Latest Hsk_2 Podcast Episodes
Traveling to the Middle Kingdom: What to know before you go
You Can Learn Chinese - March 20, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsChina 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 c...
How to increase your listening speed
You Can Learn Chinese - March 06, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsIn 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
You Can Learn Chinese - February 20, 2023 13:00 - 53 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsHosts 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 importa...
The vocabulary dilemma
You Can Learn Chinese - February 06, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsDo 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, forme...
What you should know about Chinese literature
You Can Learn Chinese - January 23, 2023 07:00 - 59 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsSo 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 Readi...
Where Chinese Words Come From
You Can Learn Chinese - January 09, 2023 11:30 - 53 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsHow 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)
You Can Learn Chinese - December 12, 2022 13:00 - 57 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsWhat 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 ...
The power of questions
You Can Learn Chinese - November 28, 2022 15:52 - 58 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsQuestions 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 Companio...
Learning Chinese: expectation vs. reality
You Can Learn Chinese - November 15, 2022 00:27 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsWe 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 episod...
100th Episode Special
You Can Learn Chinese - October 31, 2022 13:00 - 54 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsAfter 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 ...
Nine signs your Chinese is getting better
You Can Learn Chinese - October 17, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsYou’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 direct...
The 10 worst pieces of advice for learning Chinese
You Can Learn Chinese - October 03, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsThere 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 ...
Should you take the HSK?
You Can Learn Chinese - September 19, 2022 12:00 - 59 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsMany 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 Whatle...
Do music skills make you better at Chinese?
You Can Learn Chinese - September 05, 2022 12:00 - 52 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsDoes 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 |...
Five qualities of good language learners
You Can Learn Chinese - August 22, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsAnyone 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 Chin...
Four types of teachers to avoid
You Can Learn Chinese - August 08, 2022 12:00 - 59 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsThe 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 ...
Game-based learning with Fred Poole, Ph.D.
You Can Learn Chinese - July 25, 2022 13:26 - 47 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsJared 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. ...
Game-based learning with Fred Poole, Ph.D.
You Can Learn Chinese - July 25, 2022 13:26 - 47 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsSpecial 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 ...
A rude awakening: Chinese norms and niceties
You Can Learn Chinese - July 11, 2022 13:03 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsHave 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...
Brain exhaustion and building stamina
You Can Learn Chinese - June 27, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsHow 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 pr...
When the dictionary is wrong
You Can Learn Chinese - June 13, 2022 13:17 - 55 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsWhat 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. ...
Vocab apps and learner engagement
You Can Learn Chinese - May 30, 2022 12:00 - 55 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsJared 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...
The importance of anticipation in learning
You Can Learn Chinese - May 16, 2022 13:20 - 54 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsLearning 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 ...
The six types of Chinese learners
You Can Learn Chinese - May 02, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsIn 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 t...
Learning Chinese slang
You Can Learn Chinese - April 18, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsSlang 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 | ...
When native speakers lead you astray
You Can Learn Chinese - April 04, 2022 12:00 - 56 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsLearning 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 – SinosplicePron...
#84 How to progress from textbooks to conversation
You Can Learn Chinese - March 21, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsDo 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 backp...
How to progress from textbooks to conversation
You Can Learn Chinese - March 21, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsDo 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 advent...
#83 Using WeChat to Learn Chinese
You Can Learn Chinese - March 07, 2022 13:00 - 58 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsWeChat is the most popular instant messaging platform in China. In this episode, John and I are going to tell you tips and tricks on how to use Wechat to learn Chinese. Interview is with Matt McGill, star actor on the popular YouTube China expat comedy channel “Mamahuhu”. Links from the episo...
Using WeChat to Learn Chinese
You Can Learn Chinese - March 07, 2022 13:00 - 58 minutes ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsWeChat is the most popular instant messaging platform in China. In this episode, John and I are going to tell you tips and tricks on how to use Wechat to learn Chinese. Interview is with Matt McGill, star actor on the popular YouTube China expat comedy channel “Mamahuhu”. Links from...
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