Stories about the impact of extensive reading on language fluency pulled from studies and research. Guest interview with Sarah Reinstein, a game developer.

You know a lot of Chinese, but can you actually use it? Listen to the stories of 10 years in Xinjiang from John Summers.

John and Jared discuss 5 principles to optimize your note-taking for language learning to maximize your learning gains. Guest interview is with Nick Anderson, a cross-cultural consultant and Chinese accent coach in Hollywood.

What if your perfectionism is holding you back from progressing in Chinese? Learn how perfectionism can both help and hinder you. Interview is with Rob Neal from Manchester, England.

What does a great tutor do differently and how do you find them? Tune in for the answer. Guest interview with Lucy Jak-Lax, an aspiring musician who fell in love with China.

This special episode features Jared Turner’s keynote address at the Swire Chinese Language conference in June of 2023 in Newcastle, England, along with 6 speed interviews at the conference.

Jared and John answer listener questions about learning Chinese and interview Shannon Kennedy, a polyglot who shares her experiences learning the language.

John and Jared discuss the benefits of dialogues in language learning. Guest interview is with Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese-American hip hop artist.

In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden delve into the topic of higher order thinking skills in language learning, with a focus on learning Chinese. They explore Bloom's Taxonomy and how it can be applied to language learning, and the challenges and rewards of creating in language learning. They emphasize the importance of seeking out programs that encourage learners to analyze, evaluate, and create in the language. Guest interview is with John Gordon, who shares his personal experience of learning Chinese and hosting TV shows in China.  If you're looking to go beyond memorization and develop higher order thinking skills in your language learning journey, this episode is a must-listen. Links from the episode:Great Expectations | 450 Character graded readerBlooms Taxonomy for language educationChina Doesn’t Appreciate Potatoes | Sinosplice Introduction [00:00:03] Introduction to the podcast episode and the hosts. Levels of Bloom's Taxonomy [00:03:03] Explanation of the six levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and how they apply to language learning. Creating in Language Learning [00:08:47] Jared and John discuss the challenges and rewards of creating in language learning, such as writing essays, delivering presentations, participating in debates, and writing jokes. Applying Bloom's Taxonomy in Language Learning [00:11:21] Jared and John explain how Bloom's Taxonomy can be applied in language learning, and how it can help learners evaluate their efforts and understand what level they want to achieve in the language. Gamifying Language Learning with Video Games [00:15:55] Jared and John discuss the benefits of gamifying language learning with video games and recommend Mandarin Companion graded readers as easy-to-read Chinese novels for language learners. Interview with John Gordon [00:28:26] Jared interviews John Gordon, a foreigner with impressive Chinese language skills who has worked as a professional host on Chinese TV and now helps Chinese people learn English. Starting to Learn Chinese [00:29:46] John Gordon shares how he randomly decided to study abroad in China during his senior year of high school, and his initial preparation for learning Chinese before arriving in China. Impact of studying abroad [00:33:15] The impact of studying abroad in China, including the experience of learning about Chinese culture and language, and the relationships formed with host families. Teaching English in China [00:39:20] Discussion of how the guest ended up in China and his early experiences teaching English and leading study abroad programs. Starting a Test Preparation Company [00:43:18] The guest discusses starting a company in China focused on test preparation and how it grew to over 100 centers around the country. Participating in Chinese TV Shows [00:44:56] The guest talks about his experiences participating in Chinese TV shows, including a singing competition, and his experience hosting a Chinese learning TV show for CCTV4, which was broadcasted internationally and targeted at Chinese people abroad. Being a Foreigner on TV [00:49:18] John Gordon discusses his complicated relationship with being a foreigner on TV in China and how he sees it as an opportunity for cultural communication. Jumping into learning Chinese [00:52:33] The importance of immersing oneself in the language and spending time in China to learn Chinese effectively. Regrets and Opportunities [00:53:26] The benefits of taking a gap year to learn Chinese and the importance of keeping up with language learning. Conclusion and Credits [00:55:51] The hosts thank their guest and encourage listeners to share the podcast and leave a review. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jared and John discuss the role of technology in language learning and whether it can replace the need to learn a foreign language. Guest interview is with Ben McMahon who shares his unique story of waking up from a coma speaking only Chinese and how he developed his language skills to pursue opportunities in the media and property industries. Links from the episode:In Search of Hua Ma | Breakthrough level Graded ReaderXu Bing (徐冰) | Artwork Ben McMahon | YouTube Channel Learning a Foreign Language in the Age of Technology [00:01:18] The hosts discuss the necessity of learning a foreign language and the limitations of relying solely on technology for communication. Real-Time Translation Apps [00:02:02] The hosts discuss the use of apps for real-time translation and the potential limitations of relying solely on technology for communication. Traveling as a Tourist [00:05:30] The hosts discuss the practicality of using real-time translation apps for tourists who are traveling for fun and do not have any need for the language in their daily life or any aspirations. Phrasebooks, apps, and real-time translation [00:07:36] The hosts discuss the different options for language learning, including phrase books, apps, and real-time translation, and their limitations. Learning Chinese for business trips [00:08:42] The hosts discuss the scenario of a business trip to China and the importance of learning some Chinese to show respect and build relationships. The importance of learning Chinese for working in China [00:11:26] The hosts discuss the scenario of working in China and the importance of learning Chinese to communicate with colleagues and understand the business better. Learning a language for human connection [00:16:27] The hosts discuss the importance of human connection in relationships and how relying solely on technology for communication can create a distance between people, especially in family situations. Reasons for learning a language [00:18:02] The hosts list various reasons why people might want to learn a language, including personal interest, cultural connection, and the challenge of learning something difficult. The potential of technology to inspire language learning [00:21:23] The hosts speculate that widespread use of language translation technology could inspire more people to learn a language after experiencing positive interactions with other cultures. Listener Question: Improving listening speed [00:27:04] The hosts discuss how to improve listening speed in Chinese, including the use of extensive reading, graded readers, and increasing exposure to spoken Chinese. Rave: Chinese artist Xu Bing[00:28:39] John raves about Chinese artist Xu Bing and his innovative use of Chinese characters in his art installations. Rave: Pleco[00:30:31] Jared raves about Pleco, a comprehensive Chinese language dictionary app with a robust live optical character reader. Ben's Chinese Journey [00:33:17] Guest interviewee Ben McMahon shares his experience of learning Chinese, including how he was forced to learn it in high school and how a car accident led him to wake up speaking Chinese fluently. The Traumatic Experience [00:38:38] Ben McMahon shares his experience of waking up from a coma after a serious car accident speaking only Chinese. He talks about how he had a solid base in the language before the accident and how the experience intensified his focus on learning Chinese. Chinese Bridge Competition [00:39:29] Ben McMahon talks about his participation in the Chinese Bridge competition, which is like the Iron Person contest of Chinese proficiency. He describes the intensity of the competition and how it helped him accelerate his journey of learning Chinese. Chinese TV Shows [00:44:41] Ben McMahon talks about his experience of appearing on Chinese TV shows, including the Chinese Bridge competition and a Chinese dating show. He shares how these shows were a challenge for his language skills and how they opened up opportunities for him in the media industry. Chinese Community [00:53:36] Ben shares his experience of being involved in the local Chinese community in Melbourne and how it can integrate into one's life and career. Learning Chinese Post-Accident [00:55:18] Guest Ben McMahon shares his experience of waking up from a coma speaking only Chinese and how he improved his language skills through immersion and passion. Importance of Knowing Chinese in Australia [01:00:50] Ben discusses the importance of knowing Chinese in Australia for personal and economic reasons. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.