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.
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.
Tones and Pronunciation
Jake emphasizes the criticality of mastering tones and pronunciation early in the language learning process, which he approached through a method of mimicking native speakers via podcasts. He contrasts this with his previous experiences learning German, where lack of conversation practice hindered his progress. Being influenced by a teacher who stressed the importance of pronunciation allowed Jake to build a solid foundation in tones. This strategy not only boosted his confidence but also shaped his future goals in education, prompting him to strive for a deeper understanding of language mechanics.
Character Challenges and Strategies
Learning Chinese characters posed a significant challenge for Jake, who initially relied on rote memorization to grasp their structure. He later discovered the benefits of breaking down characters into components, enhancing his retention and understanding. Jake's daughter currently uses Skritter, the app he is involved with, echoing his past struggles while also benefiting from smarter learning techniques that he only later understood. This experience highlights the evolution in language learning methodologies and how modern tools can aid in developing a deeper comprehension of character writing.
Empowering Learners Through Skritter
As CEO of Skritter, Jake applies his experiences to create a dynamic Chinese learning platform that emphasizes individualized learning paths and effective study strategies. The app features level-appropriate content, teaching the nuances of character writing and pronunciation, while also integrating tips and tricks from Jake's own learning journey. By focusing on consistent practice and feedback, Skritter aims to be a comprehensive tool that adapts to each user's needs. This commitment to fostering language proficiency embodies the collaborative spirit of modern education, illustrating how technology can enhance the learning experience.
Today on the podcast, I’m speaking with Jake Gill from Skritter, one of the most well-known apps for learning to write Chinese characters.
Skritter has been around for years, helping learners improve their handwriting and character recognition through a unique combination of spaced repetition and stroke-by-stroke feedback.
For many students, particularly those focused on writing, it’s an essential part of their study routine.
In this conversation, Jake shares his own experiences with learning Chinese including what it was like living in Taiwan and being one of the only non-native speakers taking a course in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language.
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