131 episodes

Learn HOW to learn Chinese with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. You will learn 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.
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.

You Can Learn Chinese Jared Turner

    • Language Learning

Learn HOW to learn Chinese with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. You will learn 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.
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.

    Japanese and Chinese: Unraveling the Differences of Two Ancient Tongues

    Japanese and Chinese: Unraveling the Differences of Two Ancient Tongues

    Dive into the fascinating world of East Asian languages with hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden. Whether you're navigating the tonal waves of Chinese or untangling the polite intricacies of Japanese, this episode offers a deep dive into the nuances, challenges, and delights of learning these two rich languages. They also discuss invaluable resources for learners and the global implications of the Chinese diaspora versus Japanese homogeneity.

    If you've ever pondered the complexities of learning Japanese or Chinese or are simply fascinated by the cultures behind these languages, this episode is a must-listen.

    Links from the episode:


    Language Power Struggles | Sinosplice.com


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    • 23 min
    The Making of a YouTube Star: Ari Smith's Transformation into Xiao Ma

    The Making of a YouTube Star: Ari Smith's Transformation into Xiao Ma

    In this riveting episode, a clueless American white guy shocks a podcast host with flawless Chinese using one trick that teachers hate!  Our special guest, Ari Smith, widely recognized as Xiao Ma on YouTube, shares the unexpected journey that led him from being a curious American to a Chinese-speaking internet sensation. 

    Our special guest is none other than Ari Smith, widely recognized as YouTuber Xiao Ma. In this light and engaging interview, we dig into how he got started with Chinese and how he turned, almost by happenstance, into a YouTube sensation. 

    Starting with a random free class in Chinese, his fascination with Chinese propelled him to immerse himself in its language and culture, leading to a year in China where he embraced full Mandarin immersion, laying the groundwork for his fluency. 

    Ari reveals how his genuine interactions in Chinese settings, from restaurants to nail salons, have captivated and motivated many. He also discusses his experiences into learning lesser-known languages, such as Native American dialects, underscoring the importance of preserving endangered languages and offering insights into the vast landscape of linguistic diversity.

    Links from the episode:


    Xiaomanyc 小马在纽约 | YouTube


    YourTeacher.AI


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    • 38 min
    Bridging Continents and Cultures: How Akeel Alleyne Found His Calling and Career in the Heart of China

    Bridging Continents and Cultures: How Akeel Alleyne Found His Calling and Career in the Heart of China

    Some people may find they have a knack for learning Chinese, but deciding to make Chinese a part of your life is another decision entirely. Akeel Alleyne shares his story from learning Chinese in high school to making the move to live and work in China. He talks about how Chinese has enriched his life, helped find his calling, and enabled him to carve out his own career. 

    Links from the episode:


    Card Games for Language Learning | Where John & Akeel met


    Akeel Alleyne | Linktree 


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    • 44 min
    The Impact of Native Teaching Methods on Chinese Learners: Insights from a Shanghai Classroom

    The Impact of Native Teaching Methods on Chinese Learners: Insights from a Shanghai Classroom

    Join us as we step into the world of China's educational system. With an extra special guest interview, we pull back the curtain of how Chinese is taught in Chinese schools. These first-hand insights shed light on how China’s classrooms influence how Chinese is taught around the world. 

    Links from the episode:


    Memes for Chinese Learners | Instagram


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    • 29 min
    How to use ChatGPT to Learn Chinese

    How to use ChatGPT to Learn Chinese

    Hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden give you some pro tips on how to use AI, specifically Chat GPT, to learn Chinese. They explore a variety of use cases, including limitations and tips on how to get the most out of these large language models we call artificial intelligence. 

    Links from the episode:


    Chat GPT


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    • 19 min
    Christmas in China (Ep. 25 Replay)

    Christmas in China (Ep. 25 Replay)

    Our special Chinese Christmas episode first aired Dec 16, 2019.

    • 58 min

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