You Can Learn Chinese
149 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsLearn HOW to learn Chinese with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. You will learn tips, strategies, and insights so you can supercharge your language learning. You will also be inspired by guest interviews with people from all over the world who have learned Chinese.
Both Jared and John both learned Chinese, lived in China for many years, and have worked with learners all over the world and understand the unique challenges that Chinese learners face. They stay at the forefront of language learning research and methods and bring that to listeners everywhere.
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Episodes
Japanese and Chinese: Unraveling the Differences of Two Ancient Tongues
March 18, 2024 11:09 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MBDive into the fascinating world of East Asian languages with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. Whether you're navigating the tonal waves of Chinese or untangling the polite intricacies of Japanese, this episode offers a deep dive into the nuances, challenges, and delights of learning these two rich languages. They also discuss invaluable resources for learners and the global implications of the Chinese diaspora versus Japanese homogeneity. If you've ever pondered the complexities of lear...
The Making of a YouTube Star: Ari Smith's Transformation into Xiao Ma
March 04, 2024 11:35 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBIn this riveting episode, a clueless American white guy shocks a podcast host with flawless Chinese using one trick that teachers hate! Our special guest, Ari Smith, widely recognized as Xiao Ma on YouTube, shares the unexpected journey that led him from being a curious American to a Chinese-speaking internet sensation. Our special guest is none other than Ari Smith, widely recognized as YouTuber Xiao Ma. In this light and engaging interview, we dig into how he got started with Chinese a...
Bridging Continents and Cultures: How Akeel Alleyne Found His Calling and Career in the Heart of China
February 19, 2024 12:30 - 44 minutes - 61.8 MBSome 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 ...
The Impact of Native Teaching Methods on Chinese Learners: Insights from a Shanghai Classroom
February 05, 2024 12:08 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBJoin 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
How to use ChatGPT to Learn Chinese
January 15, 2024 11:30 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBHosts Jared Turner and John Pasden give you some pro tips on how to use AI, specifically Chat GPT, to learn Chinese. They explore a variety of use cases, including limitations and tips on how to get the most out of these large language models we call artificial intelligence. Links from the episode: Chat GPT Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form
Christmas in China (Ep. 25 Replay)
December 18, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MBOur special Chinese Christmas episode first aired Dec 16, 2019.
The Future of the You Can Learn Chinese Podcast
November 20, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBJohn and Jared have some sad news to share and want your feedback on the future of the podcast.
Mandarin reboot: How to get back into learning after taking a break
November 06, 2023 13:00 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBSo you want to get back into learning Chinese after taking a break. John and Jared give you tips on how to get back into learning Chinese and make it an even better experience than before. Guest interview is with Martina Fuchs, who started her career as an Arabic-speaking spy for the Swiss government and later became a TV journalist for China’s state broadcaster CCTV. Links from the episode:This Modern Chinese Life | All Set Learning lesson packTaylor Swift speaking Chinese deepfake | The Ch...
Reframing the 10 worst Chinese learning tips
October 23, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBThere is no shortage of advice on how to learn Chinese, but in this episode, hosts John and Jared not only talk about 10 common bad tips for learning Chinese, but also reframe them so you know what to do instead. Guest interview is with Dave Landis, a language enthusiast who shares his journey of learning Chinese, the role it played in his relationship with his Taiwanese wife, and how it benefits his teaching career. Links from the episode:Chinese Grammar WikiSherlock Holmes and a Scandal i...
Fluency now: The power of extensive reading
October 02, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 59.4 MBStories about the impact of extensive reading on language fluency pulled from studies and research. Guest interview with Sarah Reinstein, a game developer.
Knowledge vs Proficiency (Ep. 12 Replay)
September 18, 2023 11:00 - 50 minutes - 46.8 MBYou know a lot of Chinese, but can you actually use it? Listen to the stories of 10 years in Xinjiang from John Summers.
Five tips on taking better notes for learning Chinese
September 04, 2023 13:00 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBJohn 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.
Five tips on taking better notes for learning Chinese
September 04, 2023 13:00 - 59 minutes - 54 MBJohn 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. Links from the episode: Shirts for Chinese Learners | Mandarin Companion Merch Chinese-like Graffiti in Atlanta | SinoSplice.com Mandarin Studies | Nick Anderson’s website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt...
Imperfectly fluent: Letting go of perfection
August 21, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBWhat 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.
How To Find The Perfect Tutor (Ep. 36 Replay)
August 07, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBWhat 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.
Unleashing the power of motivation: Swire Chinese language conference
July 24, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBThis 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.
Listener questions answered: learning habits, immersion, and the power of extensive reading
July 10, 2023 13:00 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBJared and John answer listener questions about learning Chinese and interview Shannon Kennedy, a polyglot who shares her experiences learning the language.
Why are dialogues so popular in language learning?
June 26, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBJohn and Jared discuss the benefits of dialogues in language learning. Guest interview is with Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese-American hip hop artist.
Beyond memorization: Higher order thinking skills in language learning
May 29, 2023 13:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBIn 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...
Will technology replace language learning?
May 15, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBJared 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 ...
Breaking down emotional walls: the key to successful language learning
May 01, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBIn 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 host, Peking opera performer, entrepreneur, yoga teacher, actress in Chinese media, and runner-up fo...
The impact of comprehensible input on language learning: a deep dive
April 17, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBDelver 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.
How your personality changes in another language
April 03, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBIf 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, Identity, Choice | SinospliceThe Misadventures of Zhou Haisheng | Breakthrough Level Chinese Graded Reader ...
Traveling to the Middle Kingdom: What to know before you go
March 20, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBChina 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) | China Consular AffairsChinese on Your Terms | AmazonSherlock Holmes and the Case of the Curly-Ha...
How to increase your listening speed
March 06, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBIn 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!
How to focus your learning efforts for the maximum gain
February 20, 2023 13:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBHosts 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 la...
The vocabulary dilemma
February 06, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBDo 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 | Pod...
What you should know about Chinese literature
January 23, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MBSo 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 ...
Where Chinese Words Come From
January 09, 2023 11:30 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBHow 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.
Why we love Chinese (and so should you)
December 12, 2022 13:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBWhat 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.
The power of questions
November 28, 2022 15:52 - 58 minutes - 54.1 MBQuestions 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.
Learning Chinese: expectation vs. reality
November 15, 2022 00:27 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBWe 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 Not...
100th Episode Special
October 31, 2022 13:00 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MBAfter 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.
Nine signs your Chinese is getting better
October 17, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBYou’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...
The 10 worst pieces of advice for learning Chinese
October 03, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 65 MBThere 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 ty...
Should you take the HSK?
September 19, 2022 12:00 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBMany 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) | Wikipedia general infoHSK-Mod | Live, one-one-one online courses by AllSet LearningNo links for...
Do music skills make you better at Chinese?
September 05, 2022 12:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MBDoes 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 Scandal in Shanghai | New Level 2, 450 Words, Mandarin Companion Graded Reader Sinica Podcast host...
Five qualities of good language learners
August 22, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBAnyone 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 of China’s largest ecommerce giants. Links from the episode:YCLC #7 The Myth of Learning Chines...
Four types of teachers to avoid
August 08, 2022 12:00 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBThe 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. Links from the episode:#87 The 6 Types of Chinese Learners#79 Why typing characters is better...
Game-based learning with Fred Poole, Ph.D.
July 25, 2022 13:26 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBJared Turner and John Pasden sit down with Fred Poole, a language acquisition expert from Michigan State University who knows a thing or two about game-based learning. Fred shares his personal experience learning Chinese and how he's been using games to help others learn languages too. He even breaks down the difference between gamification and game-based learning, and why learning in context is crucial. Plus, Fred spills the tea on his research into trilingual immersion and the gam...
Game-based learning with Fred Poole, Ph.D.
July 25, 2022 13:26 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBSpecial 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 developed for language learning.
A rude awakening: Chinese norms and niceties
July 11, 2022 13:03 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBHave 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 drawn to Chinese by martial arts and today has built a life and career around Chinese. See Privacy...
Brain exhaustion and building stamina
June 27, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBHow 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 Learning#30 Second Language or Foreign Language: What Type of Learner Are You?Tyler Christler is “铁蛋儿T...
When the dictionary is wrong
June 13, 2022 13:17 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBWhat 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 Pronunciation WikiThe Ransom of Red Chief | Level 1 Graded ReaderReading is the original SRS | Sinospl...
Vocab apps and learner engagement
May 30, 2022 12:00 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBJared 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 Paper: Stimulating learner engagement in app-based L2 vocabulary self-study: Goals and feedback ...
The importance of anticipation in learning
May 16, 2022 13:20 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBLearning a language is much more than learning vocabulary. This includes understanding and anticipating interactions within a cultural context. John and Jared discuss exactly what this means and what you should know to maximize your gains. Interview is with Elisa Ferrero, a native of Italy who learned English to learn Chinese and today is a Chinese teacher to Spanish speakers in Argentina. Links from the episode:AllSet Learning 1-on-1 Live LessonsYou Can Learn Chinese in Taiwan (even now...
The six types of Chinese learners
May 02, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBIn 2021, Jared and John at Mandarin Companion surveyed over a thousand Chinese learners worldwide. Based on a statistical analysis, they found six main types of Chinese learners. Which one are you? Interview is with Dillon Jaghory who achieved a high level of Chinese proficiency while living in the U.S. Links from the episode:Country of the Blind | Mandarin Companion Level 1Chinese Character Challenge | Ridiculously basic & somewhat nostalgic game for reviewing HSK characters天天跳绳 | Exercis...
Learning Chinese slang
April 18, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBSlang words in Chinese are always evolving, but is it worth it to learn? As always, it depends. Guest interview is with language enthusiast, author, academic, and polyglot Kyle Anderson. Links from the episode:Kyle Anderson | New BooksSherlock Holmes and the Case of the Curly Haired Company | Mandarin Companion Graded ReaderSlow Chinese 每周漫闻 | Weekly Chinese slang newsletter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s...
When native speakers lead you astray
April 04, 2022 12:00 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBLearning from native speakers is essential. In this episode, Jared and John will make you aware of ways they can also lead you astray. Guest interview is with Nicholas Hung who went the extra mile to reconnect with his roots. Links from the episode:Never Trust a Native Speaker – SinosplicePronunciation Variants – Chinese Pronunciation WikiThe Secret Garden －Mandarin Companion Level 1 Graded Reader See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar...
How to progress from textbooks to conversation
March 21, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 59 MBDo you ever feel like you’re trying to get conversational in Chinese but seem to be stuck in textbooks and classes? In this episode, John and Jared discuss the leap involved in moving beyond textbook Chinese to conversational Chinese Guest interview is with Andrew Methven, whose adventures backpacking through the mountains and villages of China inspired him to learn Chinese. Links from the episode: Podcast #13 | The Four Keys to Learning Chinese You Need to Know Paul Nation – T...