You Can Learn Chinese

The Making of a YouTube Star: Ari Smith's Transformation into Xiao Ma

Mar 4, 2024

Discover the unexpected journey of a clueless American white guy becoming a Chinese-speaking YouTube star known as Xiao Ma. From random free Chinese class to Mandarin immersion in China, he captivates with genuine interactions and sheds light on preserving endangered languages.

38:46

Creator website

Episode guests

Ari Smith

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Ari Smith's journey showcases the power of full immersion in language learning.

Learning lesser-known languages highlights the importance of preserving linguistic diversity.

Deep dives

Ari's Inspiration to Learn Chinese

Ari Smith, popularly known as YouTuber Shao Ma, shares his journey of starting to learn Chinese out of curiosity after seeing a New York Times ad for free summer Chinese classes. This interest stemmed from his fascination with Chinese characters and a desire to delve into a spoken language. His initial exposure to Chinese through a US government-sponsored program led to a deeper passion for the language.

Introduction

3min

Exploring a Free Chinese Class and Immersion Program Experience

3min

Language Learning Journey and YouTube Success

21min

Exploring Native American Languages and Hunter-Gatherer Tribes in the Amazon

3min

Innovative Language Learning and AI Development

5min

Embracing Technology and Speaking Practice in Language Learning

4min

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: