Tag: language learning
AI outperforms humans not only at coding and playing chess, but also at language learning. What “strategies” does AI apply to master languages so successfully? Are we humans capable of performing the same strategies? Is it any good asking these questions?
Neuroscience offers us insight into how our brain learns a new language. What do these insights mean for learning Chinese? Here are 7 best practices for self-studying Chinese.
Learning Chinese, the language of over a billion people, has always been an intriguing endeavor for language enthusiasts. But for learners the landscape has changed a lot over the past 40 years. Let’s look back and reflect the differences of learning Chinese 40 years ago compared to the present-day situation. How much easier has learning Chinese become?
Since ChatGPT knows everything, I asked the AI-tool for his best learning advice for Chinese learners. Not just random learning advice, but broken down into learning tips for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. The results can be taken seriously. Find out which learning advice ChatGPT has in store for your current language goals.
You’re starting to learn Chinese? While smart learners think about their learning plan, very few ever consider their preferred learning style. Why not discover yours in the next 5 minutes?
You want to improve your Mandarin skills? For some of the greatest online resources for Chinese you don’t have to look far: they can be found on YouTube. But where to start? This is my updated top 10 of YouTube channels for learning Chinese.
From all the people learning Chinese and reaching a relatively high level of proficiency only a few ever seem to truly master the Chinese tones. By that I mean they speak fully fluent and sound so “native” that it would fool native Chinese speakers. Why is that? Are Chinese tones just too damn hard or is it laziness on our part?
Learning Mandarin and looking for a comprehensive overview of must-have resources? This is part one.
As if learning Mandarin isn’t difficult enough, many distractions creep into our lives and keep us from advancing towards our goals. Here are five things to downscale in order to become a more effective learner.
Are you considering to learn Chinese? What speaks in favor, what speaks against learning one of the most difficult languages in the world? This is what the Mandarin learning community has to say about it.
Where do you find Chinese audiobooks that are interesting, high quality and not hidden behind a paywall?
A wise man once said that it’s good fun for humans to buy a hammer and knock down the walls of your comfort zone.
Learning Mandarin can be a loooong-term endeavor. Looking back on at least 8 years of learning Mandarin, there are a lot of things I wish I could have worked out earlier.
Can you learn to fly a Boeing 747 in six months? Some say you can! How about languages though?
You’re at intermediate level and want to improve your listening skills?
What helps you to memorize Chinese characters?
Is it just me? Or is studying Mandarin just not as popular as it was before?
Learning Chinese characters with high-quality apps that actually help? They are rare, but do exist.
Learning to write Chinese characters: my personal list of disastrous advice and practices that are a complete waste of time and oxygen.
Five test candidates and the time they needed to prepare for HSK 6.
Why the mā-má-mǎ-mà-way people typically think of the four tones is wrong.
These mostly older Mainland Chinese movies I’ve come to like and recommend to anyone interested in China.
How perfect are the much admired Mandarin skills of laowai YouTubers? Here’s somebody who knows the answer.
Steve Kaufmann is one of the world’s most experienced language learners and a well-known polyglot. What is his best advise on learning Mandarin?
What can you do if you want to learn Mandarin but don’t want to spend loads of money to attend Chinese courses or visit China for an extensive period? Learn Chinese low budget style. Here’s how!
It’s no secret that there’s a whole monkey jungle of apps for Chinese out there. Is this new vocabulary tool Daily Chinese any good? My answer: Yes, it is. Check out why!
Can you become fluent by studying the whole textbook series of Integrated Chinese from beginner to advanced level? And what about learning WITHOUT a textbook?
Chinese learning blogs are like hidden provision camps in the desert. If they are not pointed out, you are likely to miss them.
The catchy pop song 果汁分你一半” by the Chinese band 花儿乐队 (Huā’ér Yuèduì) is the kind of tune that gets stuck in your head. In this post, I’ll break down the lyrics for you, provide English translations and pinyin and dive into key vocabulary.
王菲’s 红豆 (Hóng Dòu, meaning Red Beans), released in 1998, is one of her most iconic and beloved songs. It’s a melancholic yet tender ballad. Here are the Chinese lyrics with English translations, pinyin and more.