You Can Learn Chinese

Hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden provide a refreshing take on language learning, offering insightful tips and hilarious anecdotes to make the process more enjoyable and effective. They discuss everything from the 10,000-hour rule to improving flashcard practice, while also embracing the importance of creativity and mindfulness in language learning. Guest interview is with Marcus Murphy who after deciding to study Chinese in college, ended up spending years in China and today is a Chinese language instructor in Tennessee.  Links from the episode:The Prince and the Pauper | Level 1 Chinese Graded ReaderSummer Chinese Language Camp | University of the South See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you keep learning new vocab but have trouble using it? Jared and John talk about the vocab dilemma in which many learners find themselves caught and discuss the balance between knowledge and proficiency. Guest interview is with Amy Celico, international political and economic consultant, former US senior trade representative, and a lifelong Chinese learner.  Links from the episode:Jekyll and Hyde | Mandarin CompanionUsing ChatGPT to Learn Chinese | SinospliceSteve Kaufmann Interview | Podcast 98Amy Celico | Albright Stonebridge Group See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So you want to read Chinese literature? John and Jared talk about the unique aspects of Chinese literature that you should know before jumping in. Guest interview is with Christina Duffy, a PHD rowing champion from Ireland turned Chinese learner.  Links from the episode:The 6 Best Apps for Reading Chinese | Mandarin Companion Interview with Murray James Morrison Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | Level 2 graded reader向歌友们拜年 | 988 DJs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How did we get the set of Chinese words we have today? John and Jared talk about how the Chinese language has evolved, adapted, innovated, and borrowed to create the language it is today.

What do you like about learning Chinese? John and Jared talk about all of the reasons they love Chinese! Guest interview is with Jason Brooks, a former language teacher and founder of an AI startup. Links from the episode:Harkness AI | Conversational awareness toolJason Brooks | LinkedinJourney to the Center of the Earth | Level 2 Chinese graded reader See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Questions are a fundamental function of language. John and Jared talk about how to use asking and responding to questions to maximize your learning gain. Guest interview is with Jonathan Rechtman, a simultaneous interpreter, entrepreneur, and consultant.  Links from the episode:Mandarin Companion Merch Black Friday sale | Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all come into language learning with different expectations. John and Jared talk about common expectations many learners have versus the reality of the language. Guest interview is with Dan Stephenson, consultant, China watcher, and a guy with his fingers in many pies.   Links from the episode:Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | Mandarin Companion Level 2 graded readerMandarin Companion | Brand new website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After nearly 4 years since the first episode, Jared and John celebrate their 100th podcast episode with two special interviews with two special guest interviewers. Even John gets to do the intro this time!  Links from the episode:Mandarin Companion | Chinese graded readersChinese learning memes on Instagram SinoSplice | John’s Blog AllSet Learning See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re learning Chinese, but are you getting better? Chances are you’re improving but it can be hard to notice the progress. John and Jared discuss 9 signs that your Chinese is getting better so you can start celebrating those wins! Interview is with Arthur Jones, documentary filmmaker and director of The Six, a new documentary about the six Chinese survivors of the Titanic.  Links from the episode:Small Personal Victories in Language Acquisition | SinospliceThe Six 《六人》Documentary | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Weibo How Jane Austen’s early Chinese translators were stumped by the oddities of 19th-century British cuisine | The ConversationThe Secret Garden | Mandarin Companion Level 1 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are a lot of opinions about how to learn Chinese with some of it being just plain bad! John and Jared share some of the worst advice they’ve come across, why it’s bad, and what you can be doing instead to get your Chinese on track.  Interview is with Steve Kaufmann, legendary polyglot and speaker of 20 languages, including Chinese! Links from the episode:#84 How to progress from textbooks to conversation#70 Reading the News: Do’s and Dont's#87 The 6 Types of Chinese Learners#79 Why typing characters is better than handwriting#23 Pinyin Over Characters: the Crippling CrutchErhua | The Chinese Pronunciation WikiCountry of the Blind | Mandarin Companion Level 1 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.