You Can Learn Chinese 3n6v11

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 vocabulary  - How AI tutors compare to human teachers in giving corrections (including recasting!)  - Why voice recognition can be a dealbreaker—especially for Chinese tones  - What makes a good AI language partner... and where most still fall short  - Whether AI tutors reduce anxiety or just reduce motivation You’ll get practical tips for using AI tools effectively depending on your Chinese level and what features to look for if you’re exploring AI conversation practice or personalized lessons. Curious or skeptical about AI tutors? This episode will help you evaluate whether they’re worth your time, and how to get the most out of them. Links from the episode: Recasting in Language Learning | SinoSplice Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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 high school to study abroad stints in Beijing and Johannesburg (yes, really), Paul’s journey is a testament to persistence, ion, and a healthy dose of not knowing when to quit. After grinding through HSK tests and Chinese financial risk management courses (in Mandarin, no less!), Paul found his blend of cultural comedy struck a chord with millions of Chinese netizens. His catchphrase "City 不 City" not only trended across Chinese social media but also got plastered on billboards and even echoed by Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds. In this episode, Paul, also known as “Bao Bao Xiong”, shares the wild ride of becoming a foreign comedy star in China, why jokes are way funnier when you finally understand them in Chinese, and how mastering the language unlocked friendships and career opportunities he never imagined. If you've ever wondered how a small-town kid from Pennsylvania could end up a meme sensation in China, or if you're just looking for a good laugh, you won’t want to miss Paul’s incredible, meme-worthy story. Links from the episode: Paul Mike Ashton | Instagram and YouTube 保保熊 | 抖音 Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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 Chinese, they share practical insights on when and how to use translation effectively — from using Google Translate strategically to understanding why translating word-for-word isn't always a bad thing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your Chinese, this episode will help you find a balanced approach to translation that boosts your confidence and accelerates your learning journey. Links from the episode: Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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 . 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 and how it can make your classmates think you did a year abroad in China. Grant also shares how to build stamina for test day, memory tricks that actually work, and why learning in context helps you retain more, faster. Whether you're taking one of these exams or just want to improve your Chinese study strategy, this episode is packed with insights that can give you the edge. Links from the episode: ⁠How to the AP Chinese Exam: Secrets from a Teacher with a Perfect Rate⁠ | Mandarin Companion  Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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 consciously learn. They also highlight why having a trained tutor can make a difference for you. Links from the episode: Aspect, not Tense | Sinosplice Structural particle "de" | Chinese Grammar Wiki Separable verbs in Chinese | Chinese Grammar Wiki Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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" sound, and share insights on what it really takes to sound more native. Whether you’re a beginner struggling with pinyin, an intermediate learner trying to nail your tones, or an advanced student aiming for clarity over perfection, this episode will help you level up your pronunciation and be understood with confidence.  Links from the episode: Chinese Pronunciation Wiki | Free pronunciation guide Pronunciation Packs (scroll down) | AllSet Learning Mandarin Chinese Tone Pair Drills | Sinosplice The 3-2 Tone Swap Error | Sinosplice Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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 comedy in Chinese, founding a bilingual comedy club in Beijing, and why understanding humor is the ultimate test of language fluency. Jesse also discusses his shift into social media and entrepreneurship with Jesse’s Tea House, his global tea business. Plus, hear his insights on learning Chinese, navigating cultural differences, and why embracing the hard parts of language learning leads to real growth.  Links from the episode: Jesse’s Teahouse Jesse Appell Comedy | Laugh Beijing Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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 international content on the app, they discuss how you can find content tailored to your interests and engage with the unique environment and community that offers real-world context for learning Chinese and building cultural awareness.  Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Vincent, a ionate Chinese and Spanish teacher in California. While growing up in rural Ohio, he visited cousins living in 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 on his journey from struggling with tones and characters to achieving fluency, emphasizing the role of community, persistence, and connection. He also shares how these experiences inspired his teaching philosophy and offers practical tips for language learners. Tune in to hear Joseph’s story and gain insights into mastering Chinese, the impact of immersion, and how learning languages can unlock a deeper connection to the world.  Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion | Graded readers Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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 have a story to share? Reach out to us

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. 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 language and culture.  Links from the episode: You Can Learn Chinese | Podcast page Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

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 help you through your language encounters and lead you towards your ultimate quest: mastering Chinese.  Links from the episode: Living in China is like an RPG | SinoSplice

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 diverse political and social landscape. Jared as he talks with Andrew about his unique journey, humorous stories, and insightful perspectives.   Links from the episode: The Red Print Album | Big Daddy Dough’s China raps Beijing State of Mind | YouTube

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 identify the best resources for grammar improvement, and whether handwriting will remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. Plus, tune in for insights on Chinese history, cultural connections, and even a little humor from your favorite hosts. us for practical advice to keep your Chinese journey on track!  Links from the episode: Listener Questions & | Mandarin Companion

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 will tell his tale of falling in love with Chinese while in …Paris! And then he takes us on his journey moving past the limitations of the traditional Chinese education system and forging ahead with new ideas on how people can learn.  Links from the episode: Pinyin Over Characters: The Crippling Crutch | Mandarin Companion Elementary Chinese | Kwadwo on YouTube Chinese memes | Instagram

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 ionate about, learning Chinese becomes not only more enjoyable but also significantly more effective. Tune in to discover how narrowing your focus can supercharge your language learning journey! Links from the episode: “The Case for Narrow Reading” | Stephen Krashen How Your Personality Changes in Another Language | interview with Taha Shlibek Mandarin Companion graded readers

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, immersing himself in every learning tool he could find. His persistence paid off, turning his language struggles into a powerful success story. Tune in to hear how Elijah discovered his purpose, pushed past his limitations, and ultimately transformed his life through learning Chinese. His story is a testament to the power of finding your "why" and never giving up.  Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion graded readers

If you're learning Chinese, these are the must-know answers about Chinese characters. 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 make smarter decisions and boost your progress! Links from the episode: 200 Foundational Characters Learn Chinese Characters by Reading | Amazon  Transforming Hanzi Pedagogy in the Digital Age | Amazon

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 ion 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 and unique! Links from the episode: Jinbu Pal Chinese reading app Home Bartending Journey | YouTube Mandarin Companion graded readers

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 situations. You'll hear stories of real-life encounters, tips on how to incorporate more spontaneity into your studies, and insights on balancing structured learning with unpredictable experiences. Jared and John aim to inspire you to take on new challenges and embrace the unpredictable moments that lead to true fluency. Links from the episode: Mandarin Companion graded readers T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion