Articles in the ‘Science and research’ category
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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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Chinese listening, fast and slow: Three ways of slowing down Mandarin speech
Spoken Mandarin can feel like an onslaught of similar sounds, half-recognised tones and unknown words. To add insult to injury, it’s often too fast! Should you slow it down? If so, how?
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Reading is a lot like spaced repetition, only better
You can build vocabulary in Chinese with flashcard apps spaced repetition, but reading is more effective and more enjoyable. It helps you recognise words, understand how they work in context and build your sense of how the language works.
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4, 3, 2, 1: Fluency! A great technique to boost your Mandarin speaking ability
Do you want to speak Mandarin fluently, no matter what your level is? Use the 4/3/2 technique to build confidence and flow!
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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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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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Cramming vs. spaced repetition: When to use which method to learn Chinese
Should you cram or use spaced repetition to learn Chinese? Discover when each method works best and why spaced repetition is key to long-term success.
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Habit hacking for language learners
Habits are routines that become smooth and effortless with repetition. They are essential for managing daily life efficiently, and by developing the right habits for learning Chinese, you can learn more with less effort!
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Learning to hear the sounds and tones in Mandarin
As infants, we perceive the world without categories. Learning our first language forms sound categories, aiding understanding but losing other sound distinctions. As adults learning a second language, we need to regain this ability. But how?
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How to learn Chinese in the long term with intrinsic motivation
While strong motivation doesn’t necessarily accelerate your learning or improve your memory, without it you won’t spend enough time learning Chinese. So how can you stay motivated for months, years and even decades?
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