You Can Learn Chinese

Mandarin reboot: How to get back into learning after taking a break

The China Project — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:00:34 +0000

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 pack
Taylor Swift speaking Chinese deepfake | The China Project
Martina Fuchs on Instagram

Reframing the 10 worst Chinese learning tips

The China Project — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:59 +0000

There is no shortage of advice on how to learn a language, but in this episode, hosts John and Jared not only talk about 10 terrible Chinese learning tips, but also reframe them so you know what to do instead. Guest interview is with Dave Landis, a boy from Kansas who fell in love, both literally and metaphorically, all due to Chinese. Links from the episode:

Chinese Grammar Wiki
Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | Level 2 graded reader
Cathoven Text Analyzer
Dave Landis Blog

Fluency now: The power of extensive reading

The China Project — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:00:56 +0000

Jared Turner and John Pasden discuss the impact of extensive reading on language learning by sharing stories from research that illustrate the impact it has on learning gains. You’ll hear stories from Fiji to Singapore, impressive results from students in Japan, and personal stories from their own experience. Guest interview is with Sarah Reinstein, a game developer for “League of Legends”, for whom Chinese opened doors including meeting her favorite Taiwanese singer, Jay Chou.

Links from the episode:

The Power of Extensive Reading | paper by Dr. Willy Renandya
Baijiu meets coffee | The China Project
Intro to Historical Chinese Geography | YouTube
Mandarin Companion Graded Readers

Knowledge vs. proficiency (Episode 12 replay)

The China Project — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 12:00:57 +0000

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

How to find the perfect tutor (ep. 36 replay)

The China Project — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:44:16 +0000

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

Unleashing the power of motivation: Swire Chinese language conference

The China Project — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:00:31 +0000

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.

Listener questions answered: learning habits, immersion, and the power of extensive reading

The China Project — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 13:00:16 +0000

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.

How your personality changes in another language

The China Project — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:00:51 +0000

If you feel like you have a different personality in Chinese, then you’re not alone. Jared & John talk about this fascinating phenomenon on how many act and feel differently when speaking a 2nd language. Guest interview is with Taha Shlibek from Libya, who left his stable job to learn Chinese and seek a new start. Links from the episode:

Cross-Cultural Marital Communication: Sacrifice, Identity, Choice | Sinosplice

The Misadventures of Zhou Haisheng | Breakthrough Level Chinese Graded Reader

Traveling to the Middle Kingdom: What to know before you go

The China Project — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:00:37 +0000

China has lifted COVID restrictions and is issuing visas. It’s time to visit China! Jared and John talk about what you need to know about visiting China that has opened back up. Guest interview is with Sophia Xavier from Portugal whose fascination with China led her to study in China and pursue career opportunities in South East Asia. Links from the episode:

China Online Visa Application (COVA) | China Consular Affairs
Chinese on Your Terms | Amazon
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Curly-Haired Company | Level 1 Chinese Graded Reader

How to increase your listening speed

The China Project — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:00:04 +0000

Do you ever feel like natives speak Chinese too fast? John and Jared talk about the nuances of rate of speech in listening and how to increase your ability to listen to faster speech and even increase your own rate of speaking. Guest interview is with Susan St. Denis who during her teens got hooked on Chinese, never looked back, and became determined to pursue a career connected to China. Links from the episode:

Toward Better Tones in Natural Speech
Shadowing Technique | Steve Kaufmann (YouTube)
The China Vibe | TikTok
China-America Student Conference
My Teacher is a Martian | Level 2 Chinese Graded Reader

How to focus your learning efforts for the maximum gain

The China Project — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:00:54 +0000

Sometimes seemingly small changes in study efforts can result in big differences in learning gains. John and Jared are going to give you tips and insights into things you can do to get more out of the time you’re studying Chinese, including flashcards, reading in Chinese, preparing for speaking situations, and learning grammar and vocab. Guest interview is with Marcus Murphy who after deciding to study Chinese in college, ended up spending years in China and today is a Chinese language instructor in Tennessee. Links from the episode:

The Prince and the Pauper | Level 1 Chinese Graded Reader
Summer Chinese Language Camp | University of the South

The vocabulary dilemma

The China Project — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 13:00:29 +0000

Do you keep learning new vocab but have trouble using it? Jared and John talk about the vocab dilemma in which many learners find themselves caught and discuss the balance between knowledge and proficiency. Guest interview is with Amy Celico, international political and economic consultant, former US senior trade representative, and a lifelong Chinese learner. Links from the episode:

Jekyll and Hyde | Mandarin Companion
Using ChatGPT to Learn Chinese | Sinosplice
Steve Kaufmann Interview | Podcast 98
Amy Celico | Albright Stonebridge Group

What you should know about Chinese literature

The China Project — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 13:00:28 +0000

So you want to read Chinese literature? John and Jared talk about the unique aspects of Chinese literature that you should know before jumping in. Guest interview is with Christina Duffy, a PHD rowing champion from Ireland turned Chinese learner. Links from the episode:

The 6 Best Apps for Reading Chinese | Mandarin Companion
Interview with Murray James Morrison
Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | Level 2 graded reader
向歌友们拜年 | 988 DJs

Where Chinese words come from

The China Project — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:39:44 +0000

How did we get the set of Chinese words we have today? John and Jared talk about how the Chinese language has evolved, adapted, innovated, and borrowed to create the language it is today. Guest interview is with Krystal Wu, a heritage Cantonese speaker from the UK who, later in her life, decided to branch out and learn Mandarin Chinese. Links from the episode:

Chinese Grammar Wiki | #1 Online grammar resource
Heavenly Path | Chinese language learning resources
Heavenly Path Discord | Discord Group

Why we love Chinese (and so should you)

The China Project — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 13:00:47 +0000

What do you like about learning Chinese? John and Jared talk about all of the reasons they love Chinese! Guest interview is with Jason Brooks, a former language teacher and founder of an AI startup. Links from the episode:

Harkness AI | Conversational awareness tool
Jason Brooks | Linkedin
Journey to the Center of the Earth | Level 2 Chinese graded reader

The power of questions

The China Project — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:53:05 +0000

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

Learning Chinese: expectation vs. reality

The China Project — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 13:00:39 +0000

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

100th Episode Special

The China Project — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 12:00:17 +0000

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

Nine signs your Chinese is getting better

The China Project — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 12:00:33 +0000

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 nine 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

The 10 worst pieces of advice for learning Chinese

The China Project — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:00:33 +0000

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

Should you take the HSK?

The China Project — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:00:09 +0000

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

Do music skills make you better at Chinese?

The China Project — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 12:58:13 +0000

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 The China Project

Five qualities of good language learners

The China Project — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:00:35 +0000

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

Four types of teachers to avoid

The China Project — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 12:00:36 +0000

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

Game-based learning with Fred Poole, Ph.D.

The China Project — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 13:26:58 +0000

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

A rude awakening: Chinese norms and niceties

The China Project — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 13:06:15 +0000

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.

Brain exhaustion and building stamina

The China Project — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 12:00:33 +0000

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

When the dictionary is wrong

The China Project — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:18:43 +0000

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

Vocab apps and learner engagement

The China Project — Mon, 30 May 2022 12:00:11 +0000

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

The importance of anticipation in learning

The China Project — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:00:16 +0000

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 Elise 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)

The six types of Chinese learners

The China Project — Mon, 02 May 2022 12:01:15 +0000

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

Learning Chinese slang

The China Project — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 12:00:05 +0000

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

When native speakers lead you astray

The China Project — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 12:00:01 +0000

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

How to progress from textbooks to conversation

The China Project — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 12:01:43 +0000

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

Using WeChat to Learn Chinese

The China Project — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 13:01:57 +0000

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

Music, learning Chinese, and Bohan Phoenix

The China Project — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:00:01 +0000

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

Tones: Answers to questions you didn’t know to ask

The China Project — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 14:45:01 +0000

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

Games for learning Chinese

The China Project — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:39:36 +0000

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

Why typing characters is better than handwriting

The China Project — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 15:04:04 +0000

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

Reading Techniques to Master Chinese

The China Project — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:46:23 +0000

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

Cantonese and the uniqueness of Chinese dialects

The China Project — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 12:52:51 +0000

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

How to learn similar words the right way

The China Project — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:33:56 +0000

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 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.

Improving your listening skills (Part 2 of 2)

The China Project — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:03:54 +0000

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)

Improving your listening skills (Part 1 of 2)

The China Project — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 09:35:20 +0000

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.

The Truth about Chinese subtitles

The China Project — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:00:21 +0000

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 Facebook and catch their latest Chinese-learning memes on Instagram.

Colorful or Clean? Swearing in Chinese

The China Project — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 20:08:04 +0000

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

Reading the News: Do’s and Dont’s

The China Project — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:44:32 +0000

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)

The rivalry: Beijing vs. Shanghai

The China Project — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:27:30 +0000

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

Why is Chinese so damn hard?

The China Project — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:27:30 +0000

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)

Pop-up dictionaries: Helpful or not?

The China Project — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:27:30 +0000

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:

8 tips for using your dictionary

The China Project — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 17:27:30 +0000

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,” with Emily Kwong (an episode in the NPR video and audio series)

Going all the way: Graduate studies in Chinese

The China Project — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:23:20 +0000

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)

Tips and tricks for typing Chinese

The China Project — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 17:30:38 +0000

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 add-ons in Pleco
Zhihu (知乎), Chinese Q&A site (best to find articles via Google searches)

Hack Chinese Flashcard platform

The truth about vocabulary

The China Project — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 20:47:56 +0000

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

Make your language learning learner-centric

The China Project — Mon, 17 May 2021 21:35:34 +0000

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)

National Chinese Language Conference 2021 Report: Hope for all Chinese learners

The China Project — Mon, 03 May 2021 19:54:33 +0000

Recently, Mandarin Companion participated in the 2021 National Chinese Language Conference (NCLC). The topics discussed provided much insight into what is in store for the future of Chinese learning. Spoiler alert: The future is bright! The guest interview is with Jonathan Becker, a college student who was placed into his university's intermediate Chinese level after just four months of learning due to, yep, you guessed it, extensive reading. Links from the episode:

How Chinese food can help your Chinese

The China Project — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:32:37 +0000

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 improves. The guest interview is with James Wong, who, despite a severe hearing disability, worked hard to overcome the odds and made impressive progress toward learning Chinese. Prepare to be inspired by James’s journey. Links from the episode:

Bridging to Breakthrough and Abigail Washburn

The China Project — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 20:00:10 +0000

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. The 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
http://www.wufeimusic.com/abigail-washburn

Will Chinese become the next global language?

The China Project — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:08:41 +0000

Will Chinese one day unseat English to become the dominant language around the world? Jared and John discuss a paper by professor Jeffrey Gil, who predicts that one day it will. The 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 Jeffrey Gil
These Violent Delights, by Chloe Gong

What’s in a Chinese surname?

The China Project — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 23:10:55 +0000

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. This guest interview is with Chris Marquis (of the China Corner Office podcast), a business professor from Cornell University, 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 (The China Project podcast)
Chris Marquis

When should you start learning characters?

The China Project — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 21:08:58 +0000

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:

Flashcards, spaced repetition software, and building proficiency

The China Project — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 14:40:47 +0000

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.

Putting the drama into Chinese classes

The China Project — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:42:39 +0000

In this episode, John and Jared review a paper written by a professor who incorporated graded readers (a resource used in foreign language learning) and theater into a Chinese class. You’ll discover why using these resources was so effective at helping students learn and gather even more ways to get creative with your graded readers. The 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's 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 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.