How is your pronunciation? In this podcast, John and Jared discuss Chinese pronunciation, common pitfalls, and tips on how to sound even better when you’re speaking Chinese. Learn how to pronounce like a pro!

Guest interview is with Shang Zhu Zhang, who at age 7 moved to Canada, learned French and English, and forgot how to speak Mandarin. She will share her journey of how she reconnected with her Chinese roots and finally learned Chinese as an adult.

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We are also taking questions from our listeners. If you have a question, reach us at feedback@mandarincompanion.com or leave us a note on our Facebook page.

Links referenced in this Episode.

Chinese Pronunciation Wiki
Yoyo Chinese – Online Chinese Language Courses
The Country of the Blind – Level 1 Chinese Graded Reader
Short article about Shang Zhu’s story


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#14 How to Pronounce Like a Pro

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. 

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Language Learning

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





The Frustrated Learner and the Sound of Progress

Driven by her love for Asian cultures, anime, and K-pop, Happi (from Happi Across Cultures) has learned Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Starting with friendships with exchange students, she went on to double major in Chinese and Japanese including studying abroad in Tokyo and Shanghai where she deeply engaged with the local culture. An accomplished singer, her story takes a viral turn when she sings at a concert with the famous Chinese singer, Joker Xue ( 薛之谦 Xuē Zhīqiān), showcasing the incredible opportunities that arise from language learning. For an inspiring tale of cultural immersion, language mastery, and musical collaboration, tune into this episode and follow Happi's ongoing journey on social media.
Links from the episode:

 Happi’s viral duet with Joker Xue | Instagram | Weibo

 Happi @ Instagram | Weibo | Douyin

 Mandarin Companion graded readers

 Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form







Finding Your Voice in Chinese: Happi's Multilingual Melody

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

 Mandarin Companion graded readers


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Japanese and Chinese: Unraveling the Differences of Two Ancient Tongues



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

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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#14 How to Pronounce Like a Pro

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