- Why Chinese Is So Damn Hard, by Dr. David Moser
- Why Learning Chinese Is Hard (Sinosplice)
- The Princess Bride: "Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." (YouTube)
- YCLC Episode #8: Tones, Music, and Confidence, with Dr. David Moser
- YCLC Episode #39: The Future of Learning Chinese, with Terry Waltz
- The Monkey’s Paw (Mandarin Companion Level 1 Graded Reader)
- The Simpsons: The Monkey's Paw (YouTube)
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Electronic pop-up dictionaries are all the rage! But are they really helping you improve your Chinese? John and Jared take a research-based look at the impact of pop-up dictionaries and answer the question “Can you really click your way to fluency?”
The guest interview is with Chris Max, a famous YouTuber you’ve likely never heard of because his videos are in Chinese and made for Chinese audiences. This is a rerun interview from January 2020.
Links from the episode:
- Research paper: Reading strategies and reading comprehension retention with and without a pop-up dictionary by beginning learners of Chinese
- Research paper: The use of e-dictionary to read e-text by intermediate and advanced learners of Chinese
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A dictionary is frequently one of the first things you buy when learning a language. In this episode, John and Jared will give you tips and tricks and do’s and don’ts on Chinese dictionaries, so you can get the most out of them for your learning gain.
The guest interview is with Matt Coss, a Chinese-language educator and Ph.D. candidate who is helping to craft the future of Chinese education.
Links from the episode:
- Interagency Language Roundtable Language Skill Level Descriptions
- Pleco Chinese dictionary
- MDBG Chinese dictionary
- YellowBridge Chinese dictionary
- “Searching Pleco Dictionary Entries with Wildcards” (Sinosplice blog post)
- “Where We Come From,” by Emily Kwong (an episode in the NPR video and audio series)
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What does it take to pursue a graduate-level degree in Chinese in China? With our resident expert, John Pasden, we’ll pull back the curtain to show you what it takes for a non-Chinese person to get admitted into an all-Chinese university program and what studying in China at a graduate level is like.
This guest interview is with Tom Connelly, a multilingual worldwide adventurer who is channeling his passion into teaching others the Chinese language. He’s currently working on a master’s degree at Nanjing University.
Links from the episode:
- Why China for Grad School? (Sinosplice blog post)
- Classes in Brief (Sinosplice blog post)
- Chinese Grammar Wiki(Mandarin Companion grammar point reference page)
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You’ve got the basics down. Sounds like you’re ready to type Chinese! John and Jared talk about how Chinese input methods work and, for the more advanced learners, teach you tips and tricks to make Chinese input less painful and time-consuming.
Interview is with Suzy Williams who learned Chinese fully immersed in Taiwan while serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Links from the episode:
- Chinese Input Methods (Hacking Chinese)
- Mandarin Companion graded readers are now available as addons in Pleco
- Zhihu (知乎), Chinese Q&A site (best to find articles via Google searches)
- Hack Chinese Flashcard platform
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Language is words, so learn enough words and you’ll be fluent, right? As a sophisticated learner, you know it’s not that simple. In this episode, we discuss the subtleties of vocabulary learning, how it is (and isn’t) like Legos, what “high-frequency” means, and how to apply all of this to your studies.
The guest interview is with Mischa Wilmers from England. For all of you who wanted to learn Chinese during lockdown, Mischa did it and shares how he achieved proficiency with little interaction with others.
Links from the episode:
- YCLC Episode #13: The four keys to learning Chinese you need to know
- Vocabulary as puzzle pieces (Sinosplice article)
- Great Expectations: Part 1 (Chinese graded reader)
- SUBTLEX-CH (movie subtitle corpus project)
- Scientists find 'missing link' behind first human languages
- Why I’m a fan of Chinese graded readers, by Mischa Wilmers
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared discuss what it means to be “learner-centric” and how you can adapt your learning methods to fit your own goals. You’ll get insights into the new HSK and other standardized tests, ACTFL’s “Can-Do” statements, and Mandarin Companion standards. These are all things you can use right away!
The guest interview is with Robin MacPherson, a highly enthusiastic polyglot who speaks eight languages and documents his language learning on YouTube.
Links from the episode:
- Why I’m a Fan of Chinese Graded Readers (Micha’s blog post)
- 你好 Compilation YouTube Video (omitted from last week’s show notes)
- NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements
- Novice Can-Do Statements (PDF)
- Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Curly-Haired Company (Mandarin Companion Graded Reader)
- How To Develop Spoken Fluency Through Reading (four-part YouTube series)
- Robin MacPherson YouTube Channel
- Journaly (An online journal used to improve language learning)
- Subtitle Hero (An interactive subtitle service for Chinese-language shows)
- Shanghai Russians (The story behind the Russian diaspora in Shanghai)
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Recently, Mandarin Companion participated in the 2021 National Chinese Language Conference (NCLC), and the topics discussed provided quite a bit of insight into what is in store for the future of Chinese learning, since methods applied in schools trickles down to affect all learners. Spoiler alert: the future is bright!
Guest interview with Jonathan Becker, a college student who was placed into his Universities intermediate Chinese level after just 4 months of learning all due to, yep, you guessed it, extensive reading.
Links from the episode:
- NCLC: Breakout Sessions
- NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements
- CC-CEDict (free Chinese dictionary) on MDBG.net
- AllSet Learning Chinese Grammar Wiki
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Everyone loves Chinese food, but if only there were a way to tie your love for the cuisine into progress learning the language. Well, there is! ...sort of. Tune in to learn what to do and what not to do so that your stomach stays full as your Mandarin levels up.
Guest interview with James Wong who, despite a severe hearing disability, worked hard to overcome the odds and made impressive progress towards learning Chinese. Prepare to be inspired by James’ journey.
Links from the episode:
- You Can Learn Chinese Episode 43
- How to Learn to Order Food in Chinese (Sinosplice)
- 10 Vegetables China Taught Me to Love (Sinosplice -- John’s rave)
- Chinese Cooking Demystified (YouTube Channel -- Jared’s rave)
- The Misadventures of Zhou Haisheng (Mandarin Companion Graded Reader)
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What if you are still struggling to get to the point where you can read the lowest level graded readers? What techniques can get you there? John and Jared will discuss steps you can take to bridge the gap to real reading and also begin to experience the snowball effect of reading in Chinese.
Guest interview is with Abigail Washburn, a Grammy Award winning bluegrass musician, whose plans to attend law school in Beijing were derailed by a record deal.
Links from the episode:
- How to Learn to Read Chinese: Baby Steps to Real Reading (Part 2 of 4)
- Xiao Ming, Boy Sherlock (Mandarin Companion Breakthrough Level book)
- Mandarin Corner
- Abigail Washburn - Official site
- Abigail Washburn & Wu Fei - Banjo and Guzheng collaboration
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Will Chinese one day unseat English to become the dominant language around the world? Jared and John discuss a paper by professor Jeffery Gil who predicts that one day it will. Guest interview is with Amani Core who provides a philosophical perspective on how Chinese shapes our view of humanity.
Links from the episode:
- “Chinese to Rise as a Global Language” by Jeffery Gil
- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong (Amazon)
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
You probably know a bit about Chinese surnames, but in this episode you’ll learn how they relate to both Chinese culture and language acquisition plus how they can even help you forge new relationships in Chinese. Guest interview is with Chris Marquis (of the China Corner Office podcast), business professor from Cornell University specializing in China, who has been using Chinese all across China for years as part of his research.
Links from the episode:
- The Top 100 Chinese Surnames (Sinosplice)
- Chinese surname (Wikipedia)
- Mapping China's Surnames 制图 "老百姓"
- Just Friends? / 我们是朋友吗？ (Mandarin Companion graded reader)
- China Corner Office (SupChina podcast)
- Chris Marquis
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared unpack when you should start learning Chinese characters so you can find your own answer that might be later or earlier than you might think. Guest interview is with Adam DiFrisco who found the courage to make huge life changing decisions that brought him to China.
Links from the episode:
- Chinese Grammar Wiki Book: Upper Intermediate
- Mandarin Companion grammar points on the Chinese Grammar Wiki
- Character-based Sign Language
- Learning Chinese via Twitch - Wired
- Speak Chinese With Me T-Shirt
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared talk about flashcards and spaced repetition software, how they can help, their limits, and how to use them to build your Chinese skills. This guest interview is with Mandarin Blueprint cofounder Luke Neale, who felt the call of Chinese pulling him back to China, changing his life forever.
Links from the episode:
SRS flashcards: Pros and cons – Sinosplice
Jekyll and Hyde – level 2 graded reader
uNoGS.com – Netflix movie finder for other languages
Mandarin Companion T-shirts
Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please write John and Jared a review on Apple Podcasts and they’ll give you a shout-out! They are also taking questions from listeners. If you have a question, reach them at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow them on Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared review a paper written by a professor who incorporated graded readers and theater into a Chinese class. You’ll discover why it was so effective at helping students learn and gather even more ways to get creative with your graded readers.
Guest interview is with Denis Suslov, a Russian who moved to China when he was 17 to study Chinese and is still there today working in a Chinese technology company. Denis' life philosophy is to find easy but effective ‘life hacks’ and you’ll hear which ones he used to become such a proficient Chinese speaker.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Mandarin Companion Shirts
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared discuss the difference between how you think your Chinese sounds vs how it really sounds. Surprise surprise, there is a difference! John takes us through an academic paper to tell you which tones you should prioritize to make yourself understood more clearly.
Guest interview is with Linda Yi, creator of Panda Cub stories and a heritage speaker who spent years trying to fit in before fully embracing her cultural identity. Although they have an advantage in learning Chinese, heritage speakers have unique challenges when compared to the average Chinese learner, something you’ll hear in Linda’s story.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- Panda Cub Stories
- Toward Better Tones in Natural Speech
- The Four Tones: Updated Tone Diagram
- Laowai Delusions of Fluency
- Chinese Film Classics
- Modern Chinese Cultural Studies YouTube channel
- Mandarin Companion Shirts
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this special episode, John and Jared went back through all of the interviews of 2020 and pulled out the ten best stories.
Get ready to laugh, reflect, and possibly shed a tear as we take a trip down memory lane.
These stories show how learning Chinese can open doors in all aspects of your life, bringing unexpected and cherished connections…
...except the story about pooping in a bag.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- Jekyll and Hyde: Mandarin Companion Graded Readers Level 2
- "Speak Chinese With Me" T-Shirt
- Mandarin Companion Shirts
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared give you a behind the scenes look at how they choose and adapt stories for Chinese learners like you. It’s a look into how the sausage is made! If you’ve read any of the books, or do any sort of creative work, you may quite enjoy this segment.
Guest interview is with Peter Braden, a Chinese History PhD researcher with some serious Chinese chops. He’s performed Chinese poems in front of crowds of Taiwanese monks, loves a good Saturday morning Chinese karaoke session and he’s writing a dissertation about Chinese cows in the 20th century!
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- “Elementary My Dear Watson”: How We Adapted a Classic to Chinese
- Visualizing China – Historical Photographs of China
- Chinglish T-Shirts in China
- Mamahuhu Chinglish T-shirt sketch
- Mandarin Companion Shirts
- Megan Ammirati on Twitter
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What are you afraid of? John and Jared discuss the most common things that could be holding you back from learning Chinese. They offer tips on how to overcome them to achieve your dreams.
Guest interview is with Megan Ammirati, a 2nd generation Chinese learner and Fulbright scholar. Her story illustrates that your potential will lie fallow in the field unless you apply yourself and find your own reason to learn.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- John's story of Chinese Pronunciation
- Mandarin Companion Shirts
- Megan Ammirati on Twitter
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to part 4 of 4 about learning how to read Chinese. This is the situation: you’ve read all the graded readers and learner content out there, and you're wondering….now what? John and Jared offer tips on how to bridge the gap to native level content.Guest interview is with Matt Sheehan, an intrepid American who landed in China to learn journalism and Chinese and then combined the two! You’re going to like his story, even the part about two workers who carried the toilet out of his apartment.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this EpisodeBoring Bangongshi by AllSet LearningSinosplice: Bite-sized WeChat Material for Advanced Learners: Luoji SiweiSinosplice: The Value of Reading Marvel Comics in ChineseSinosplice: Pleco’s Hidden Gem: the Clipboard ReaderAllSet Learning: Why It’s So Difficult to Find Intermediate Reading MaterialA Madman’s Diary 狂人日記 (Kuángrén Rìjì) by Lu Xun, 1918Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Chinese) 小屁孩日记非常小子马鸣加 Fēicháng Xiǎozi Mǎ MíngjiāWord Wall GamesMandarin Companion Memes - InstagramFunny Chinese Shirts
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to part 3 of 4 about learning how to read Chinese. In this episode, John and Jared discuss the concept of fluency now as opposed to some distant time in the future and how reading will get you there.
Guest interview is with Olle Linge of Hacking Chinese and Chinese language enthusiast extraordinaire. He offers the Chinese learning tips that he wishes someone had told him back when he started Chinese.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
- Funny Chinese Shirts
- Hacking Chinese
- Escape – Chinese language text game
-
46 How to Learn to Read Chinese: Pinyin, Characters, Vocabulary
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47 How to Learn to Read Chinese: Baby Steps to Real Reading
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to part 2 of 4 about learning how to read Chinese. In this episode, John and Jared discuss how to get into reading at an early stage, even if you don’t have anything that is low enough for you to read!
Guest interview is with Heather Turner, an entrepreneurial mother of five. She’s a qualified dental hygienist, professional baker, and most recently, a 5th grade Chinese teacher!
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- What If “Beginning Level” Chinese Books Are Too Hard? 10 Tips for Beginning Readers
- Robin MacPherson YouTube Channel - How To Develop Spoken Fluency Through Reading
- Glamping in Shanghai
- Sentence Mining Like a Boss
- T-Shirts for Chinese Learners
- Chinese Grammar Wiki
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to part 1 of 4 about learning how to read Chinese. In this episode, John and Jared start at the beginning and talk about how to learn pinyin, characters, and vocabulary.Guest interview is with Scott Young, author of bestselling novel “Ultralearning”. Scott spent a year without English and managed to be conversational in four new languages, including HSK Level 4 Chinese!Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this EpisodeChinese Pronunciation WikiSinoSplice - Learn the Structural Patterns of Chinese CharactersHacking Chinese - 7 ways of learning to write Chinese charactersOutlier Linguistics - Getting Radical About RadicalsOde to Heisig and RTKYoYo Chinese Lesson 1 – Intro to ChineseSkritterHanziCraftLanguage Log – Chineasy? Not.Scott Young - UltralearningT-Shirts for Chinese LearnersMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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John and Jared discuss a linguistic concept that you’ve probably never heard of but is pervasive throughout all languages. This will help you understand why for some things there is simply no direct translation and the answer for “why is it said this way?” is often “that’s just how it’s said”!Guest interview is with James Loach, a particle physicist turned artificial intelligence developer who fell in love with the Chinese language. This interview underscores a fundamental truth: no matter how intelligent you may be or what method you use to learn, you still have to put in the work to learn Chinese.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this EpisodeIndependent Study Confirms the “Readability” of the Mandarin Companion SeriesJames Loach WebsiteChinese Dictionary for KindleT-Shirts for Chinese LearnersMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared discuss using Chinese in the workplace and how you can use it no matter what your level.
Guest interview is with Kaiser Kuo, a well know figure among China expats, and who, among many things, started the first Chinese heavy metal band in China and the growth of his Chinese skills is one thing that made it possible. Get ready for some awesome stories.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- T-Shirts for Chinese Learners
- How to Use Graded Readers to Build Student Fluency in Chinese - Webinar
- AllSet Learning Book Club
- Slow Chinese Podcast
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, you’re going to learn how to level up your Chinese listening skills. Jared and John will be sharing tips and tricks you can use no matter where you live.
Guest interview is with Eric Majerus, a home grown American boy learning Chinese for the sake of his family.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- T-Shirts for Chinese Learners
- How to Use Graded Readers to Build Student Fluency in Chinese - Webinar
- AllSet Learning Book Club
- Slow Chinese Podcast
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
So you think you’re funny? John and Jared discuss some of the cultural differences of Chinese humor and what it takes to get your Chinese friends rolling on the floor in laughter.
Guest interview is with Laszlo Montgomery, host of the famous China History Podcast. It's the go-to podcast if you want to learn about the long and at times complex history of China and Chinese people around the world.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- T-Shirts for Chinese Learners
- Jokes in Chinese
- The China History Podcast
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John & Jared discuss the role of translation in the language learning journey. When you encounter a text with many unfamiliar characters, should you open a translation app?Guest interview is with Jeremy Goldkorn, a 20 year veteran of China from South Africa and co-host of the Sinica Podcast. Jeremy’s first learned Chinese in the 90s while sleeping in a Beijing factory dormitory. Today he is the Editor in Chief of SupChina, a news platform offering an accurate, comprehensive, and contextual understanding of China.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this EpisodeSupChinaSinica PodcastThe Chinese Grammar WikiMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared discuss how to set language learning goals, with concrete ideas on how to break them down into achievable chunks and avoiding the trap of “I want to be fluent enough to read a Chinese newspaper”.
Guest interview is with Peter Olson, the creator of Dong-Chinese.com, a man who was born in China, moved to America, and now lives Kazakhstan (go look that up on the map!). He super-charged his Chinese learning by following through on a New Year’s Eve commitment: speaking only Chinese for an entire month.
Links referenced in this Episode
-
19 How to Find Your Motivation
-
24 The 4 Types of Tone Mistakes
- Dong Chinese
- Xiao Ming, Boy Sherlock – Breakthrough Level Graded Reader
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this special episode, guest interview is with expert Chinese teacher trainer and innovator, Terry Waltz. She’s a renegade in the Chinese language of community, championing the cause of comprehensible input, which is the future of all language education. Like us, she’s published a host of graded readers in Chinese and shares a career full of wisdom with us in about 30 minutes.
John and Jared break down her interview and talk about the points that are critical to you as a Chinese learner. Plus, you’ll get some talk about the most recent 2020 National Chinese Language Conference.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode
- Cold Character Reading – Terry Waltz
- Sample Chinese text of 98%, 95%, and 80% Comprehension
- Terry Waltz’s Graded Readers
- The Ransom of Red Chief – Level 1 Graded Reader
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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John and Jared break down what it’s going to take if you want to get conversational in Chinese both in terms of the number of words and which ones are the most necessary. Plus, where to find the vocab to explain the Black Lives Matter movement to your Chinese-speaking friends.
Guest interview is with Finlay Davidson, who went from being the below-average student in his classes to a Chinese language teacher today. One of the keys to his success: basketball!
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- National Chinese Language Conference
- Resources for Discussing Black Lives Matter in Chinese
- The Misadventures of Zhou Haisheng
- Finlay Davidson
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Guest interview is with John Gordon, a longtime resident of Beijing who went from English education to starring in a Children’s TV show in China. His journey shows the value of a long homestay experience in helping with pronunciation and the unbelievable doors that learning Chinese can open for you.
John and Jared then discuss his story and explore the value of homestays, navigating Chinese censorship and how to represent yourself as a foreigner in China. And if you want to know how vampires fit into this, you’ll have to stay to the end.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- John Gordon on 快乐中国
- Chinese Pronunciation Wiki
- Trailer for Chinese Speaking Vampires
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What does a great tutor do differently? How often should they correct you? What should you do if you can’t afford a private tutor? John and I will give you tips and advice on how to identify a tutor who can help you take your Chinese to the next level.Guest interview is with Lucy Jak-Lax, an aspiring musician who fell in love with China, explored the diverse ethnic music of the country, and has even written her own songs in Chinese. By combining her love for Chinese and music, she is forging her own career and loving the ride.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this Episode.How to Evaluate a Chinese Tutor: Best PracticesiTalkiLucy Jak-Lax on InstagramLucy's song and music video 《回声》Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What is in a name? In this episode, John and Jared discuss names in Chinese and how to pick out a good one so you don’t end up with a name like the Chinese girl whose English name is Radiohead.
Guest interview is with Millie Potter from the UK who forged her own path within a study abroad program, found a home-stay family when school was out and opened up unimagined opportunities.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Chinese transliteration of English names
- How to Choose a Chinese Name: 4 Approaches
- John’s Chinese name: 潘吉
- Jared’s Chinese name: 唐伟杰
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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This episode kicks off interviewing Jason Schuurman, an American who has spent a third of his life immersed in Chinese culture and having a blast while doing it. He’s now using technology to bring Chinese learning to the masses.
John and Jared unpack Jason’s tips for pronouncing Chinese confidently and share their own stories about having fun teaching themselves Chinese. Don’t miss John and Jared's raves – how to make the most of Google Translate in China and a guide for lockdown parents trying to keep their kids in a Chinese dual-immersion environment at home.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
-
15 Steven Kaufmann “The Linguist” Interview
- Little Dragons Academy
- Yoyo Chinese
- Google Translate in China
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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John and Jared discuss how you can develop mad Chinese writing skills, complete with very practical activities to build those skills, either with others or by yourself. Make sure you stay tuned for John’s writing game “Eat poop, you cat”.
Guest interview is with Shannon Kennedy, an extraordinary polyglot whose love of Chinese redefined her friendships in ways she could have never imagined. Her story is an inspiration for all of us to get out there and learn more.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- The Process of Learning Tones
- Eat Poop You Cat
- HelloTalk – Talk with natives around the world
- Lang-8 – Writing platform
- Eurolinguiste
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared have an insightful discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe with an on-the-ground perspective in China and the US. John talks about the two month lockdown in Shanghai he experienced and what the end of the pandemic may look like.
Jared shares the story of the virus infecting his own son, including a neighbor who, at the time of this recording, is hospitalized in the ICU in critical condition. If that isn't enough, you'll hear about the earthquake that hit Utah on March 18th.
This is an episode we never thought we’d record, but to help everybody out, we wanted to share our stories.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Coronavirus Lockdown in Shanghai: One Month In - SinoSplice
- Online Book Club Courses from AllSet Learning
- The Unavoidable Novel Coronavirus Vocabulary
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared talk discuss everything you wanted to know about extensive reading but were afraid to ask. After this, you’ll be able to identify why many of the traditional methods of learning a language are not as effective and how extensive reading solves all of those. If you want to accelerate your path to Chinese fluency, this episode is for you.
Guest interview is with Mariano Millet from Argentina. He has spent the last 8 years learning Chinese, a path that started when he decided to ask a girl out on a date. He now delivers business presentations to Chinese investors...in Chinese!
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- The Extensive Reading Foundation
- The inescapable case for extensive reading
- Mandarin Companion Chinese Graded Readers
- Reading Pain or Reading Gain? Reading at the Right Level
- The Chairman’s Bao
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, John and Jared talk about the difference between learning Chinese as a second language vs. learning as a foreign language. At first glance, they seem to be the same thing, but as you pick it apart you begin to see how the difference insidiously impacts learning all over the world.Stop us if you’ve heard this story before: a Chinese learner dabbles for 20 years, learning here and there, but never gets to fluency. This was Christophe Boulet’s life until he figured out smarter approaches that led to breakthroughs and the proficiency he enjoys today. In today’s guest interview, he shares his smart breakthrough methods.Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this Episode.Mamingjia -非常小子马鸣加Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jared talks with Grant Brown, an expert on HSK and AP Chinese test prep. Grant tells us the key reasons people fail, and the secrets to passing. This is advice you won’t hear anywhere else from a teacher who has seen both sides.
We learn the power of reading and how it will fool your Chinese-learning classmates into assuming you did a year abroad in China. Plus, Grant covers the importance of building up stamina in the run up to the tests along with tips on memory retention and why context is crucial to learning faster.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- How to Pass the AP Chinese Exam: Secrets from a Teacher with a Perfect Pass Rate
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Do you find it hard to remember characters? We all do. In this episode, John and Jared discuss a method that has delivered results time and time again. Plus, imagine reading a Charles Dickens novel in Chinese…but with only 450 characters!
Guest interview is with Chris Max. He is a famous You Tuber that you may not have heard of because all of his videos are in Chinese and made for Chinese audiences. His story reveals how focusing on his tones unlocked deep friendships in the country and what it takes to become an internet sensation.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- The Heisig Method
- Chinese Calligraphy Written in Chalk at the Park
- Chris Max YouTube Channel “口语老炮儿马思瑞Chris”
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What can you realistically learn from a textbook? John and Jared discuss this question to help anyone understand how far a textbook can take you towards fluency. Plus, be ready for a surprise guest appearance from John’s mother-in-law!
Guest interview is with Jeff Lindsay, a warm and funny man whose love for Chinese has translated into love for the people. His stories will shine a ray of light into your heart and show how the power of connection through language can enrich our lives.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- The Four Keys to Learning Chinese You Need to Know
- The Current War Movie
- Jeff Lindsay’s Website
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this special episode, John and Jared go over the top 10 YCLC podcasts of the year, highlighting their favorite episodes and why. If you’re new to the podcast, this is a must listen to find out what you might have missed! Plus, there’s a special two truths and a lie, featuring LeBron James, an electric collision with a policeman and a little romance. Guest interview is with Jordan Schneider, host of the China EconTalk podcast and Newsletter. Jordan represents the new generation of Chinese learners who frequently cast aside traditional educational models, focus on what works, and carve out their own path to fluency. His candor and experience are both insightful and refreshing. Don’t miss out on this one. Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on InstagramLinks referenced in this Episode.John & Jared’s Favorite EpisodeChina EconTalk PodcastJordan SchneiderMandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
圣诞节快乐! This is our special Christmas episode! John and Jared discuss Christmas is like in China, Christmas words in Chinese, and they even have a “name that tune” for some Chinese Christmas carols, all to bring you some Christmas cheer… in Chinese!. Don’t miss John’s delicious Chinese coffee rave –a special delight for anybody living in China.
Guest interview is with Mervyn Cooke. He is the kind of person that after talking to him for a few minutes, you feel like he’s an old familiar friend you haven’t seen for a while, and you’re just catching up on life. This is a very special interview – a moving way to reflect on your year learning Chinese and a meaningful way of getting perspective on your life.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Chinese Christmas Songs
- O Derry Boy – Mervyn Cooke’s book of poetry
- John’s Graduate Masters Thesis on Tonal Pairs
- Research Paper - Extensive Reading Coursebooks in China
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Tones are definitely one of the challenging aspects of Chinese. In this episode, John and Jared discuss the 4 types of mistakes learners make with tones and offer tips on fixing them quickly.
Guest interview is with China-based CELTA trainer Mathew Armstrong. Sometimes we try to demonstrate how “good” our Chinese is, however Mathew offers a humbler perspective on how much there is left to learn despite passing a high level Chinese test. He also explains his motivations for learning Chinese, motivations that are different than many of the other guests interviewed on this show.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Types of Tone Mistakes - Sinosplice
- CLASS – Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools
- [CELTA - Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)( https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/celta/)
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared discuss the all too common situation of pinyin over Chinese characters, something Jared sometimes refer to as the “crippling crutch”. They go into depth on why this is so common, why it is so detrimental, and what to do instead.
Guest interview is with Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] Sampani Kessi, the founder of Elementary Chinese, a popular YouTube and Instagram channel for learning Chinese. He will tell his tale of falling in love with Chinese while in …Paris! And then he takes us on his journey moving past the limitations of the traditional Chinese education system and forging ahead with new ideas on how people can learn.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Pinyin over Characters: The Crippling Crutch
- The meme that started it all
- Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] different sites website, Instagram, and YouTube
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John and Jared discuss some of the latest research about how we learn to read in Chinese. This episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about learning Chinese! You'll also get two raves that will take your Chinese learning up a notch.
Guest interview is with Revuen Lerner, an accomplished Python developer and trainer who began learning Chinese when his work started sending him on business trips to China. He reveals how he squeezes up to eight hours of Chinese practice a week in-between a busy family and work life. And we discover his Chinese-language learning super power - a mindset we can all adopt to learn Chinese faster.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com. Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Independent Study Confirms the “Readability” of the Mandarin Companion Series
- The Routledge Handbook of Chinese Second Language Acquisition
- Mandarin Companion Book Club Courses
- Bullet subtitles / Bullet commentary/ 弹幕 (dànmù) Wikipedia, Bilingual Article
- Pleco Chinese Dictionary App
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, John and I talk about the connection between culture and language. Just how important is a grasp of the culture to learn Chinese? In addition to a rant and a rave, we’ve got a new segment about our adventures in China.
Gest interview is with Imron Alston. In addition to being an accomplished Chinese learner, he has developed software to assist Chinese learners and is an admin on the popular website Chinese-forums.com. He shares with us insights gained from years of interacting with Chinese learners.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com.
Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- The Sixty-Year Dream
- Pinyin over Characters: The Crippling Crutch
- Chinese-Forums.com
- “Abominable” movie
- Chinese Text Analyzer
- Hanzi Grids
- Pinyinput
- Imron Alston’s website
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For this special episode, we are joined by Diane Neubauer as a special guest co-host. Diane is a Chinese teacher who first learned Chinese in college, has spent over a decade in the classroom teaching, and is now pursuing a PhD. Jared, John, and Diane discuss some of the latest trends in learning Chinese, what it’s like to be a Chinese teacher, and touch on some of the aspects between language and culture. This is one insightful show you won’t want to miss.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com.Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Movie Talk technique for language learning
- Video Channels for Chinese Language Learners
- HelloTalk App for chatting with native speakers
- Meme from Jared’s Rave
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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Why are you studying Chinese? It seems that everyone has a different reason, but your reason is critical to your success in learning Chinese. Jared and John discuss the importance of having a reason to learn Chinese and cultivating existing and new motivations. If you don’t have a reason to learn, you wont get far with the language.
Guest interview is with Theresa Munford from the UK. She began learning Chinese shortly after the Cultural Revolution in an idealistic time. She provides a perspective that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. As you listen, you’ll be taken back to another time and place where China was waking up to the rest of the world.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com.Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Episode #3 With John’s Story of Learning Chinese
- Jared's Cinnamon Roll bakery in Shanghai - CinnaSwirl
- Episode #15 Interview with Steven Kaufmann
- Recycling and Garbage Separation Propaganda
- Learn and write Chinese characters “葡萄” Grape pinyin and strokes with relaxing music
- China’s Cultural Revolution
- “Chinese Through Poetry” by Archie Barnes
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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How did we get two systems of Chinese characters? John and Jared discuss why we have simplified and traditional characters, how it all came about, and dissect what sometimes can be a controversial subject among the Chinese language community. You’ll learn how to decide which one is best for you to learn.
Guest interview is with Phil Crimmins, founder of Mandarin Blueprint. He was pursuing a career as a professional drummer in China when he decided to get serious about learning Chinese. He shares with us the methods he used to help him master Chinese characters.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com.
Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- The Meme that inspired this episode on Facebook or Instagram
- The Chinese Language: Fact and Fantasy - John DeFrancis
- Two Chinese Characters: Pinyin Pirate
- Mandarin Blueprint - Online Chinese Video Courses
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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There comes a point in every learners language development when there is a gap between their current level and the next level up. It’s a more pronounced gap for intermediate to advanced levels and John and Jared discuss strategies on how to make this leap and keep moving forward.
Guest interview is with Rakesh Amaram who started learning Chinese when he began dating a Chinese girl from University. Fast forward years later, he learned Chinese while living in Texas, and he and his girlfriend-turned-wife are bringing up their daughter in a bilingual home.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com.
Follow us on Facebook and catch our latest Chinese learning memes on Instagram
Links referenced in this Episode.
- The Bookshelf Problem - SinoSplice
- Reading Pain or Reading Gain? Reading at the Right Level
- My Teacher is a Martian – Breakthrough Level, 150 Character Graded Reader
- Nüshu (女书), the 19th-Century Chinese Script Only Women Could Write
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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A learner on Reddit expressed his frustration that he can speak, read, and write Chinese but can’t understand spoken Chinese. John and Jared discuss this learners situations, talk about reasons why some learners find themselves in a situation like this, and give practical advice on how to develop your listening skills.
Guest interview is with Liz Hanlon who started learning Chinese in high school and today works for a Chinese textbook publisher. Without having spent long periods of time in China, Liz has developed significant Chinese proficiency.
Thanks for listening to our podcast! Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts and we’ll give you a shout out on the podcast! We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Original Reddit Post of Podcast Topic
- Emma – Level 1 Chinese Graded Reader
- How Many Ways are there to Ask Where Are You From in Chinese? - SinoSplice
- Reddit AMA thread of the author of “English is Stupid” – the topic of Jared’s rant
- Gaolaoshis Dank Memes - Instagram
- Mandarin Companion Memes - Instagram
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Have you ever tried to learn grammar? In this episode, John and Jared discuss the best ways to learn grammar and things you should avoid. You’ll find out that much of the traditional methods of learning grammar are just plain out wrong.
Special interview with Steven Kaufmann “The Linguist”, a famous polyglot and speaks nearly two dozen languages including Chinese. Steve shares his story of learning Chinese and his thoughts on learning language in general. Prepare for your mind to be blown! This is an interview you won’t want to miss.
Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Chinese Grammar Wiki
- My Teacher is a Martian – Breakthrough Level Chinese Graded Reader
- Steve Kaufmann Blog
- LingQ language learning platform
- CHALK Academy – Active learning for kids
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How is your pronunciation? In this podcast, John and Jared discuss Chinese pronunciation, common pitfalls, and tips on how to sound even better when you’re speaking Chinese. Learn how to pronounce like a pro!
Guest interview is with Shang Zhu Zhang, who at age 7 moved to Canada, learned French and English, and forgot how to speak Mandarin. She will share her journey of how she reconnected with her Chinese roots and finally learned Chinese as an adult.
Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Chinese Pronunciation Wiki
- Yoyo Chinese – Online Chinese Language Courses
- The Country of the Blind – Level 1 Chinese Graded Reader
- Short article about Shang Zhu’s story
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Are you doing the right things to learn Chinese? In this episode, John and Jared discuss the Four Strands of language learning developed by Paul Nation, a famous researcher in vocabulary acquisition, and how we can use these four keys to identify strengths and weaknesses in any language program. After listening to this show, you’ll not only be able to identify a good Chinese program, you’ll know what you need to do to optimize your progress towards fluency!
Gest interview is with Daniel Keefe, who after 15 years of living in China, decided to buckle down and learn Chinese. He’ll share with you the magic ingredient that helped him pull the language together and pass the HSK 4 exam.
Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Paul Nation
- Paul Nation – The Four Strands
- Yangmei/杨梅/Yum Berries - Myrica Yubra
*Pomelo/Youzi/柚子
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You may know a lot of Chinese, but are you proficient in it? Or maybe you’ve studied for a long time but are still unable to speak or hold a simple conversation. Jared and John discuss this as one of the most common issues among language learners and offer practical advice on how to balance the two with an emphasis on how to build Chinese language proficiency. You’ll also get a rant and a rave.
Guest interview is with Elyse Ribbons, playwright, webmistress, radio host, Peking opera performer, social entrepreneur, foodie, yoga teacher, and runner up for China’s top chef. She shares her insights into learning Chinese and her path to starring roles in Chinese TV and movies.
Please write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Learn Chinese Forums
- Google Translate - China
- Elyse Ribbons – Wikipedia Page
- “Red Star Over China” by Edgar Snow
- “Great Expectations” Mandarin Companion Level 2 Graded Reader
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What makes a fluent reader in Chinese? To cut through the wide range of opinions on this subject, this episode delves into the research behind what makes a reader fluent and what you can do to achieve reading fluency in Chinese. Join John and Jared on this insightful discussion that dispel myths and help you know what to focus on. And of course, you’ll get a rant and a rave. Guest interview is with Ola Jagielska from Poland who has learned multiple languages including Chinese.
If you like the show, write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Research Paper - Character reading fluency, word segmentation accuracy, and reading comprehension in L2 Chinese
- Launch of the New Breakthrough Level Books: 150 Characters
- "The Rise of the Monkey King" Graded Reader
- “Be There or Be Square”|《不见不散》
- Being a Nomad
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Jared gives a review of the 2019 National Chinese Language Conference in San Diego, California, and John & Jared discuss the different stages of learning Chinese. As usual, you’ll get a rant and a rave, including a rant that goes into a unique tangent.
Guest interview is with John D’Andrea who began learning Chinese back in the 70’s and teaches Chinese today. You’ll discover how much the methods of learning Chinese have progressed to what we have today. A fascinating perspective that will engender gratitude for everyone learning Chinese today.
If you like the show, write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- National Chinese Language Conference
- The 5 Stages To Learning Chinese
- The China History Podcast| Laszlo Montgomery
- John DeFrancis - American linguist, sinologist, author of early Chinese language textbooks
- Lanzhou (兰州) – Capital city of the Gansu province
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Jared & John field a question from a listener asking a question pertaining to Chinese linguistics, a subject in which John just happens to have a masters degree. As usual, you’ll get a rant and a rave, and Jared pulls out the original Chinese emoji: 囧 (jiǒng).
Guest interview is with Jacob Gill, the CEO of Skritter. Jake originally thought he could never learn a second language but has gone on to obtain a high level of Chinese without having spent extensive time in Asia.
If you like the show, write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Skritter
- 囧
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Jared & John discuss everything you wanted to know about tones but were afraid to ask. They highlight why they are important, what makes them difficult, where learners usually go wrong, and how to polish your tones to sound better than you thought possible. You’ll get a rant about Chinese teachers using English names and mixing simplified and traditional characters together.
Guest interview is with Dr. David Moser, Chinese professor, author, Chinese language performer, translator, media commentator, and author of the famous paper “Why Chinese is So Damn Hard”. David shares his experiences of learning Chinese, performing xiangsheng 相声 (comic “cross talk”) on Chinese national TV, and strategies that helped him achieve mastery in the language.
If you like the show, write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in this Episode.
- Confidence and Tones
- The Process of Learning Tones
- Masters Thesis on Learning Tones
- Why Chinese Is So Damn Hard
- Crazy English Method – Learning English by Shouting
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Jared & John talk about the myth of adults learning Chinese like a child. If you think this is the best way for someone to learn, you may come away with not only a different perspective but also new ideas on how you can learn Chinese faster. John and Jared also discuss a listeners question, fake graded readers, and the mystique of the Chinese typewriter (yes, it’s a real thing).
Our guest interview is with Matt McGill. Some might call Matt a Scottish version of Harrison Ford; he started out as a carpenter but is now a star actor on the popular YouTube Chinese comedy channel “Mamahuhu”. He deviates from the norm in that he never took a day of Chinese class in his life, he simply learned on the streets of Shanghai.
If you like the show, please write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links Referenced in this episode:
- Why You Won’t Learn Like a Child
- How I Learned Chinese (part 2)
- The Chinese Typewriter
- Mamahuhu YouTube Channel
- THE LAOWAI BAOAN (Expat Security Guard)
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This episode is all about how to immerse yourself in the language without having to travel half way around the world. Jared and John share all sorts of tried and true tips from learners everywhere, including some you’ve probably never heard of! Get the scoop on reading, movies, music, and tricks to help you create that immersive environment. You’ll even get a sample of the “Crazy Rich Asians” soundtrack and the Youtube channel “Chinese Buddy”, plus John will tell you what he thinks is the best Disney movie in Chinese.
Xinjiang, China, is the westernmost province of China where Josh Summers lived for over 10 years. He shares his story of living, learning, and thriving in this diverse and exotic environment. He and his wife came to Xinjiang to teach English, stayed to learn Chinese, and then started a travel business.
If you like our show, please write us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.
Links referenced in the Podcast.
- Wo Yao Ni De Ai - Grace Chang
- Yellow - Katherine Ho (Coldplay Cover) Lyrics Video with Pinyin
- Stinky Tofu Song | Chinese Buddy
- Karakoram Highway in HD! Adventure of a Lifetime from Kashgar (China) to Pakistan
- Travel to China: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
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In this episode, we talk about a number of common questions people have about reading and writing in Chinese. We challenge the conventional wisdom that kids books in Chinese are good things to read when you are learning Chinese (spoiler; they're not). You'll also learn why so many books in Chinese have pinyin over the top of the characters and how this can negatively impact our learning. We also address the question students face in our modern age: should I learn to hand write Chinese characters?
We'll talk about Stephen Colbert's Chinese pronunciation on The Late Show and John has an amazing tech tip on utilizing the text-to-speech feature native in practically all smart phones.
Guest interview is with Vanessa Dewey who moved to China because she wanted to learn Chinese. Ten years and two kids later, she shares her amusing experience towards fluency.
We would really really really like to hear what you have to say about our podcast. Please write us a review on iTunes! That helps us immensely! You can also find us on Facebook, please like us and drop us a note!
Article referenced in this episode:
Pinyin over Characters: The Crippling Crutch
As always, sponsored by Mandarin Companion.
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In this episode, John introduces the concept of language power struggles which is when you want to practice your Chinese with a Chinese person, but they will only talk to you in English. We also talk about the reverse when you are speaking English and the other person is speaking Chinese and you both understand each other, kind of like Han Solo and Chewbacca.
We delve into the different accents in Chinese along with the myriad of different "dialects" in Chinese and how in reality many of these are entirely different languages along with why many schools and universities seem to miss out on the learners perspective.
The guest interview is with Kerric Knowles and about his challenges and triumphs with studying Chinese at university, and how if you don't use it, you lose it. Kerrick has an excellent face for radio, but unfortunately we don't have the pictures to prove it.
If you like this show, please write us a review and like us on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/YouCanLearnChinese
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In this episode, Jared asks John how his Chinese became so good, Chinese that is so good that he once asked him the word for "puppet" and he knew it offhand.
In the US, there are nearly 300 Chinese dual language immersion schools and they have been going on for decades. Caitlin Lee graduated from such a program over ten years ago and it will make you wish you learned Chinese like this! She shares her experience of learning Chinese as a kid including how it has impacted her life and career. A story for anyone who wants their child to learn a second language.
Link to the Mamahuhu video referenced in the podcast:
NOBODY CARES That You Lived in CHINA
https://youtu.be/tNQFNfUHnxs
Find us at youcanlearnchinese.MandarinCompanion.com
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In this episode, John and Jared talk about why Chinese is taught the way it is, can we learn Chinese the way a child does, and how do you keep up your Chinese? You'll also get a rant and a rave.
A guest interview with Josh Campbell, a public relations executive in China to talk about his experience with learning Chinese in the 90's and how it has impacted his career, including his experience with managing the Singapore Airlines crash of 2000 in Taiwan.
Find us at www.MandarinCompanion.com
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Introduction to the podcast, getting to know Jared Turner and John Pasden, and an overview of what this podcast is all about.
What This Podcast Is
This is the very first Chinese podcast of it’s kind! Here is what it is all about.
- Discussing the best ways to learn Chinese
- Sharing leading research and best practices for learning Chinese
- Identifying trends in Chinese learning (good and bad)
- Discussing funny and interesting instances of Chinese in movies and culture
- Interviewing a wide spectrum of Chinese learners.
For each show, Jared and John will be discussing different topics followed by a guest interview. We already have many interviews recorded with guests sharing their fascinating and wide ranging experiences with learning Chinese including an actor, a public relations director, a graduate of a dual immersion program, a diplomat, and many more! They’re also on a quest to interview Mark Zuckerberg and John Cena.
What This Podcast Is Not
This podcast is different than your average Chinese podcast, so here is what it is NOT.
- A podcast to teach you Chinese
- A podcast in Chinese
- A study program
- A virtual phrase book
- A platform to try and show off their Chinese
Simply put, they're not your teachers! They know what is is like to learn Chinese and you can do it!
You can find more info about the show at www.MandarinCompanion.com or on Facebook.
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