You Can Learn Chinese

In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden delve into the topic of higher order thinking skills in language learning, with a focus on learning Chinese. They explore Bloom's Taxonomy and how it can be applied to language learning, and the challenges and rewards of creating in language learning. They emphasize the importance of seeking out programs that encourage learners to analyze, evaluate, and create in the language. Guest interview is with John Gordon, who shares his personal experience of learning Chinese and hosting TV shows in China. 

If you're looking to go beyond memorization and develop higher order thinking skills in your language learning journey, this episode is a must-listen.

Links from the episode:Great Expectations | 450 Character graded readerBlooms Taxonomy for language educationChina Doesn’t Appreciate Potatoes | Sinosplice

Introduction [00:00:03]

Introduction to the podcast episode and the hosts.

Levels of Bloom's Taxonomy [00:03:03]

Explanation of the six levels of Bloom's Taxonomy and how they apply to language learning.

Creating in Language Learning [00:08:47]

Jared and John discuss the challenges and rewards of creating in language learning, such as writing essays, delivering presentations, participating in debates, and writing jokes.

Applying Bloom's Taxonomy in Language Learning [00:11:21]

Jared and John explain how Bloom's Taxonomy can be applied in language learning, and how it can help learners evaluate their efforts and understand what level they want to achieve in the language.

Gamifying Language Learning with Video Games [00:15:55]

Jared and John discuss the benefits of gamifying language learning with video games and recommend Mandarin Companion graded readers as easy-to-read Chinese novels for language learners.

Interview with John Gordon [00:28:26]

Jared interviews John Gordon, a foreigner with impressive Chinese language skills who has worked as a professional host on Chinese TV and now helps Chinese people learn English.

Starting to Learn Chinese [00:29:46]

John Gordon shares how he randomly decided to study abroad in China during his senior year of high school, and his initial preparation for learning Chinese before arriving in China.

Impact of studying abroad [00:33:15]

The impact of studying abroad in China, including the experience of learning about Chinese culture and language, and the relationships formed with host families.

Teaching English in China [00:39:20]

Discussion of how the guest ended up in China and his early experiences teaching English and leading study abroad programs.

Starting a Test Preparation Company [00:43:18]

The guest discusses starting a company in China focused on test preparation and how it grew to over 100 centers around the country.

Participating in Chinese TV Shows [00:44:56]

The guest talks about his experiences participating in Chinese TV shows, including a singing competition, and his experience hosting a Chinese learning TV show for CCTV4, which was broadcasted internationally and targeted at Chinese people abroad.

Being a Foreigner on TV [00:49:18]

John Gordon discusses his complicated relationship with being a foreigner on TV in China and how he sees it as an opportunity for cultural communication.

Jumping into learning Chinese [00:52:33]

The importance of immersing oneself in the language and spending time in China to learn Chinese effectively.

Regrets and Opportunities [00:53:26]

The benefits of taking a gap year to learn Chinese and the importance of keeping up with language learning.

Conclusion and Credits [00:55:51]

The hosts thank their guest and encourage listeners to share the podcast and leave a review.

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Jared and John discuss the role of technology in language learning and whether it can replace the need to learn a foreign language. Guest interview is with Ben McMahon who shares his unique story of waking up from a coma speaking only Chinese and how he developed his language skills to pursue opportunities in the media and property industries.

Links from the episode:In Search of Hua Ma | Breakthrough level Graded ReaderXu Bing (徐冰) | Artwork Ben McMahon | YouTube Channel

Learning a Foreign Language in the Age of Technology [00:01:18]

The hosts discuss the necessity of learning a foreign language and the limitations of relying solely on technology for communication.

Real-Time Translation Apps [00:02:02]

The hosts discuss the use of apps for real-time translation and the potential limitations of relying solely on technology for communication.

Traveling as a Tourist [00:05:30]

The hosts discuss the practicality of using real-time translation apps for tourists who are traveling for fun and do not have any need for the language in their daily life or any aspirations.

Phrasebooks, apps, and real-time translation [00:07:36]

The hosts discuss the different options for language learning, including phrase books, apps, and real-time translation, and their limitations.

Learning Chinese for business trips [00:08:42]

The hosts discuss the scenario of a business trip to China and the importance of learning some Chinese to show respect and build relationships.

The importance of learning Chinese for working in China [00:11:26]

The hosts discuss the scenario of working in China and the importance of learning Chinese to communicate with colleagues and understand the business better.

Learning a language for human connection [00:16:27]

The hosts discuss the importance of human connection in relationships and how relying solely on technology for communication can create a distance between people, especially in family situations.

Reasons for learning a language [00:18:02]

The hosts list various reasons why people might want to learn a language, including personal interest, cultural connection, and the challenge of learning something difficult.

The potential of technology to inspire language learning [00:21:23]

The hosts speculate that widespread use of language translation technology could inspire more people to learn a language after experiencing positive interactions with other cultures.

Listener Question: Improving listening speed [00:27:04]

The hosts discuss how to improve listening speed in Chinese, including the use of extensive reading, graded readers, and increasing exposure to spoken Chinese.

Rave: Chinese artist Xu Bing[00:28:39]

John raves about Chinese artist Xu Bing and his innovative use of Chinese characters in his art installations.

Rave: Pleco[00:30:31]

Jared raves about Pleco, a comprehensive Chinese language dictionary app with a robust live optical character reader.

Ben's Chinese Journey [00:33:17]

Guest interviewee Ben McMahon shares his experience of learning Chinese, including how he was forced to learn it in high school and how a car accident led him to wake up speaking Chinese fluently.

The Traumatic Experience [00:38:38]

Ben McMahon shares his experience of waking up from a coma after a serious car accident speaking only Chinese. He talks about how he had a solid base in the language before the accident and how the experience intensified his focus on learning Chinese.

Chinese Bridge Competition [00:39:29]

Ben McMahon talks about his participation in the Chinese Bridge competition, which is like the Iron Person contest of Chinese proficiency. He describes the intensity of the competition and how it helped him accelerate his journey of learning Chinese.

Chinese TV Shows [00:44:41]

Ben McMahon talks about his experience of appearing on Chinese TV shows, including the Chinese Bridge competition and a Chinese dating show. He shares how these shows were a challenge for his language skills and how they opened up opportunities for him in the media industry.

Chinese Community [00:53:36]

Ben shares his experience of being involved in the local Chinese community in Melbourne and how it can integrate into one's life and career.

Learning Chinese Post-Accident [00:55:18]

Guest Ben McMahon shares his experience of waking up from a coma speaking only Chinese and how he improved his language skills through immersion and passion.

Importance of Knowing Chinese in Australia [01:00:50]

Ben discusses the importance of knowing Chinese in Australia for personal and economic reasons.

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In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden discuss the affective filter hypothesis and its relevance to language learning. They explain the three key categories of the affective filter: motivation, self-confidence, and anxiety, and how teachers and learners can help lower the affective filter to improve language learning. Guest interview is with Elyse Ribbons, playwright, webmistress, radio host, Peking opera performer, entrepreneur, yoga teacher, actress in Chinese media, and runner-up for China’s top chef. 

Links from the episode:This Modern Chinese Life (Intermediate) | Course from AllSet LearningElyse Ribbons | Wikipedia Red Star Over China | 1937 book by Edgar Snow

Introduction [00:00:01]

Affective Filter Hypothesis [00:02:25]

Jared and John discuss Stephen Krashen's theory of the affective filter hypothesis and how it relates to language learning, including the impact of motivation, self-confidence, and anxiety.

Finding the Right Teacher [00:17:06]

Discussion on how finding the right teacher can affect language learning, and how having a bad fit can cause anxiety.

Alcohol and Language Learning [00:18:37]

Discussion on how alcohol affects language learning, including its impact on self-confidence and anxiety.

Effective Filter and Language Learning [00:21:35]

Discussion on how the affective filter hypothesis affects language learning, and how children acquire language better due to having less of an affective filter.

Rant on Tones [00:26:11]

Jared Turner discusses a comedic social media video about tones and emphasizes the importance of tones in advanced language learning.

China Love Affair [00:29:32]

Elyse Ribbons shares how she accidentally fell in love with China and how a bowl of instant noodles led her to study abroad in Beijing.

Alternative philosophies regarding language study [00:36:27]

Elyse shares her alternative approach to language learning, which includes immersing oneself in TV shows and having language partners to practice with.

Importance of learning characters [00:41:45]

Elyse emphasizes the importance of learning characters in Chinese language learning, as they are essential for understanding references and cultural context in everyday conversations.

Acting in China [00:47:26]

Elyse Ribbons talks about how she got into acting in China and the roles she played, including her own play in English.

Playing a Chinese character [00:51:01]

Elyse Ribbons talks about her experience playing a Chinese character in a linguistic farcical play and how learning a language can develop another personality.

Being a radio host in China [00:52:20]

Elyse Ribbons shares her experience as a guest host and later the main foreign host of a program called "International Perspectives" in China.

Advice for learning Chinese [00:59:45]

Elyse Ribbons gives advice to someone who is learning Chinese right now, including finding a hobby that isn't language-based and immersing oneself in Chinese culture to learn the language.

Riding a Giant Duck [01:01:04]

Elyse Ribbons' humorous response to a hypothetical question about fighting 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck.

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Delver into the topic of comprehensible input in language learning with John & Jared who discuss various approaches and stress the importance of personalized learning, along with an interview with Mandarin teacher Emma Jamen.

If you feel like you have a different personality in Chinese, then you’re not alone. Jared & John talk about this fascinating phenomenon on how many act and feel differently when speaking a 2nd language. Guest interview is with Taha Shlibek from Libya, who left his stable job to learn Chinese and seek a new start. 

Links from the episode:Cross-Cultural Marital Communication: Sacrifice, Identity, Choice | SinospliceThe Misadventures of Zhou Haisheng | Breakthrough Level Chinese Graded Reader

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China has lifted COVID restrictions and is issuing visas. It’s time to visit China! Jared and John talk about what you need to know about visiting China that has opened back up. Guest interview is with Sophia Xavier from Portugal whose fascination with China led her to study in China and pursue career opportunities in South East Asia. 

Links from the episode:China Online Visa Application (COVA) | China Consular AffairsChinese on Your Terms | AmazonSherlock Holmes and the Case of the Curly-Haired Company |  Level 1 Chinese Graded Reader

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In this episode, we explore the nuances of rate of speech in Chinese and how it impacts listening comprehension & speaking ability. Plus, we have an inspiring interview with Susan St. Dennis about her journey into learning Chinese!

Hosts Jared Turner and John Pasden provide a refreshing take on language learning, offering insightful tips and hilarious anecdotes to make the process more enjoyable and effective. They discuss everything from the 10,000-hour rule to improving flashcard practice, while also embracing the importance of creativity and mindfulness in language learning. Guest interview is with Marcus Murphy who after deciding to study Chinese in college, ended up spending years in China and today is a Chinese language instructor in Tennessee. 

Links from the episode:The Prince and the Pauper | Level 1 Chinese Graded ReaderSummer Chinese Language Camp | University of the South

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Do you keep learning new vocab but have trouble using it? Jared and John talk about the vocab dilemma in which many learners find themselves caught and discuss the balance between knowledge and proficiency. Guest interview is with Amy Celico, international political and economic consultant, former US senior trade representative, and a lifelong Chinese learner. 

Links from the episode:Jekyll and Hyde | Mandarin CompanionUsing ChatGPT to Learn Chinese | SinospliceSteve Kaufmann Interview | Podcast 98Amy Celico | Albright Stonebridge Group

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So you want to read Chinese literature? John and Jared talk about the unique aspects of Chinese literature that you should know before jumping in. Guest interview is with Christina Duffy, a PHD rowing champion from Ireland turned Chinese learner. 

Links from the episode:The 6 Best Apps for Reading Chinese | Mandarin Companion Interview with Murray James Morrison Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | Level 2 graded reader向歌友们拜年 | 988 DJs

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