Language Log 2

May 21, 2011 14:22

... Among other things ( Read more... )

reading, languages

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llanoor May 21 2011, 22:22:10 UTC
Have you tried the Popup Chinese podcasts? They have a lot of different topics and levels.

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temperance_k May 22 2011, 03:54:18 UTC
Ah, I haven't! I tried out ChinesePod for a time, and there's a lot of good stuff there, although ultimately it wasn't my cup of tea. I may go back to it if I ever reach an intermediate level, because I hear that's where it really shines.

I'll definitely try Popup Chinese, though! I've been looking for something that feels more modern day, casual Chinese. Pimsleur isn't bad, especially for the basics, but I feel as if my mom is side-eying my word choices.

Are you a native Chinese speaker or a learner?

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llanoor May 23 2011, 18:36:57 UTC
I'm not a faithful listener of Popup Chinese, but I definitely liked what I heard. They pull from different sources; have dialogues at natural (maybe even quicker than usual) speeds and then break them down with more enunciation; and, they take time to highlight different word choices that may sound better to different native speakers.

I'm not a native speaker, but I've been speaking for about seven years now? I did intensive work in college, and I've lived in the Beijing area on and off for a good amount of time. I usually tell people I'm "advanced proficient", ha ha.

(P.S. Sorry for the late-ish reply. Maybe you've already tried Popup Chinese and hated it by now, and I've just been babbling at you!)

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temperance_k May 23 2011, 21:28:52 UTC
No problem! I've been busy with classes, but I sat down and listened to some Popup Chinese today. I think I like it better than Pimsleur, just because it does seem more relevant. Plus, I can do a lot of lessons in a day instead of having to do 30 minutes straight. So, I'll probably add Popup Chinese to my regimen! Thank you for the recommendation!

That's amazing! I'm trying to learn Chinese because I'm half, and everyone thinks that means I'll automatically pick it up, but I'm well aware that I'll never be that proficient. It's awesome to hear from someone who has studied the language and can now speak it.

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llanoor May 24 2011, 01:38:16 UTC
I'm glad the recommendation worked for you! I think I might start listening more as well.

Having everyone just assume that you'll have a natural affinity for the language must be hard since Chinese is certainly challenging enough without any extra pressure added at all. I usually think the extra challenge makes signs of progress more exciting, though.

Anyway, definitely let me know if there's anything I can do to help!

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