You Can Learn Chinese

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 | Breakthro...

In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden discuss the affective filter hypothesis and its relevance to language learning. They explain the three key categories of the affective filter: motivation, self-confidence, and anxiety, and how teachers and learners can help lower the affective filter to improve language learning. Guest interview is with Elyse Ribbons, playwright, webmistress, radio hos...

Delver into the topic of comprehensible input in language learning with John & Jared who discuss various approaches and stress the importance of personalized learning, along with an interview with Mandarin teacher Emma Jamen.

If you feel like you have a different personality in Chinese, then you’re not alone. Jared & John talk about this fascinating phenomenon on how many act and feel differently when speaking a 2nd language. Guest interview is with Taha Shlibek from Libya, who left his stable job to learn Chinese and seek a new start.  Links from the episode:Cross-Cultural Marital Communication: Sacrifice, Identit...

China has lifted COVID restrictions and is issuing visas. It’s time to visit China! Jared and John talk about what you need to know about visiting China that has opened back up. Guest interview is with Sophia Xavier from Portugal whose fascination with China led her to study in China and pursue career opportunities in South East Asia.  Links from the episode:China Online Visa Application (COVA) |...

In this episode, we explore the nuances of rate of speech in Chinese and how it impacts listening comprehension & speaking ability. Plus, we have an inspiring interview with Susan St. Dennis about her journey into learning 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...

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 Hy...

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 Sh...

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/priva...

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 Priva...

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...

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 an...

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 episod...

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...

Many people study for the HSK exam but will focusing your language learning on your interests and needs be better and faster? Well, yes…maybe! In this episode John and Jared discuss how to bring better focus to your studies so you can beat the pants off the HSK. Guest interview is with Ben Whatley, avid Chinese learner and co-founder of Memrise. Links from the episode:Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) |...

Does a musical background make you better at Chinese? Believe it or not, there is research on this very subject that John and I are going to delve into. Guest interview is with Murray James Morrison, jazz musician, composer, and professor at NYU Shanghai.  Links from the episode:Research Paper | Identification of Mandarin tones by English-speaking musicians and nonmusiciansSherlock Holmes and a Sc...

Anyone can learn a language, but in this episode, John and I are going to talk about five qualities of good language learners. Call them qualities, call them attitudes — these adjustments will help maximize your learning results. Guest interview is with Zachary Gidwitz, who despite having a Chinese teacher tell him to give up, later progressed to a level that opened up job opportunities with one o...

The Ultra-Traditional, the “Buddy”, the Know-it-All, and the “Too Nice” are all teacher types that John and Jared are going to break down and you should consider avoiding. That being said, they have some redeeming qualities too! Interview is with Brad Johnson whose interest and friendships were the driving force in improving his Chinese skills to the level where he now hosts a podcast in Chinese. ...

Special episode with Fred Poole, a language acquisition expert from Michigan State University who shares his experience with game-based learning and how he uses it to help others learn languages. Fred explains the difference between gamification and game-based learning, emphasizes the importance of learning in context, and discusses his research into trilingual immersion and the games he has devel...

Have you ever had comments in Chinese about your weight, asked how much money you make, or experienced just a general lack of “please” and “thank-you”? John and Jared talk about common usages of Chinese that at times can be perceived as “rude” by non-native speakers. Plus we’ll talk about how YOU can avoid being perceived as rude to Chinese speakers. Interview is with Randy Telfer who was first dr...

How long can you use Chinese before your “brain is full”? John and Jared talk about endurance in Chinese, how to build stamina, and what to expect as your Chinese progresses to the next level. Interview is with Tyler Christler, an American based in Dalian speaking Dongbei-flavored Mandarin who produces videos on Chinese social media.   Links from the episode:Chinese Vocabulary Wiki | AllSet Learni...

What do you do when your dictionary says one thing but native speakers say it differently? John and Jared will talk about how to handle this and put it to use in your own studies. Interview is with Ryan Alexander Holmes, an actor, popular TikTocker, and black Afro Asian American, or Blasian.   Links from the episode:Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism | YouTubePronunciation Variants | Chinese Pronunc...

Jared and John discuss a research paper on learner engagement with vocabulary apps. Whether you’re an independent learner or a teacher, there are plenty of surprises and takeaways! Interview is with Jonathan Coveny, whose obsession with Chinese took him on a winding path of learning the language. Especially for all you study nerds out there, don’t miss this one.   Links from the episode:Research P...