Recent articles about how to learn Mandarin
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How technology can make learning Chinese easier
Technology can make learning Chinese easier, not by doing the learning for you, but by helping you spend more time on what actually matters: listening, reading and communicating in Chinese.
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The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water is open!
Develop essential Mandarin listening skills with my course, The Fluent Listener. Enrol now for lifetime access to video lessons, curated resources, tailored guidance, and a supportive learning community.
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Chinese listening challenge, June 2026
Enrol in this month’s Chinese listening challenge, starting June 10th! Listen more and learn more through daily practice and friendly competition. This article contains more information about the challenge, as well as tips for what to listen to and how to get the most out of it.
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How to make Chinese easier by using mnemonics and memory techniques
Mnemonics are clever memory techniques that can be used to memorise everything from decks of cards to speeches, but how do you use them to learn Chinese?
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Learn Chinese by playing Chinese chess (象棋, xiàngqí)
Chinese chess, or 象棋 (xiàngqí), is more than a classic strategy game. It’s a fun, practical way into Chinese language and culture.
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The best podcasts for learning Chinese in 2026
Podcasts let you create your own Chinese immersion experience, with level-appropriate stories and authentic conversations. Learn flexibly on the go with the best podcasts for beginners, intermediate and advanced students!
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Effective progress or experience points? The double-edged sword of measuring your Chinese learning
Measuring your Chinese progress is a double-edged sword: it can keep you motivated, but it can also tempt you to chase numbers that don’t reflect real progress.
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Chinese vocabulary challenge, May 2026
It’s time for a vocabulary challenge! It starts on May 10th, so enrol, set your goal and learn as many characters and words as you can before the end of the month. This challenge is sponsored by Skritter, so there are also prizes on the line! This article contains more information about the challenge, some important things to keep in mind as well as some advice about learning Chinese characters and words.
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How to not memorise Chinese characters: The anatomy of bad mnemonics
Mnemonics are clever memory techniques that help you remember everything from PIN codes to Chinese characters. Good mnemonics make learning easier, but bad ones can distract you or even hold you back.
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The best time to start learning Chinese is now: A guide for expats
The best time to start learning Chinese might be behind you, but the second-best time is now. If you’ve been surrounded by Mandarin for years and keep putting off learning the language, this guide is for you!
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