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Learn HOW to learn Chinese with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. You will lean 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. </p>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. </p>Together they started the Mandarin Companion Chinese graded reader series, a series of easy-to-read novels in Chinese, that has helped tens of thousands of Chinese learners worldwide. </p>
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 his teaching career.
Links from the episode:
Timestamps
Don't worry about tones [00:01:55]
The misconception that tones are not important in speaking Chinese and that native speakers don't use tones naturally.
Characters are too hard, just focus on speaking [00:04:21]
The belief that learning characters is unnecessary and that focusing on speaking is enough to learn Chinese.
Chinese has no grammar, don't worry about it [00:06:14]
The misconception that Chinese language has no grammar and that learners don't need to study it.
The capability of kids books [00:09:41]
Kids books have a higher reading level than learners, and they contain special use vocabulary that may not be useful for learners.
Reading novels as a beginner [00:11:09]
Reading novels as a beginner is not an effective way to learn Chinese, as it is slow and challenging.
Chinese poetry and idioms [00:13:17]
Chinese poetry and idioms are not essential for beginners and should be appreciated at higher levels of language proficiency.
All you need is Immersion [00:20:05]
Discussion on the idea of immersing oneself in the language to learn it naturally and effortlessly.
You need A well-rounded approach to learning Chinese [00:24:01]
Emphasis on the importance of using multiple resources and methods to learn Chinese effectively.
The lack of Chinese news sites for kids [00:30:21]
Discussion about the limited availability of news sites in Chinese specifically designed for kids.
Recommendation of a text analysis tool for Chinese [00:31:48]
Introduction and recommendation of an online tool called "Cathoven" for teachers to analyze and level Chinese texts.
Dave Landis' language learning journey [00:33:37]
Interview with Dave Landis, a middle school teacher, about his language learning experiences, including his interest in German and Vietnamese before eventually learning Mandarin.
Meeting and Marrying his Wife [00:41:36]
Dave discusses how he met his wife and how learning Chinese helped him develop their relationship.
Communicating with Bilingual Spouses [00:42:50]
Dave talks about how communication with his wife is mostly in English, but sometimes they switch to Chinese, especially when speaking to their children.
Studying Mandarin in China [00:45:14]
Dave shares his experience of studying Mandarin in China, including his decision to attend the Chinese Language Institute in Guilin and his interactions with locals.
Developing Listening Comprehension [00:52:14]
Dave Landis discusses the importance of speaking to someone younger than him to improve his listening comprehension while learning Mandarin.
Progress and Study Methods [00:52:48]
Dave Landis talks about the progress he made during his time in China, including studying HSK 4, reading articles about China, and telling dad jokes in Chinese.
Language Endurance and Filling in Gaps [00:56:38]
Dave Landis and Jared Turner discuss the importance of language endurance and how participating in a language program helped fill in gaps in listening and speaking skills.
The importance of reading graded books and getting a tutor [01:03:28]
Dave recommends reading Mandarin Companion and Chinese Breeze books and getting a one-on-one tutor for rapid progress.
The benefits of studying Mandarin overseas [01:04:12]
Dave shares the example of a classmate who made rapid progress by studying Mandarin overseas and encourages others to do the same.
Dave Landis' blog and his experience at CLI [01:04:38]
Dave Landis talks about his blog, where he discusses the books he has read and his experience at CLI. A link to his blog will be provided in the show notes.
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Jared Turner and John Pasden discuss the impact of extensive reading on language learning by sharing stories from research that illustrate the impact it has on learning gains. You’ll hear stories from Fiji to Singapore, impressive results from students in Japan, and personal stories from their own experience. Guest interview is with Sarah Reinstein, a game developer for “League of Legends”, for whom Chinese opened doors including meeting her favorite Taiwanese singer, Jay Chou.
Links from the episode:
Timestamps
The effectiveness of extensive reading in language learning [00:02:26]
The hosts discuss the research papers and studies that show the effectiveness of extensive reading in different settings and its impact on language learning gains.
The story of Willie Renandya [00:07:41]
Willie Renandya, the author of the paper, shares his personal story of using extensive reading to learn English and how it drastically improved his proficiency.
The impact of extensive reading on language acquisition [00:10:35]
Discussion on the differences between extensive reading in English and Chinese, and the importance of starting with simpler materials.
The benefits of extensive reading on academic performance [00:13:57]
Exploration of a research project in Fiji that showed how extensive reading improved reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills, and even had positive effects on math and other subjects.
The effectiveness of extensive reading for remedial students [00:17:19]
Overview of a study with 7th grade remedial students that demonstrated the significant reading gains achieved through extensive reading, even with limited quality and quantity of reading materials.
The students' impressive English scores [00:20:38]
Discussion about high English test scores among Japanese students, even the lowest scoring students are in the top 25%.
Success stories of extensive reading [00:21:40]
Examples of students who improved their English proficiency through extensive reading, reading millions of words within a year or two.
Grant Brown's success with extensive reading in the classroom [00:24:37]
Grant Brown, a high school teacher, improved his Chinese class pass rate from 50% to 100% by incorporating extensive reading into the curriculum.
The Maotai Coffee [00:30:41]
Discussion about a friend's experiment mixing baijiu and hangzhou liquor with different drinks and the introduction of Maotai coffee.
Intro to Historical Chinese Geography [00:31:48]
Recommendation of a YouTube video that provides insights into ancient and modern Chinese history through the lens of geography.
Learning Chinese as a Life Experience [00:33:17]
Guest Sarah Reinstein shares her journey of learning Mandarin, how it opened up unique opportunities, and her memorable experiences speaking Mandarin with a famous Taiwanese singer-songwriter.
Jay Chou Encounter [00:41:17]
Sarah talks about meeting Jay Chou on her college campus and speaking Mandarin with him and his crew.
Singing for Jay Chou [00:42:16]
Sarah shares her experience of telling Jay Chou her favorite song of his in Mandarin and being asked to sing it in front of him.
Embarrassing Mandarin Moments [00:45:05]
Sarah recounts funny and embarrassing moments speaking Mandarin, including getting trolled by a restaurant owner and mistaken as a couple with her friend Nick.
Connecting with Mandarin-speaking couple [00:50:40]
Sarah recounts an experience of helping a Mandarin-speaking couple in LA with directions.
Using Mandarin in everyday situations [00:51:33]
Sarah talks about using Mandarin in practical scenarios like using Mandarin GPS or speaking with coworkers.
The value of reading in Mandarin [00:57:59]
Sarah emphasizes the importance of reading in Mandarin for language learning and comprehension.
The importance of not treating learning Chinese as impossible [01:01:25]
Discussion about how learning Chinese, like any language, has its challenges but should not be treated as impossible.
Advice for starting to learn Chinese [01:01:54]
Sarah gives two pieces of advice for beginners: finding a supportive teacher and exploring different tools and methods for learning Mandarin.
Overcoming fear and shame when speaking Mandarin [01:03:08]
Sarah emphasizes the need to be shameless and not worry about making mistakes or sounding silly when speaking Mandarin, as native speakers are usually forgiving.
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You may know a lot of Chinese, but are you proficient in it? Or maybe you’ve studied for a long time but are still unable to speak or hold a simple conversation. Jared and John discuss this as one of the most common issues among language learners and offer practical advice on how to balance the two with an emphasis on how to build Chinese language proficiency.
Xinjiang, China, is the westernmost province of China where Josh Summers lived for over 10 years. He shares his story of living, learning, and thriving in this diverse and exotic environment. He and his wife came to Xinjiang to teach English, stayed to learn Chinese, and then started a travel business.
Replay of episode 12 first aired on June 16, 2019.
Links from the episode:
Timestamps
The challenge of speaking and listening proficiency [00:02:02]
Discussion on the difficulties of achieving fluency in speaking and listening, especially when not living in China.
Identifying goals and purpose in language learning [00:03:34]
Emphasizing the importance of clarifying goals and understanding the purpose of learning Chinese to guide effective practice.
Using relevant material for practice [00:07:12]
Suggesting the use of authentic spoken Chinese materials with transcripts for listening practice, and engaging in conversations related to the content being listened to.
Building proficiency and fluency [00:09:05]
Discusses the concept of building fluency in the present rather than waiting for fluency in the distant future.
Common mistakes in language learning [00:09:49]
Explains the pitfalls of solely relying on memorizing word lists and neglecting other aspects of language learning.
Stepping outside of comfort zone [00:11:46]
Emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone to break through learning plateaus and improve language skills.
Chinese Forums [00:18:18]
The Chinese Forums website and its active community for learning and discussing Chinese language and culture.
Moving to Xinjiang, China [00:20:39]
Josh Summers shares his experience of moving to Xinjiang, China, and the unique cultural diversity of the region.
Starting to Learn Chinese [00:21:31]
Josh Summers talks about when he and his wife decided to move to China and how they started learning Chinese before their move.
Learning Chinese in a University Setting [00:27:26]
Transitioning from self-study to enrolling in a university in Xinjiang to improve his language skills.
Challenges and Benefits of Immersion Learning [00:30:08]
The pros and cons of learning Chinese in a region with few foreigners and limited English language alternatives.
Achieving Fluency and Breakthrough Moments [00:33:47]
Josh Summers shares his experience of reaching a point where he could converse in Chinese without translating in his head, leading to a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Uighur Weddings [00:36:45]
Josh Summers describes the unique procession that takes place during Uighur weddings, involving a pickup truck, drum, trumpet, and dancing.
Benefits of Learning Chinese [00:37:38]
How learning Chinese opened up new travel opportunities and allowed Josh to explore remote areas in Xinjiang, China.
Favorite Trip to Tash Corgan [00:39:54]
Josh Summers shares his favorite trip to Tash Corgan, a city in Xinjiang, China, known for its Tajik culture and the scenic Karakoram Highway.
Advice for starting to learn Chinese [00:46:44]
The importance of starting to learn Chinese as soon as possible and not waiting for the perfect time or circumstances.
Treasured memory of celebrating Chinese New Year in Xinjiang [00:47:58]
Josh Summers shares a special memory of being invited to celebrate Chinese New Year in Xinjiang, including the unique experiences and interactions with the local culture.
Josh Summers' book "Travel to China: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go" [00:49:45]
His recently published book about traveling to China.
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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.
Links from the episode:
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What if your perfectionism is holding you back from progressing in Chinese? In this episode, hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden delve into the impact of perfectionism on language learning. From listening and speaking to reading and writing, they explore how perfectionism can both hinder and help your progress.
Special guest interview is with Rob Neal, a passionate Chinese language teacher from Manchester, England, who shares his experiences and insights into teaching Chinese culture and language.
Don't forget to subscribe and share the podcast!
Links from the episode:
Timestamps
Perfectionism and its effects [00:00:44]
Discussion on the concept of perfectionism and its impact on language learning.
Perfectionism as a barrier to progress [00:01:21]
Exploration of how perfectionism can hinder language learning and the fear of failure associated with it.
Adjusting standards and realistic expectations [00:03:44]
The importance of adjusting perfectionist tendencies and setting realistic standards to facilitate language learning progress.
Reading Pain and Effective Language Learning [00:09:35]
The hosts discuss the negative impact of reading pain on motivation and the effectiveness of learning a language through grinding through difficult books.
Finding the Right Level for Reading [00:10:26]
The hosts emphasize the importance of finding the right level for reading and how it can greatly benefit language learning progress.
Handwriting vs. Typing in Chinese [00:11:34]
The hosts discuss the separate skills of handwriting and typing in Chinese, and how being a perfectionist in handwriting can impede learning progress.
The importance of tones in pronunciation [00:19:41]
Discussion on how tones are an aspect of pronunciation and become more important as language proficiency increases.
The role of grammar in language learning [00:22:29]
Exploration of the significance of grammar in Chinese language learning and the advice to not be overly perfectionist about it.
Embracing imperfections in language learning [00:25:36]
Discussion on the benefits of embracing imperfections in language learning and how it can lead to growth and progress.
The Physics of Languages [00:30:37]
Discussion on applying physics models to analyze language spread and common features between languages.
Zipf's Law of Brevity [00:32:36]
Explanation of a statistical law that states more frequently used words tend to be shorter, supported by a study of over a thousand languages.
Rob's Chinese Journey [00:34:49]
Interview with Rob Neale, a Mandarin Chinese teacher, about his experience learning Chinese and his parents' involvement with China in the 80s and 90s.
Learning Chinese in China [00:40:24]
The speaker discusses their decision to go to China to learn Chinese and their initial experiences in Beijing.
Choosing China over Japan [00:41:11]
The speaker explains why they chose to go to China instead of Japan and their excitement about the rapid changes happening in China.
Immersion in Chinese Language [00:44:30]
The speaker talks about their language learning process in China, including joining a language course and practicing Chinese with classmates and locals.
The Transformational Experience [00:51:35]
Rob shares his experiences of taking students to China and how it transformed their motivation and perception of learning Chinese.
Working for the BBC during the Olympics [00:52:57]
Rob talks about his job as a local fixer for the BBC during the Beijing Olympics and how it motivated his students to continue learning Chinese.
The Future of Chinese Language Education [00:56:22]
Rob discusses the current challenges in Chinese language education and the importance of understanding China in the 21st century.
The PhD research on pronunciation [01:00:31]
The speaker discusses their experience doing a PhD in second language acquisition, focusing on pronunciation, and how it gave them a new lease of life.
The importance of reading for pleasure [01:02:36]
The speaker shares their regret of not starting to read Mandarin Companion books earlier and how reading for pleasure can greatly improve language skills.
The controversy around the importance of tones [01:05:12]
The speaker talks about their controversial PhD thesis that tested the assumption that tones are not crucial for understanding spoken Mandarin, and discusses the findings of their research.
The roommate's taxi story [01:11:48]
An anecdote about the speaker's Italian roommate trying to call a taxi in China using the word "choo choo."
Advice for learning Chinese [01:12:35]
The guest, Robert Neil, gives advice on learning Chinese, including persevering, not being afraid of making mistakes, and immersing oneself in the language and culture.
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What does a great tutor do differently? How often should they correct you? What should you do if you can’t afford a private tutor? John and I will give you tips and advice on how to identify a tutor who can help you take your Chinese to the next level. Guest interview is with Lucy Jak-Lax, an aspiring musician who fell in love with China, explored the diverse ethnic music of the country, and has even written her own songs in Chinese. By combining her love for Chinese and music, she is forging her own career and loving the ride.
Replay of episode 36 first aired on May 18, 2020.
Links from the episode:
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In June of 2023, Jared Turner delivered the keynote speech at the Swire Chinese language conference in Newcastle, England. This episode features his address discussing Chinese learner motivation, specifically how to help students find their own motivation as well as identifying what can squash it. After a Q&A session, there are six speed interviews with Chinese teachers from the UK sharing their stories of why they started to learn Chinese.
*The Swire Chinese Language Conference [00:01:20]*
John and Jared talk about the Swire Chinese Language Conference and its purpose in promoting Chinese language education in the UK.
*Observing Chinese Classes in the UK [00:02:26]*
Jared shares his experience of visiting classrooms in London and Oxford to observe Chinese language education the UK.
*Keynote Address: Discovering motivation behind learning Chinese [00:04:25]*
Jared discusses research conducted by Mandarin Companion, which identified six distinct groups of Chinese language learners based on their reasons for learning Chinese.
*How to help students find their motivation [00:15:32]*
Jared discusses practical ways to help obligated learners discover their own intrinsic motivation for learning Chinese.
*Q&A: The importance of intrinsic motivation [00:21:45]*
Interview with Jared: Jared discusses the challenges of helping students find their intrinsic motivation to learn Chinese and the fragility of motivation.
*Q&A: What stops students from learning Chinese? [00:23:35]*
Jared answers a question highlighting the difficulty and time it takes to feel a sense of accomplishment in learning Chinese and how it can affect motivation.
*Q&A: Why are students from immigrant families who have learned English not motivated to learn Chinese? [00:25:34]*
Jared answers question about why kids who have learned English as a second language may not be interested in learning another language like Chinese.
*Q&A: What are some best practices from the USA? [00:27:19]*
Jared explores the use of innovative teaching methods, such as comprehensible input, and the benefits of dual language immersion programs in the US education system.
*Robert Neil: Swire Chinese program overview [00:29:33]*
Robert is the coordinator for the Swire Chinese center in Manchester, England. He explains the Swire Group’s involvement in Chinese language education in the UK.
*Interview: Dean Robinson [00:32:40]*
Dean shares his two-decade journey of learning Chinese, initially motivated by his fascination with Chinese culture and later by a professional goal. He emphasizes the significant role technology and a clear purpose can play in language learning.
*Interview: Zainab Khalid [00:36:53]*
Zainab, who helms a Mandarin teaching department, shares her spontaneous decision to study Mandarin at university despite initial intentions to pursue sciences. She stresses the rewarding nature of Mandarin learning, suggesting it becomes easier and more gratifying as proficiency increases.
*Interview: Alex Tarbot [00:39:26]*
Alex, who transitioned from Spanish to Chinese due to its potential opportunities, discusses his language learning journey and how the allure of understanding Chinese culture kept him motivated.
*Interview: Jay Smith [00:42:03]*
Jay, a former entrepreneur turned Mandarin teacher, shares his random decision to learn Chinese influenced by his sister's suggestion. His passion for languages and the ability they offer to connect with others, combined with his experiences in China, have cemented his path.
*Interview: Torri Widowson [00:44:50]*
Tori, a teacher from Whitburn School, speaks about her early experiences in learning Chinese, the cultural insights gained through language, and how technology has revolutionized language learning.
*Interview: James Stagg [00:48:50]*
James talks about his passion for teaching and ensuring that children and young adults have a positive and engaging experience learning Mandarin.
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Jared and John answer listener questions about learning Chinese such as the effectiveness of extensive reading, habits for Chinese learners, tools for learning word context, and the helpfulness of Chinese media. Guest interview is with Shannon Kennedy, a polyglot for whom Chinese became a significant part of her life and shares the impact it had on her friendships and career.
The Q&A session begins [00:01:40]
Jared and John answer listener questions about learning Chinese and discuss the benefits of extensive reading and the whole language model.
The debate on whole language vs. direct instruction [00:03:07]
John explains the difference between whole language and direct instruction and how it applies to learning Chinese.
The progression of Mandarin Companion books [00:08:36]
Jared and John discuss the progression of Mandarin Companion books and how to determine when to move up to the next level based on reading speed and vocabulary acquisition.
Opportunities to Speak Chinese [00:13:35]
Jared shares his habit of always looking for opportunities to speak Chinese and how it has helped him improve his language skills.
Checking Tones for Accurate Pronunciation [00:11:52]
John talks about the importance of remembering tones and shares his habit of frequently checking tones to improve pronunciation.
Learning Words in Context [00:15:57]
Jared and John discuss the importance of learning words in context and suggest using dictionaries with sample sentences to understand how words are used.
Using Chinese media for language learning [00:21:36]
Discussion on whether consuming Chinese media like TV shows, movies, and social media is an effective way to improve tones and natural speaking flow.
The helpfulness of Chinese restaurants for language learners [00:27:53]
Sharing a travel hack of visiting Chinese restaurants while traveling abroad to find Chinese-speaking staff who can provide assistance.
Learning Multiple Languages [00:31:29]
Shannon shares how she got involved in learning multiple languages and the program requirements she had to meet.
Discovering Croatian [00:33:26]
Shannon talks about her personal connection to the Croatian language and why she started learning it independently.
Starting to Learn Chinese [00:38:27]
Shannon explains how she decided to learn Chinese and her initial experiences with the language, including the importance of learning pinyin and characters.
Learning Chinese for my child [00:40:40]
Shannon shares their motivation to learn Chinese when they found out they were pregnant and their journey of studying the language for their child.
Personal rewards of learning Chinese [00:44:55]
The speaker talks about the personal rewards they have experienced, including making close friends and having unique experiences, thanks to their ability to speak Chinese.
The impact of speaking Chinese on friendships and career opportunities [00:49:32]
Shannon shares how speaking Chinese with her friends in Shanghai made her feel more included and created a different dynamic within the group.
Advice for learning Chinese and overcoming challenges [00:52:01]
Shannon gives advice on not being intimidated by learning Chinese, taking it step by step, and the value of being able to communicate with people in China who may not speak English.
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Do you ever wonder why language learning materials are filled with dialogues? In this episode, John and Jared discuss the benefits of dialogues in language learning, such as authentic spoken language, contextual learning, and natural listening comprehension material including possible drawbacks such as outdated or contrived content. Guest interview is with Bohan Phoenix, a Chinese-American hip hop artist who adds a unique perspective on bridging cultures through music. Bohan shares his experiences growing up in China and the United States, pursuing music, and incorporating his Chinese culture into his work.
Links from the episode:
The usefulness of dialogues [00:02:05]
John and Jared discuss the benefits of dialogues in language learning, such as providing authentic spoken language, contextual learning, natural listening comprehension material, speaking practice, vocabulary expansion, and grammar learning.
Potential drawbacks of dialogues [00:07:41]
John and Jared mention the potential drawbacks of dialogues, such as outdated or contrived content and cramming too much vocabulary or grammar into a single dialogue.
Expanding vocabulary and learning grammar [00:08:29]
John and Jared explain how dialogues can help learners expand their vocabulary and learn grammar in a natural context.
Benefits of Dialogues [00:10:08-00:12:08]
Dialogues provide authentic spoken language, contextual learning, natural listening comprehension material, speaking practice, vocabulary expansion, grammar learning, cultural insight, and engagement.
Using Dialogues in Stories [00:13:12-00:13:55]
Dialogues can be used in stories to break up longer paragraphs of text, provide a break for the reader, and keep the story interesting.
Shared Bikes in Shanghai [00:19:04-00:19:40]
Shared bikes are here to stay in Shanghai, with the blue Hello bikes and yellow Made Twin bikes being the most popular. They are super convenient and can be unlocked with both Alipay and WeChat apps.
Mobike Memories [00:20:21]
Jared and John reminisce about the evolution of bike-sharing services in China.
Enjoying Language Learning [00:22:22]
Jared discusses an article about the importance of enjoying language learning and how it can lead to success.
Bohan Phoenix Interview [00:24:20]
An interview with Bohan Phoenix, a bilingual and bicultural hip hop artist, about his humble beginnings in China and his journey to becoming a successful musician in the US.
Moving to the US [00:30:43]
Bohan Phoenix talks about his move to the US from China at 11 years old, his struggles with culture shock, and his experiences in school.
Rap music and confidence [00:37:44]
Bohan Phoenix discusses how he discovered rap music and how it helped him gain confidence and find his identity in a new country.
Supportive mother [00:39:42]
Bohan Phoenix talks about his mother's supportive attitude towards his exploration of music and identity, and how it helped him gain confidence.
Bohan's music journey [00:40:42]
Bohan Phoenix talks about his journey into music, from leaving voicemails with raps to performing in high school and eventually pursuing music full-time.
Embracing two cultures [00:44:06]
Bohan discusses his journey of embracing his Chinese culture and incorporating it into his music, as well as his experiences of being a "perpetual foreigner" in America.
Approach to bilingual songwriting [00:47:53]
Bohan talks about his approach to mixing English and Chinese in his music, from starting with just a few lines to experimenting with different rhythms and eventually dialing it back to convey his ideas more effectively.
Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings [00:50:42]
Bohan Phoenix shares his experiences with cross-cultural misunderstandings between China and the US.
Personal Relationships in Music [00:56:25]
Bohan Phoenix talks about how his personal relationships, particularly with his mother, influence his music.
Teaching English through Chinese Sonics [00:59:38]
Bohan Phoenix shares his experience teaching English to his bandmates in China by writing Chinese sonics next to English words.
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In 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 of learning Chinese and hosting TV shows in China.
If you're looking to go beyond memorization and develop higher order thinking skills in your language learning journey, this episode is a must-listen.
Links from the episode:
Introduction [00:00:03]
Introduction to the podcast episode and the hosts.
Levels of Bloom's Taxonomy [00:03:03]
Explanation of the six levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and how they apply to language learning.
Creating in Language Learning [00:08:47]
Jared and John discuss the challenges and rewards of creating in language learning, such as writing essays, delivering presentations, participating in debates, and writing jokes.
Applying Bloom's Taxonomy in Language Learning [00:11:21]
Jared and John explain how Bloom's Taxonomy can be applied in language learning, and how it can help learners evaluate their efforts and understand what level they want to achieve in the language.
Gamifying Language Learning with Video Games [00:15:55]
Jared and John discuss the benefits of gamifying language learning with video games and recommend Mandarin Companion graded readers as easy-to-read Chinese novels for language learners.
Interview with John Gordon [00:28:26]
Jared interviews John Gordon, a foreigner with impressive Chinese language skills who has worked as a professional host on Chinese TV and now helps Chinese people learn English.
Starting to Learn Chinese [00:29:46]
John Gordon shares how he randomly decided to study abroad in China during his senior year of high school, and his initial preparation for learning Chinese before arriving in China.
Impact of studying abroad [00:33:15]
The impact of studying abroad in China, including the experience of learning about Chinese culture and language, and the relationships formed with host families.
Teaching English in China [00:39:20]
Discussion of how the guest ended up in China and his early experiences teaching English and leading study abroad programs.
Starting a Test Preparation Company [00:43:18]
The guest discusses starting a company in China focused on test preparation and how it grew to over 100 centers around the country.
Participating in Chinese TV Shows [00:44:56]
The guest talks about his experiences participating in Chinese TV shows, including a singing competition, and his experience hosting a Chinese learning TV show for CCTV4, which was broadcasted internationally and targeted at Chinese people abroad.
Being a Foreigner on TV [00:49:18]
John Gordon discusses his complicated relationship with being a foreigner on TV in China and how he sees it as an opportunity for cultural communication.
Jumping into learning Chinese [00:52:33]
The importance of immersing oneself in the language and spending time in China to learn Chinese effectively.
Regrets and Opportunities [00:53:26]
The benefits of taking a gap year to learn Chinese and the importance of keeping up with language learning.
Conclusion and Credits [00:55:51]
The hosts thank their guest and encourage listeners to share the podcast and leave a review.
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Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
