You Can Learn Chinese
You Can Learn Chinese is a podcast that teaches listeners how to learn Chinese effectively. Hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden share tips, strategies, and insights to supercharge language learning. They also interview guests from around the world who have successfully learned Chinese. Both hosts have learned Chinese themselves, lived in China for many years, and understand the unique challenges learners face.
Episodes
Think Your Chinese Is Good? Try Surviving a Dinner Party
Ever feel confident speaking Chinese with your teacher or tutor, only to find yourself completely lost when you're with a group of native speakers? Why does your Chinese suddenly seem to fall apart?In this episode, Jared and John explore why group conversations present such a unique challenge for Chinese learners, even those with strong conversational skills. They uncover the "invisible h
A Language, a Leap, a New Life: Cassandre Egolf’s Journey into Chinese
Sharing a heater with the family dog during Chinese New Year. Sitting in the front seat of taxis to practice Chinese with the drivers. Rehearsing a speech in Chinese to thank her team at a store opening in Shenzhen. For Cassandre Egolf, learning Chinese has become inseparable from her life in China.Growing up in France, Cassandre heard plenty about China from her mother, an Air France flight atten
Great Teachers Don’t Fill Your Head; They Light a Fire
In celebration of Teachers’ Day in China, Jared and John reflect on the teachers who have shaped their language-learning journeys and what actually makes a great teacher. They share stories of teachers who were hilarious, inspiring, technically brilliant, and sometimes simply there with the right advice at exactly the right moment.They also discuss the different strengths of native and non-native
From Soft Serve to Stand-Up Comedy: Turner Sparks’ Excellent Chinese Misadventure
In a mildly confusing bit of podcast naming, Jared Turner sits down with comedian Turner Sparks. Turner moved to China in 2004 to teach English, planning to stay for just one year. He ended up staying for twelve.In this episode of You Can Learn Chinese, Turner talks about learning Chinese out of necessity, from struggling through everyday conversations with almost no shared language to using Chine
The Frustrated Learner and the Sound of Progress (Replay)
Jared and John discuss the frustrations faced by a learner who came to John for help—particularly with pinyin and distinguishing similar sounds in Chinese. They explore why learners often misapply English pronunciation rules to pinyin and how comprehensible input can help ease the learning curve.This episode serves as both a deep dive into the phonetic and perceptual challenges of learning Chinese
Following a Century-Old Path to China: Ben Lee and the Legacy That Led Him Back
What does it mean to walk in the footsteps of an ancestor whose life connected China and America more than a century ago?In this episode, Ben Lee shares how moving to Wuhan in 1992 pushed him to learn Chinese for survival—and eventually led him back to a remarkable family legacy. His great-grandfather was part of the Qing Dynasty’s Chinese Educational Mission, became an early voice in Chinese Amer
Go Get Lost: Stop Studying. Start Exploring.
Whether you're planning your first trip to China or reminiscing about past adventures, Jared and John share why even a little Chinese can transform your experience, from connecting with locals through place names and ordering regional specialties to navigating trains, buses, and the occasional unexpected adventure.Along the way, they swap memorable stories of language mishaps, overnight train
Learning Chinese Through the Lens of a Camera with Jake Hines
What happens when a childhood choice turns into a life-changing career change?In this episode, Jared talks with Jake Hines, an Australian content creator based in Xiamen, China, whose Chinese learning journey began in high school thanks to a nudge from his mom. After years working as an engineering project manager, Jake left his stable career during COVID to pursue a very different path: traveling
The Lesson Isn't Over Yet: Notes, Recordings, and AI for Chinese Learners
Are you getting everything you can out of your Chinese lessons?Jared and John share practical strategies for multiplying the value of every class or tutoring session. You'll learn how to review lesson notes more effectively, identify the corrections that matter most, create better flashcards, and use recordings to improve your pronunciation and speaking ability. They also show how modern AI to
From Burnout to Belonging: Emma Jane Sandford's Story
When Emma first came to China for a two-month internship, she had no intention of learning Chinese. In fact, she had spent years telling herself she simply wasn't a "language person." But after returning to China a second time, a desire to communicate her strict vegan diet led her to begin studying Mandarin. What started as a practical goal soon became a transformative personal journey.In this epi
Welcome to the Tone Danger Zone
Why do tones sometimes seem “good enough”… until they suddenly create complete chaos? In this episode, Jared and John dive into one of the trickiest realities of learning Chinese: when small tone mistakes collide with low-context situations and produce surprisingly big misunderstandings. Inspired by a real-life exchange student story in Shanghai, they share some hilarious examples of Chinese mix-u
How Anastasia Changed Her Goals, And Transformed Her Chinese
What happens when your reason for learning Chinese changes?In this interview, Jared talks with Anastasia Tulupova about her journey from a goal-driven teenager in Ukraine, determined to master the “hardest language in the world” and become a translator, to a Chinese teacher who now helps others learn more effectively. Along the way, she realized that the path she started on wasn’t the one she actu
What Does Your “Chinese Level” Even Mean?
What does it actually mean to be at a “level” in Chinese and why does moving up feel so slow?In this episode, Jared and John dig into the concept of leveling from both the perspective of the learner and from decades of experience in creating Chinese learning content. With John’s decades of experience building structured learning systems, from ChinesePod to Mandarin Companion, you’ll gain insight i
From Med School Prep to Mandarin: Adam Syed’s Story
Most people struggle to find time to learn Chinese. Adam started learning it in the middle of one of the most intense study periods of his life, and kept going.A pre-med student at the University of Illinois, Adam didn’t begin with a clear plan or a class requirement. Instead, it started with curiosity: books on cross-cultural healthcare, exposure to Chinese classmates, and a growing realization t
How Chinese Changed Our Lives (and Why It Might Change Yours)
How could learning Chinese shape your life? From meeting lifelong friends (and even a spouse!) to navigating life in China with the help of mentors, coworkers, and “ayi” caregivers, Jared and John share stories that highlight the human side of language learning.John reflects on his 25+ years in China, including how speaking Chinese led to deeper, more authentic relationships, and Jared shares unfo
Heritage, Belonging, and Healing Through Chinese: Jade’s Story
Jade grew up knowing she was half Chinese, but without the language, family connection, or cultural context to understand what that really meant. In this deeply personal episode, she shares what it was like growing up mixed race in a mostly white community, carrying questions of identity, belonging, and cultural disconnection from an early age.Jade shares why learning Chinese became much more than
Don’t Read Kids’ Books to Learn Chinese
Should you learn Chinese by reading children’s books? It’s a common recommendation, but is it actually a good idea?In this episode, Jared and John unpack why kids’ books aren’t as “simple” as they seem. These books are written for native-speaking children who already have years of spoken fluency. They’re often read aloud by parents and packed with specialized vocabulary, proper nouns, literary lan
Speak First, Figure It Out Later: How Jack Turned Chinese into a Superpower
In this episode, Jared chats with Jack Mullinkosson, whose Chinese-learning journey runs from a Vice China documentary set… to living with a Chinese immigrant family in suburban California… to studying in Chengdu… and now biking from Chengdu to Hanoi.Jack got started the way many learners do: by feeling left out. On set, surrounded by Chinese speakers, he noticed how differently the foreigners who
6 Chinese Listening Hacks That Will Transform Your Chinese Listening
Struggling with listening comprehension in Chinese? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help. Jared Turner and John Pasden dive into practical, tech-powered strategies for sharpening your Chinese listening skills using AI transcription tools and other smart resources.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to use AI tools to turn Chinese audio into transcripts you can study.Why listening co
Alexander Brose on Juilliard, the Royal Conservatory, and the Power of Language
in this episode, Jared sits down with Alexander Brose, President & CEO of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada, to trace his remarkable journey learning Chinese and how it shaped his life and career in unexpected ways.From his early years living in South Korea with his family, to choosing Mandarin over Cantonese at an international school in Hong Kong, Alex shares how Chinese gra
The Lie We Were Told: You Must Handwrite Chinese Characters
Is handwriting Chinese characters slowing you down? In today’s digital world, does it still make sense to focus on writing by hand or should you just type? In this episode, Jared and John dive deep into this hot-button issue for Chinese learners: handwriting vs. typing.Pulling insights from a research paper by Chinese Breeze creator Chengzhi Chu (储诚志), they explore how character instruction is evo
Learning Chinese Through Life, Not Lessons: How Matthew McGuire Did It
What began as a teenage crush became a lifelong journey into Chinese for Matthew McGuire, an Australian creator and accent coach. In this episode, Jared sits down with Matthew to discuss how he learned Mandarin without textbooks, grammar drills, or writing practice. Instead, he immersed himself in love dramas, shadowed dialogue, and built a Chinese-speaking social circle. Matthew shares how his cu
10 Things AI Will Never Do Better Than a Chinese Learner
With AI advancing at lightning speed, many are wondering: Do I still need to learn Chinese? Jared and John say yes, and in this episode, they break down 10 ways your Chinese skills remain AI-proof. These are the kinds of things no app, bot, or translation tool can truly replace.Along the way, you'll hear stories about phone conversations that left taxi drivers in disbelief, the joy of reading
A Czech Perspective on Learning Chinese: Renata Mirkova’s Story
In this episode, Jared sits down with Renata Mirkova, a Chinese language educator from the Czech Republic whose journey into Mandarin began not with a grand plan, but almost by accident. What started as a university entrance decision led her to master Chinese, live in China, and now teach both Czech and Chinese across cultural boundaries.Renata shares the unique challenges of learning Chinese in a
The 7 Worst Ways to Learn Chinese (And What to Do Instead)
After 300 days of secretly studying Chinese, one guy surprises his partner with phrases like “the cheesecake is grieving” and “the purple elephant eats passion for breakfast.” It’s a bit humorous, but it also highlights a bigger issue: extreme learning methods that feel productive but fall flat in practice.In this episode, Jared and John dive into seven common extremes they’ve seen (and lived) in
Fluency Now with Marko Jovanovic: No Classes, Just Progress
Can you become fluent in Chinese without teachers, classes, or even Chinese speakers around you? For Serbian software engineer Marko Javoanovic, the answer is “yes” by focusing on “fluency now”.In this episode, Marko shares how he started learning Japanese out of a love for anime but quickly pivoted to Chinese when he realized there were far more Chinese people than Japanese in his hometown of Nov
Does It Matter Where You Learn Chinese? Yes And Here’s Why
Ever wonder how the place you study Chinese can shape your accent, comprehension, and even identity as a learner?In this episode, Jared and John dive into the importance of where you learn Mandarin in China and how different regions can affect your speaking and listening skills. From Beijing’s “pirate R’s” to the relaxed tones of Taipei and the “happy medium” of Shanghai, they explore the linguist
From Bubble Tea to Boxing Rings: How Freddy Buechel Found His Voice in Chinese
What happens when you move abroad at age 10 and suddenly find yourself in daily Chinese class? For Freddy Buechel, it was the start of an adventure that took him from Singapore to Taiwan, back to the U.S., and eventually to Shanghai for a full-on study abroad immersion.In this episode, Freddy shares his winding journey of learning Chinese across multiple countries, his turning point moment orderin
You Can Speak Chinese, but Can You Understand the Reply? (And Other Listener Questions)
Jared and John are back with a full episode dedicated to answering listener questions covering everything from language learning strategies to cultural quirks. They explore the challenges of using sarcasm in Mandarin, how to prepare for a trip to China if you're not yet fluent, and whether watching Chinese TV shows actually helps improve listening skills.And yes, they also get into one of the
How to Learn to Read Chinese: Developing Fluency Now (Replay)
In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, John and Jared discuss the concept of fluency now as opposed to some distant time in the future and how reading will get you there.Guest interview is with Olle Linge of Hacking Chinese and Chinese language enthusiast extraordinaire. He offers the Chinese learning tips that he wishes someone had told him back when he started Chinese.Thanks for listening to
Fun First, Fluency Follows: Karl Vilhelmsson’s Chinese Strategy
What happens when a Swedish physics student decides to go all-in on Chinese? Meet Karl Vilhelmsson, a particle physics student at Stanford’s SLAC lab and a self-described language adventurer. From a middle school classroom in Stockholm to immersive conversations with a Taiwanese friend and a solo Chinese language-only trip to Suzhou, Carl shares how curiosity and fun fueled his Chinese learning jo
Too Many Chinese Videos, Too Little Progress? Lets Fix That
Chinese learners today are surrounded by video, TikToks from tutors, YouTube explainers, online courses, sitcoms, and AI-powered tools promising to boost your progress. But with so much content, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or stuck in passive learning.In this episode, we dive into how to actually learn Chinese through video. Jared and John discuss the strengths and limitations of different a
Burnout, Breakthrough, and Fluency: Chaniece’s Story
Chaniece Chen didn’t just study Chinese, she built her own major, battled burnout in an intensive language program, and came back for more. In this episode, Jared talks with Chaniece about her 12-year journey in China, from struggling with tones to thriving in Shanghai as a translator, community organizer, and content creator.Chaniece opens up about the highs and lows of immersion: how her college
Crutch or Catalyst? The Truth About Pinyin
You’re reading Chinese, and there it is, pinyin over every character. It feels helpful, even comforting. But is it actually holding you back? In this episode, Jared and John explore how pinyin can become a crutch that cripples your Chinese progress and keeps you from truly mastering characters.They revisit Jared’s blog post from years ago, Pinyin Over Characters: The Crippling Crutch, and unpack h
Starting Over in China: Chimsy’s Story of Risk, Grit, and Growth
In this episode, Jared sits down with Chimsy—marketer, meme connoisseur, and host of the China University Podcast—to dive deep into his unconventional journey from Costa Rica to China. What started as a challenge to prove a dismissive restaurant owner wrong turned into a life-changing adventure of language, culture, and self-discovery.Chimsy shares how he went from working graveyard shifts in call
Are AI Tutors the Future of Language Learning?
AI tutors are everywhere—but are they actually good for learning Chinese? In this episode, Jared and John take a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of AI-powered language learning tools. They explore how these AI tutors work and why tools that work well in English often fall short in Chinese.You'll learn: - The surprising limitations of AI when it comes to staying within beginner-friendly
City 不 City: How Paul Mike Ashton Memed His Way to Fame in China
Meet Paul Mike Ashton, the American content creator who turned a quirky catchphrase into a nationwide sensation with his viral "City 不 City" meme. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Paul's curiosity for Asian cultures led him to study Chinese, setting him on a path that would take him from the Amish countryside to the neon lights of Shanghai.From his first Chinese class in h
Translating: A Tool for Fluency or a Crippling Crutch?
Is translation a necessary tool or a crutch that slows down your Chinese fluency? In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden dive deep into the role of translation in language learning. They explore the history of the grammar-translation method, the rise of communicative language teaching, and how translation can both help and hinder your progress. Drawing on their own experiences learning Chin
How to Pass the HSK and AP Chinese Tests (replay)
In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Jared chats with Grant Brown, an expert in HSK and AP Chinese test prep. Grant shares why so many students fail, and more importantly, what you need to do to pass. Drawing on his experience as both a teacher and test prep specialist, he offers practical and often overlooked advice you won’t hear anywhere else.You’ll learn why reading is your secret weapon
Why Chinese Learners Know the Language Better Than Natives (Sometimes)
Surprise! When it comes to Chinese, learners sometimes know things native speakers don’t. In this episode, John and Jared explore intriguing aspects of the Chinese language that learners often understand better than native speakers. From tone change rules, verb conjugations (or the lack thereof), and those tricky three 的, 得, and 地, they break down details that most Chinese speakers never had to co
Your Chinese Accent Is Terrible, But It Doesn’t Have to Be
No matter how long you've been learning Chinese, you’ll still have an accent. But why is that? In this episode, Jared and John talk about your accent in Chinese and how to reduce it. They discuss the differences in how accents are perceived in China versus the West, tackle some of the toughest pronunciation challenges like pinyin pitfalls, tone swaps, and the elusive Mandarin "R" sou
Fluent in Funny: Jesse Appell on Learning, Performing, and Laughing in Chinese
What happens when an American comedian immerses himself in Chinese comedy? Jesse Appell’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Jesse shares how his curiosity about language led him to study in China, become a Fulbright scholar, and apprentice under a master of Xiangsheng (traditional Chinese cross-talk comedy). He takes us through the highs and challenges of performing comed
RedNote 小红书 Buzz: Can It Really Help You Learn Chinese?
There is a growing buzz around "RedNote" (小红书), as westerners—especially “TikTok refugees"—flock to this Chinese social media platform. But what is beyond the hype and can you use it to learn Chinese?
In this episode, Jared and John dive into how you, as a Chinese learner, can use this tool to level up your language skills. Because there is no division between Chinese and internati
Persistence, Connection, and Culture: Joseph Vincent’s Journey from Student to Teacher
In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Vincent, a passionate Chinese and Spanish teacher in California. While growing up in rural Ohio, he visited cousins living in France which sparked his interest in languages. Later while in high school, he spent a year as an exchange student in Taiwan, an immersive and challenging Chinese learning experience that transformed his perspective.
Joseph reflects
Charting Your Path to Chinese Fluency: Finding Purpose and Making Progress
Ready to turn your Chinese learning aspirations into reality? Jared and John share insights on how to stay focused and motivated by finding your “why” and setting actionable goals. From avoiding common pitfalls to celebrating small wins, this episode is your guide to making 2025 the year you thrive in your Chinese learning.
Links from the episode:
Mandarin Companion | Graded readers
Do you ha
The Best of You Can Learn Chinese: Top Stories from 2023-2024
Get ready to laugh, cry, and be inspired! In this milestone 150th episode, we’re looking back on the most incredible stories from our interviews over the past two years. Join us as we celebrate the triumphs, surprises, and unforgettable moments shared by our amazing guests. This episode is a must-listen for anyone learning Chinese or simply fascinated by the journeys of others embracing the langua
Roll for Initiative: How Learning Chinese is Like a Game of Dungeons & Dragons
Host Jared Turner isn’t just a language enthusiast—he’s also a seasoned Dungeon Master! In this episode, Jared and John dive into thow learning Chinese parallels a game of Dungeons & Dragons. From creating your "character" as a language learner to rolling the dice in real-life conversations, they discuss how elements like leveling up, overcoming challenges, and wielding the right weapons will
Economist by Day, Rapper by Night: Andrew Dougherty (a.k.a. Big Daddy Dough)
Andrew Dougherty first learned Russian and some Spanish and French before pursuing Chinese. Sensing the opportunity China held, Andrew pursued Chinese language studies in the early 2000’s. This opened opportunities that kept him in China for nearly two decades working in the financial sector, but also somehow unwittingly was the vehicle where he launched his side career rapping about China’s diver
Listener Mailbag: Keeping Fluent with AI, Grammar, and Real-World Practice
In this listener mailbag episode, Jared and John dive into real questions from Chinese learners on topics that every language student encounters. From using AI tools to keep your Chinese sharp between classes to understanding the balance between formal and everyday vocabulary, we’re covering it all.
You’ll learn strategies for finding the right reading materials for extensive practice, how to ide
Pinyin Over Characters: the Crippling Crutch (Replay)
John and Jared discuss the all too common situation of pinyin over Chinese characters, something Jared sometimes refer to as the “crippling crutch”. They go into depth on why this is so common, why it is so detrimental, and what to do instead.
Guest interview is with Kwadwo [QUĀY.jo] Sampani Kessi, the founder of Elementary Chinese, a popular YouTube and Instagram channel for learning Chinese. He
A Shortcut to Chinese Fluency? Narrow Reading in Chinese
In this episode, Jared and John dive into the concept of "narrow reading"—a strategy that involves focusing your language learning on a specific topic or genre to accelerate progress. They explore how this targeted approach deepens vocabulary and comprehension through repeated exposure to related content, making language acquisition more efficient. By honing in on subjects you're passionate about,
From Forgetful to Fluent: Elijah’s Inspiring Persistence in Learning Chinese
Elijah Wilcott never thought he was cut out for learning languages. With a self-proclaimed terrible memory and a history of struggling in language classes, he picked up only a handful of basic phrases after teaching English in China for two years. But when he found a compelling reason to learn Chinese, Elijah dove into full-time language study, and adopted a relentless approach to learning, immers
The 6 Biggest Questions About Chinese Characters—Answered!
If you're learning Chinese, these are the must-know answers about Chinese characters. Join Jared and John as they dive into key questions like: Should you learn characters right from the start? Is handwriting really necessary? Should you choose simplified or traditional? Get clear, practical advice and actionable tips that will transform the way you approach learning characters, helping you ma
Characters, Cocktails, and Karaoke: How Mike Kennedy Blended Passion and Chinese
During a trip to Hong Kong, Mike Kennedy haphazardly began studying Chinese characters which started him on a path he could have never imagined. His growing passion for Chinese drove him to co-found Jinbu Pal, a reading app for Chinese, and start a YouTube channel where he makes cocktails in Chinese. From visiting factories in China to karaoke bars in Taipei, Mike's stories are both inspiring
Language Learning Adventures: The Role of Randomness and Unpredictability
Jared and John explore how randomness and unpredictability can prepare you for adventures in your Chinese learning journey. From spontaneous conversations with native speakers to the unexpected challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, they delve into why seeking variety and embracing randomness are not only the “spice of life” but also key to success when using language in real-world sit
From the Classroom to China: Teenagers Putting their Chinese to the Test
In this special episode, host Jared Turner takes you inside a study abroad trip to China with a group of teenagers including his two sons.
These teenagers, who have been learning Chinese for years in a dual language immersion program, finally get to put their skills to the test in the wild, navigating real-world challenges, stepping out of their comfort zones, and experiencing those "aha&quo
Is Your Chinese as Good as You Think it is? Confronting the Dunning-Kruger Effect
Do you think your Chinese skills are better than they actually are? You might not be alone. This cognitive bias can cause learners to overestimate their proficiency, leading to overconfidence and potential setbacks in their language journey.
Jared and John share personal anecdotes and experiences, breaking down the stages of language learning where this effect is most prevalent. They discuss the i
From Reluctant Traveler to Fluent Speaker: Cleopatra’s Chinese Language Adventure
Cleopatra Wise initially had no desire to learn a foreign language but after being convinced to go to China for a class trip, her visit to Shanghai became a transformative experience that sparked her interest in learning the language. She embarked on a quest to learn Chinese which ended up with her working in Taiwan, Beijing, and later working for the Asia Society in New York. Cleopatra also share
When to Start Reading for Maximum Fluency
Discover why reading in Chinese is a game-changer for fluency and learn the best time to start using graded readers. Jared and John break down the benefits of extensive reading and offer tips on how to integrate graded readers into your study routine for maximum impact. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, find out how reading can accelerate your Chinese learning journey.
Links
Raising Bilingual Children: Sunny's Story and Strategies from Spot of Sunshine Chinese
Dive into the world of raising bilingual children with Sunny from Spot of Sunshine Chinese. In a chat with Jared, Sunny shares her journey from Taiwan to the suburbs of Chicago, discussing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining language and cultural connections.
She offers tips and expert advice on effective strategies for parents raising bilingual children, emphasizing the importance of moti
Motivation and the Influence of Cultural Attitudes on Learning
Jared and John delve into research discussing the crucial role of attitudes and preconceptions of a culture towards learning its language. They explore the many facets of this issue, including how the current state of China’s political relations impacts language learning in the West.
Links from the episode:
Mandarin Companion graded readers
Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback fo
From American Football to Chinese Films: The Journey of Matt William Knowles
Jared Turner interviews Matt William Knowles, a former college football player, who turned an unfortunate event into a remarkable life-changing adventure in China. After a career-ending injury left him uncertain about his future, Matt took a volunteer teaching position in one of China's most impoverished regions, Guizhou Province. Here, Matt found himself in a remote town far removed from the
The Frustrated Learner and the Sound of Progress
Hosts Jared and John discuss the frustrations of a learner who came to John for help, particularly with pinyin and differentiation of similar sounds in Chinese. They explore why learners often misapply English pronunciation rules to pinyin and how comprehensible input can ease the learning curve. This episode is not just a deep dive into the phonetic and perceptual aspects of learning Chinese; it&
Finding Your Voice in Chinese: Happi's Multilingual Melody
Driven by her love for Asian cultures, anime, and K-pop, Happi (from Happi Across Cultures) has learned Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Starting with friendships with exchange students, she went on to double major in Chinese and Japanese including studying abroad in Tokyo and Shanghai where she deeply engaged with the local culture. An accomplished singer, her story takes a viral turn when she sing
Japanese and Chinese: Unraveling the Differences of Two Ancient Tongues
Dive 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 Making of a YouTube Star: Ari Smith's Transformation into Xiao Ma
In 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 YouTu
Bridging Continents and Cultures: How Akeel Alleyne Found His Calling and Career in the Heart of China
Some 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:
The Impact of Native Teaching Methods on Chinese Learners: Insights from a Shanghai Classroom
Join 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
Hosts 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)
Our special Chinese Christmas episode first aired Dec 16, 2019.
The Future of the You Can Learn Chinese Podcast
John 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
So 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:Th
Reframing the 10 worst Chinese learning tips
There 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
Fluency now: The power of extensive reading
Stories 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)
You 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
John 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.
Imperfectly fluent: Letting go of perfection
What 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)
What 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
This 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
Jared and John answer listener questions about learning Chinese and interview Shannon Kennedy, a polyglot who shares her experiences learning the language.
