Hacking Chinese

A better way of learning Mandarin

Articles in the ‘Immersion and integration’ category

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. Chinese reading practice for beginners: 7 resources to improve your Mandarin

    The best way to learn to read Chinese is to read texts you can understand without constantly using a dictionary. As a beginner, those texts aren’t always easy to find, but let’s look at the best reading resources I know for beginners.

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  5. The Fluent Listener: Navigating Spoken Mandarin Like a Fish in Water is open until November 17

    Develop essential Mandarin listening skills with my new course, The Fluent Listener. Enrol by November 17 for lifetime access to video lessons, curated resources, tailored guidance, and a supportive learning community.

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  6. Learning (or not learning) Chinese slang

    Slang and swearing often top the list of what people want to learn in a foreign language. But is this curiosity actually helpful for learners, or just a fun distraction?

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  7. 16 myths about learning Chinese that are holding you back

    Believing the wrong things about learning Chinese can waste time and lead you astray. Let’s explore 16 myths that might be holding you back!

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  8. Learning Chinese through comprehensible input

    Can you really learn Mandarin through listening and reading alone? What is comprehensible input, and how do you get enough of it?And how do speaking, writing, grammar, and flashcards fit in?

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  9. Classroom Mandarin: Essential expressions for learning Chinese in Chinese

    The fastest way to learn to communicate in Chinese is to learn classroom expressions first. Master essential phrases that help you learn Mandarin without relying on English!

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  10. How to find the perfect Mandarin tutor for you: A complete guide

    A great tutor can accelerate your learning, but finding one isn’t easy. To get the best results, you need to be patient and try many options. Here is how!

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