You Can Learn Chinese

Discover why reading in Chinese is a game-changer for fluency and learn the best time to start using graded readers. Jared and John break down the benefits of extensive reading and offer tips on how to integrate graded readers into your study routine for maximum impact. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, find out how reading can accelerate your Chinese learning journey. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion graded readers John D’andrea Interview | YouTube Theresa Munford Interview | YouTube Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Dive into the world of raising bilingual children with Sunny from Spot of Sunshine Chinese. In a chat with Jared, Sunny shares her journey from Taiwan to the suburbs of Chicago, discussing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining language and cultural connections.  She offers tips and expert advice on effective strategies for parents raising bilingual children, emphasizing the importance of motivation, comprehensible input, and creating an immersive environment at home. Tune in to discover Sunny's insights and learn how to support your child's bilingual development. Links from the episode: Sunny at Spot of Sunshine Chinese | Instagram and Website Mandarin Companion graded readers Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Exploring the influence of cultural attitudes on language learning, the podcast discusses the role of motivation and the impact of teachers on students' attitudes. They touch on the importance of positive experiences in adapting to new cultures, crafting stories for language learning, and addressing negative cultural preconceptions to promote effective learning.

Jared Turner chats with Matt William Knowles, a former college football player turned English teacher and actor in China. After a career-ending injury, Matt ventured into rural Guizhou, where he faced cultural barriers and learned Mandarin. His experiences shaped his identity, leading him from the classroom to the entertainment industry. Matt shares humorous insights about cultural challenges, his unexpected rise to fame, and the transformative power of immersing oneself in a new language and culture. It's a tale of resilience and self-discovery!

Hosts Jared and John discuss frustrations of a learner, challenges with Chinese pinyin sounds, importance of immersion for comprehension, balancing curiosity with basics in language learning, mastering fundamentals for success, effective learning strategies, seeking advice in character play, and a lighthearted discussion on a solar eclipse experience.

Driven by her love for Asian cultures, anime, and K-pop, Happi (from Happi Across Cultures) has learned Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Starting with friendships with exchange students, she went on to double major in Chinese and Japanese including studying abroad in Tokyo and Shanghai where she deeply engaged with the local culture. An accomplished singer, her story takes a viral turn when she sings at a concert with the famous Chinese singer, Joker Xue ( 薛之谦 Xuē Zhīqiān), showcasing the incredible opportunities that arise from language learning. For an inspiring tale of cultural immersion, language mastery, and musical collaboration, tune into this episode and follow Happi's ongoing journey on social media. Links from the episode: Happi’s viral duet with Joker Xue | Instagram | Weibo Happi @ Instagram | Weibo | Douyin Mandarin Companion graded readers Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Explore the differences between Japanese and Chinese languages, from pronunciation challenges to shared characters. Learn about the unique grammar and politeness levels in Japanese. Discover the benefits of learning Chinese in China and Japanese in Japan. Delve into job opportunities and economic factors for learning Chinese versus Japanese. Join the hosts in encouraging audience participation and sharing language learning experiences.

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.

Some people may find they have a knack for learning Chinese, but deciding to make Chinese a part of your life is another decision entirely. Akeel Alleyne shares his story from learning Chinese in high school to making the move to live and work in China. He talks about how Chinese has enriched his life, helped find his calling, and enabled him to carve out his own career.  Links from the episode: Card Games for Language Learning | Where John & Akeel met Akeel Alleyne | Linktree  Mandarin Companion graded readers Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Join us as we step into the world of China's educational system. With an extra special guest interview, we pull back the curtain of how Chinese is taught in Chinese schools. These first-hand insights shed light on how China’s classrooms influence how Chinese is taught around the world.  Links from the episode: Memes for Chinese Learners | Instagram Mandarin Companion graded readers