I'm Learning Mandarin

Links: Discord server: https://discord.gg/b9PAyKwT9pMy Asiaglot experience: https://imlearningmandarin.com/2025/03/30/my-experience-at-asiaglot-asias-hottest-multilingual-conference/--This week on the I'm Learning Mandarin podcast, I discuss how you can use Deepseek as a game-changing tool to become fluent in Chinese. As we've previously covered, while tools like ChatGPT are helpful for various aspects of Mandarin learning, they often fall short when it comes to generating truly natural, colloquial speech. This is because their training data seems to be heavily weighted towards more formal, sometimes translated sources. Native speakers often point out that while ChatGPT's Mandarin is usually grammatically correct, it just doesn't sound like how real people talk.That's where Deepseek, the Chinese version of ChatGPT, really excels. Despite some of its limitations, such political censorship and data concerns, there is no doubt that it excels at generating authentic spoken Mandarin, which is exactly what we Mandarin learners need when it comes to improving our conversational skills.So, how can you effectively use Deepseek to level up your spoken Mandarin? Listen to the episode to find out!

A Mandarin learner shares his quest to master tones for a trip to Taiwan. He highlights a structured plan that tracks his progress from basic recordings to full sentences. The discussion reveals insights into the intricacies of the third tone and common misconceptions that trip up learners. The speaker compares his journey to lifting weights, emphasizing the need for tailored guidance. Ultimately, it's a tale of overcoming challenges and gaining confidence in communication through dedicated practice.

Want to transform your Chinese from mediocre to excellent within months? Join the I'm Learning Mandarin Gym and hire me as your one-to-one Personal Trainer: imlearningmandarin.com.gymAs an ILM podcast listener, you can get 50% off your ILM Gym subscription when you use this discount code at checkout (offer ends April 9th): IMLEARNINGMANDARINPOD

In this engaging conversation, a student shares his inspiring journey learning Mandarin. He recounts the emotional challenges of communicating with his Chinese family. After six months of dedicated coaching, his progress is remarkable. Insights on the importance of personalized feedback and effective learning methods are discussed. The launch of a new program designed to elevate spoken Mandarin skills is also announced, promising transformation for learners seeking excellence. It's a testament to the power of motivation and tailored support in language acquisition.

Prof. Clare Wright is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Leeds with a focus on second language pedagogy, especially Mandarin. She discusses why some learners excel in Mandarin while others struggle, emphasizing factors like immersive environments and personal motivation. Clare challenges traditional views on fluency, advocating for 'micro fluency' and practical communication. Additionally, she highlights the significance of mastering pronunciation and setting realistic goals to maximize learning outcomes.

Philip Markson, a former student of Mischa Wilmers, shares his inspiring journey of founding AsiaGlot, the largest polyglot conference in Asia. The conference aims to celebrate Asian languages and foster a vibrant linguistic community. Philip discusses his innovative use of Anki for mastering Mandarin and reflects on a life-changing coaching experience that boosted his speaking skills. With engaging activities and expert talks, AsiaGlot promises to be a unique gathering for language enthusiasts, filling a void in the region.

Explore the personal milestones that make learning Mandarin an adventure. Discover the excitement of studying at a renowned university and leading immersive retreats. Hear about the surprise of being mistaken for a native speaker, which highlights the progress made. Finally, experience the thrill of giving keynote speeches and sharing valuable insights with fellow educators. These moments prove that perseverance pays off and make the journey uniquely rewarding.

Discover how attitude shifts can transform your Mandarin learning journey! The host shares insights from coaching diverse learners, emphasizing the importance of setting specific goals. Learn how self-belief, embracing corrections, and letting go of ego can pave the way to mastering the language. With inspiring community stories, this discussion is all about fostering personal growth and motivation to achieve speaking goals.

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.

Links: My Tones Mechanic newsletter: imlearningmandarin.com Mandarin Companion: https://mandarincompanion.com/ Jared interviews me on his podcast: https://mandarincompanion.com/you-can-learn-chinese-podcast/63-the-truth-about-vocabulary/ -- Today, I'm joined by a special guest on the podcast, Jared Turner from Mandarin Companion. If you’re learning Chinese, you’ve probably heard of Mandarin Companion’s graded readers, which make it possible to read Mandarin from an elementary level. I used them a lot in my own learning journey, and as I've written on my blog, they were a game-changer for me when it came to reading. What makes this conversation extra special is that a few years ago, Jared actually had me on his podcast, the You Can Learn Chinese podcast, where we talked about my experiences learning Mandarin in lockdown. Now, it's my turn to turn the tables and interview him! We had a wide-ranging chat, covering how he got into learning Chinese, and why he decided to start the legendary Mandarin Companion graded reader series.