Articles in the ‘Immersion and integration’ category
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30 minutes of podcast, 3 minutes of Chinese
Most learners know they should “listen more”, but what they listen to matters. To improve, you need to make sense of spoken Mandarin, not listen to people explain Mandarin in English.
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How much Chinese should you listen to every day?
Listening is the most important skill. To improve your listening ability in Chinese, you need to listen a lot, but how much should you listen every day?
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How technology can stop you from learning Chinese
Technology can make learning Chinese easier, but only if it helps you engage more with the language. Used poorly, the same tools can get in the way of learning instead of supporting it.
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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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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 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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Which Chinese language course should you take?
The answer to the question of which Chinese language course you should choose is that it depends. But what does it depend on, and how do you make the right decision about which course to take?
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The 10 best free Chinese listening resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners
Listening is the most important skill of all, because it accelerates learning and is crucial for social integration. What are the best free Chinese listening resources out there for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners?
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A practical guide to your ideal Mandarin self: Build motivation that lasts
Motivation is not a personality trait that you either have or lack. It is a system you can design. Give yourself a clear future self in Mandarin, set up your study routine so it feels good in the moment, and let small, steady actions narrow the gap.
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