In this special episode, host Jared Turner takes you inside a study abroad trip to China with a group of teenagers including his two sons.

These teenagers, who have been learning Chinese for years in a dual language immersion program, finally get to put their skills to the test in the wild, navigating real-world challenges, stepping out of their comfort zones, and experiencing those "aha" moments of realizing they can truly speak Chinese!

From hilarious mishaps to triumphant conversations, these stories will inspire as you witness the magic of immersive learning.

Don’t miss this exciting episode packed with adventure, growth, and the real impact of learning Chinese!

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers
• T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion

Do you think your Chinese skills are better than they actually are? You might not be alone. This cognitive bias can cause learners to overestimate their proficiency, leading to overconfidence and potential setbacks in their language journey.

Jared and John share personal anecdotes and experiences, breaking down the stages of language learning where this effect is most prevalent. They discuss the importance of humility and realistic self-assessment in mastering Chinese, providing practical tips on how to identify and overcome overconfidence. Tune in to gain insights on how to accurately gauge your language skills, set realistic goals, and continue progressing towards genuine fluency.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, this episode will help you navigate the challenges of self-assessment and keep your Chinese learning journey on the right track. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that could transform your approach to mastering Chinese!

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion

Cleopatra Wise initially had no desire to learn a foreign language but after being convinced to go to China for a class trip, her visit to Shanghai became a transformative experience that sparked her interest in learning the language. She embarked on a quest to learn Chinese which ended up with her working in Taiwan, Beijing, and later working for the Asia Society in New York. Cleopatra also shares three aspects of her experiences as a black Muslim woman living in China: being black in China, connecting with the black diaspora in China, and wearing hijab in China. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing new experiences and the profound impact that learning Chinese has had on her personal and professional life.

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion

Discover why reading in Chinese is a game-changer for fluency and learn the best time to start using graded readers. Jared and John break down the benefits of extensive reading and offer tips on how to integrate graded readers into your study routine for maximum impact. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, find out how reading can accelerate your Chinese learning journey.

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• John D’andrea Interview | YouTube

• Theresa Munford Interview | YouTube

• Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Dive into the world of raising bilingual children with Sunny from Spot of Sunshine Chinese. In a chat with Jared, Sunny shares her journey from Taiwan to the suburbs of Chicago, discussing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining language and cultural connections.

She offers tips and expert advice on effective strategies for parents raising bilingual children, emphasizing the importance of motivation, comprehensible input, and creating an immersive environment at home. Tune in to discover Sunny's insights and learn how to support your child's bilingual development.

Links from the episode:

• Sunny at Spot of Sunshine Chinese | Instagram and Website

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Jared and John delve into research discussing the crucial role of attitudes and preconceptions of a culture towards learning its language. They explore the many facets of this issue, including how the current state of China’s political relations impacts language learning in the West.

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Jared Turner interviews Matt William Knowles, a former college football player, who turned an unfortunate event into a remarkable life-changing adventure in China. After a career-ending injury left him uncertain about his future, Matt took a volunteer teaching position in one of China's most impoverished regions, Guizhou Province. Here, Matt found himself in a remote town far removed from the comforts and familiarity of his South Carolina home. Without any knowledge of Chinese, he faced the challenge of communicating with his students and the local community, sparking his dedication to mastering Chinese.

Matt's story is not just about language learning; it's a tale of personal resilience and transformation. He shares how immersing himself in the culture and the language reshaped his identity and life's direction, leading him from the classroom to unexpected fame on Chinese television and stages. This inspiring story shows that with enough determination, you can turn even the most daunting setbacks into new pathways of success and fulfillment.

Tune in to hear how Matt's unique experiences in China taught him not just a new language but opened doors to a world of new opportunities and self-discovery.

Links from the episode:

• Matt William Knowles | Personal website

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Hosts Jared and John discuss the frustrations of a learner who came to John for help, particularly with pinyin and differentiation of similar sounds in Chinese. They explore why learners often misapply English pronunciation rules to pinyin and how comprehensible input can ease the learning curve. This episode is not just a deep dive into the phonetic and perceptual aspects of learning Chinese; it's also a heartening reminder that while the journey to fluency can be fraught with frustration, tailored strategies and persistent effort can lead to meaningful progress.

Links from the episode:

• Character Play in Chinese | Sinosplice

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form