You Can Learn Chinese

Are you getting everything you can out of your Chinese lessons?Jared and John share practical strategies for multiplying the value of every class or tutoring session. You'll learn how to review lesson notes more effectively, identify the corrections that matter most, create better flashcards, and use recordings to improve your pronunciation and speaking ability. They also show how modern AI tools can analyze lesson transcripts, uncover recurring mistakes, highlight useful vocabulary, and generate personalized review materials based on your actual conversations.Whether you study with a tutor online or in person, these techniques can help you remember more, notice patterns faster, and make measurable progress between lessons.This episode was sponsored by italki.Visit their website via the link below and get $5 off when you purchase $10 worth of italki credits using the promo code "TURNER "But hurry, this offer is only available for the first 50 users!Web: https://go.italki.com/turner2607App: https://go.italki.com/turner2607appLinks from the episode:italki | online language tutorsMandarin Companion Graded Readers

After 300 days of secretly studying Chinese, one guy surprises his partner with phrases like “the cheesecake is grieving” and “the purple elephant eats passion for breakfast.” It’s a bit humorous, but it also highlights a bigger issue: extreme learning methods that feel productive but fall flat in practice.In this episode, Jared and John dive into seven common extremes they’ve seen (and lived) in the world of learning Chinese. From bingeing flashcards or grammar rules to over-relying on Duolingo or doing nothing but watch TV in Mandarin, these extremes can slow your progress, or worse, burn you out completely.Drawing on personal experience, stories from past podcast guests, and insights from language learning experts like Paul Nation, the hosts break down what works, what backfires, and how to build a more balanced and effective approach to learning Chinese.If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your methods, this episode will help you get back on track.Links from the episode:“Burnout, Breakthrough, and Fluency: Chaniece’s Story” | YCLC Podcast“Vocab Apps and Learner Engagement” – Jonathan Covey Interview | YCLC Podcast“Steven Kaufmann “The Linguist” Interview” | YCLC PodcastHack Chinese | Modern flashcardsMandarin Companion Graded Readers

Ever wonder how the place you study Chinese can shape your accent, comprehension, and even identity as a learner?In this episode, Jared and John dive into the importance of where you learn Mandarin in China and how different regions can affect your speaking and listening skills. From Beijing’s “pirate R’s” to the relaxed tones of Taipei and the “happy medium” of Shanghai, they explore the linguistic quirks of China’s top Mandarin learning destinations.You’ll hear:The differences between Chinese accents in Beijing, Shanghai, and TaipeiWhy Shanghai might be the perfect balance for learnersHow non-standard Mandarin can actually improve your listening skillsWhat it's like to learn Chinese in tier 2 or tier 3 cities (or tier 88) and why it might supercharge your progressStories from past podcast guests, including John D’Andrea's experience being laughed at for his Lanzhou accentHow regional accents and fangyan (local dialects) impact Mandarin learningA mildly controversial debate on cilantro in beef noodlesIf you’ve ever thought about studying in China or are curious about regional language variation, this episode is a must-listen. Links from the episode:John D’Andrea’s story | YCLC Podcast #10Do you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Jared and John are back with a full episode dedicated to answering listener questions covering everything from language learning strategies to cultural quirks. They explore the challenges of using sarcasm in Mandarin, how to prepare for a trip to China if you're not yet fluent, and whether watching Chinese TV shows actually helps improve listening skills.And yes, they also get into one of the most common learner frustrations: you ask a question in Chinese, but when the reply comes… you’re totally lost. It happens to everyone, so what can you do about it?They also share thoughts on overcoming the intermediate plateau, what makes leveled content like graded readers so effective, and how to build study habits that actually stick. Along the way, they reflect on their own learning experiences, like John’s ongoing Italian project and Jared’s use of Chinese in everyday work and life.Packed with relatable stories and practical insights, this episode offers encouragement and clarity for anyone learning Chinese—whether you're just getting started or pushing through the advanced stages.Listener Questions Answered From:Elena Leeds (elenaleeds8505)Owen Kempton (owenkempton9691)Gregor SchafrothKathryn BozzayMing (Chinese immersion teacher)Notable Quotes:“Sarcasm just doesn’t work the same way in Chinese. It’s not that it doesn’t exist, it’s just different.” —John“If you’re learning Chinese and you’re not enjoying it, it’s going to be hard to keep going.” —John“Leveling content is deceptively hard. It’s why our readers take so long to write, and why they work so well.” —JaredLinks from the episode:Mandarin Companion Graded ReadersDo you have a story to share? Reach out to us

What happens when a Swedish physics student decides to go all-in on Chinese? Meet Karl Vilhelmsson, a particle physics student at Stanford’s SLAC lab and a self-described language adventurer. From a middle school classroom in Stockholm to immersive conversations with a Taiwanese friend and a solo Chinese language-only trip to Suzhou, Carl shares how curiosity and fun fueled his Chinese learning journey. Carl talks with Jared about building meaningful friendships through Chinese, discovering the joy of reading and writing characters, and how Chinese has deepened his global perspective, both personally and professionally.Carl’s story is a reminder that Chinese is learnable, and it doesn’t have to be boring.Links from the episode:Mandarin Companion Graded ReadersDo you have a story to share? Reach out to us

Chaniece Chen didn’t just study Chinese, she built her own major, battled burnout in an intensive language program, and came back for more. In this episode, Jared talks with Chaniece about her 12-year journey in China, from struggling with tones to thriving in Shanghai as a translator, community organizer, and content creator.Chaniece opens up about the highs and lows of immersion: how her college program led to burnout, how thinking in Chinese helped her improve, and why perfectionism can be a hidden danger for motivated learners. She also reflects on what it's like being a Black woman in China, her experience in Xinjiang, and how she built a life, and family, abroad.Links from the episode:@ThisIsChaniece | InstagramDo you have a story to share? Reach out to us