I'm Learning Mandarin How Shannon fixed his tones in time for his trip to Asia
Mar 26, 2025
A Mandarin learner shares his quest to master tones for a trip to Taiwan. He highlights a structured plan that tracks his progress from basic recordings to full sentences. The discussion reveals insights into the intricacies of the third tone and common misconceptions that trip up learners. The speaker compares his journey to lifting weights, emphasizing the need for tailored guidance. Ultimately, it's a tale of overcoming challenges and gaining confidence in communication through dedicated practice.
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Shannon's Tone Realization
- Shannon, already studying Mandarin for years, realized his tones needed work after immersion and observing a fellow student's poor pronunciation.
- He felt his tone production hindered his listening comprehension and wanted to prioritize improvement.
Difficulty of Self-Assessment
- Misha notes that many learners struggle to self-assess their tones without trained ears.
- Shannon adds that observing lower-level classes reviewing tones made him question his own foundation.
Theory vs. Practice
- Shannon knew tone theory but struggled to apply it, unsure which tones he mispronounced.
- He compared needing a tone coach to needing a weightlifting trainer for objective feedback.