About this episode
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Struggling with listening comprehension in Chinese? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help. Jared Turner and John Pasden dive into practical, tech-powered strategies for sharpening your Chinese listening skills using AI transcription tools and other smart resources.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to use AI tools to turn Chinese audio into transcripts you can study.
- Why listening comprehension is often one of the hardest skills—and how to make it easier.
- How to “train your ear” with slowed-down, AI-generated audio.
- Ways to leverage native content such as TV shows, songs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and make them more accessible for learning.
- The value of transcribing your own Chinese speaking to catch patterns, mistakes, and growth areas.
John and Jared walk you through real-world workflows, tools they’ve personally used, and the best types of media for improving listening. Whether you’re trying to understand a native podcast, follow along with a Chinese drama, or make sense of a street conversation you recorded, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for turning audio into insight and comprehension.
Listening doesn’t have to be your weak spot. With today’s tools, it can become your strength.
Links from the episode:
In celebration of Teachers’ Day in China, Jared and John reflect on the teachers who have shaped their language-learning journeys and what actually makes a great teacher. They share stories of teachers who were hilarious, inspiring, technically brilliant, and sometimes simply the ... Show More
In a mildly confusing bit of podcast naming, Jared Turner sits down with comedian Turner Sparks. Turner moved to China in 2004 to teach English, planning to stay for just one year. He ended up staying for twelve.In this episode of You Can Learn Chinese, Turner talks about learnin ... Show More
Jared and John discuss the frustrations faced by a learner who came to John for help—particularly with pinyin and distinguishing similar sounds in Chinese. They explore why learners often misapply English pronunciation rules to pinyin and how comprehensible input can help ease th ... Show More
<p>With more and more “laowai” coming to the People’s Republic, more and more find themselves in conversations about the occasional frustration one finds at that point in Mandarin where you’re good enough to get by, but are far from fluent. In this podcast, Ken, Jenny and Aggie d ... Show More
In this episode, I have a great and casual chat with Zhifei from Xiaogua Chinese about language learning, using flashcards, the best mindset for learners, getting a good English accent, and much more! We also talk about my own Chinese learning methods and share ideas on the best ... Show More
<p>You've just stepped out from the office when a frenzied pack of language students senses your presence and rushes over with English greetings. We've all been there and know this is one of those things about China that can be both sweet as well as incredibly frustrating ... Show More
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<p>Why are you learning Chinese? Will it help you at work? Is Mandarin your ticket to a life of adventure? Are you just a mental masochist? Listen to today's lesson and learn how to tell others why you're learning this beautiful and challenging language. Episode link: https://www ... Show More
‘Its like climbing Mount Everest’, conquer the most difficult aspect of the Chinese language in this episode… the tones! Also featuring humorous thoughts and personal insights from Transition’s singer Jesse.
<p>Answering the question "Can you speak Chinese?" in the affirmative is always a proud moment. Perhaps, yes, literally, one moment. Let's call the inevitable next moment, with its subsequent barrage of language, ear assault. But hey, you're already ahead of the ... Show More
<p>In this episode of Coffee Break Chinese you'll learn to say that you can speak a little Chinese. You'll also learn to talk about the other languages you speak, and to deal with language problems. By the end of the lesson you'll be able to ask people to speak more slowly, to re ... Show More
<p>Today's Chinese lesson will have you on the edge of your seat, if you get excited easily. You'll learn how to tell others to hold their horses in Mandarin. What's your hurry? Learning Chinese takes time. Lots and lots of time. Episode link: https://www.chinesepod.c ... Show More