I'm Learning Mandarin
How Jake Gill from Skritter learned Chinese
Feb 5, 2025
In this engaging talk, Jake Gill, Co-founder of Skritter, shares his transformative journey in learning Chinese over 16 years. He discusses the challenges of mastering tones and pronunciation, especially during his time in Taiwan. Jake also highlights his transition from a blogger to the CEO of Skritter, reflecting on how the app empowers learners with personalized insights. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, setting achievable goals, and embracing mistakes as vital steps in language acquisition.
37:21
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Quick takeaways
- Jake Gill highlights the importance of mastering tones and pronunciation early in language learning, which significantly boosts confidence and fosters deeper comprehension.
- Through his experiences with Skritter, Jake demonstrates how modern technology can enhance language learning by offering tailored study strategies and individualized learning paths.
Deep dives
The Journey of Language Learning
The host shares the story of Jake Gill, who embarked on his Chinese learning journey over a decade ago during a summer job, initially torn between studying Japanese and Chinese due to its rising global significance. After discovering that Japanese classes were full, he enrolled in Chinese classes and was quickly encouraged by positive feedback on his pronunciation, which significantly motivated him. Living in Taiwan and participating in activities like internships and tutoring further cemented his commitment to learning the language. Ultimately, Jake's unique experiences reflect how immersive opportunities and dedication can transform language learning into a rewarding endeavor.
