In this episode, Jared and John discuss the concept of comprehensible input in language learning. They explore different approaches to comprehensible input, including TPRS and extensive reading, and emphasize the importance of finding the right materials and approach for personalized learning. Guest interview is with Emma Jaman, a Mandarin teacher in England, who shares her experience of learning Mandarin and teaching it to others.
Links from the episode:
- #20 Confessions of a Chinese Language Teacher | Podcast interview with Diane Neubauer, Comprehensible Input focused Chinese language educator
- Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Shanghai | Level 2 Chinese graded reader
- How to pronounce the X Click in Xhosa
- Hanzi Graph
Comprehensible Input [00:01:21]
Jared and John discuss the concept of comprehensible input, its origins, and the debate around what “plus one” means.
TPRS [00:08:08]
The TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) method is introduced as a way to provide comprehensible input through engaging stories and repetition.
Comprehensible Input [00:09:17]
Explanation of comprehensible input and its effectiveness in language learning, including extensive reading and the research behind it.
Traditional Learning vs. Comprehensible Input [00:12:00]
Comparison between traditional language learning methods and comprehensible input, including the difference in comprehension levels and the effectiveness of graded readers.
Finding Comprehensible Input Materials [00:15:17]
Challenges and options for finding comprehensible input materials, including videos, reading materials, and teachers who specialize in this approach.
Comprehensible Input and Extensive Reading [00:17:43]
Importance of having enough comprehensible input and exposure to the language in a variety of contexts.
Extreme Views on Comprehensible Input [00:18:55]
Discussion on the extreme views of comprehensible input, specifically the method called Dreaming Spanish, which advocates for no speaking until after 300-600 hours of input.
Speaking as Output [00:19:49]
The importance of speaking as a motivating factor and a way to test hypotheses about the language.
Studying Grammar [00:22:11]
The usefulness of studying grammar as a conceptual framework and a way to recognize patterns.
Comprehensible Input and Comprehensible Output [00:25:22]
The importance of combining both comprehensible input and output to become a better language speaker and to meet language learning goals.
Widening the net in language learning [00:29:12]
Paul Nation’s lecture on the importance of combining comprehensible input with other approaches and methods of language learning.
Sponsor: Mandarin Companion Chinese Graded Readers [00:30:28]
Introduction to the newest level two graded reader, Sherlock Holmes and Scandal Shanghai.
Review of the podcast [00:31:46]
A positive review of the podcast by Ola Linga, a famous blogger behind Hacking Chinese.
John’s Rave: Click languages [00:33:22]
Discussion on click languages and the Xhosa language spoken by South African neighbors.
Jared’s Rave: Hanza Graph [00:36:21]
Introduction to Hanza Graph, a tool that shows the most commonly paired characters with any given character or word in Chinese.
Emma Jaman’s Journey to Learning Chinese [00:39:50]
Interview with Emma Jaman, a teacher of Mandarin Chinese, about how she started learning Chinese and how it opened up new opportunities for her.
Emma’s first experience in China [00:43:05]
Emma talks about her first experience in China, teaching English to primary school kids, and communicating in Mandarin.
Emma’s part-time job in a luxury hotel [00:49:46]
Emma talks about her part-time job in a luxury hotel, where she used her Mandarin skills to communicate with guests and saw how receptionists lived on site.
Becoming a Chinese Teacher [00:52:38]
Emma discusses her interest in teaching and how her love for Chinese language led her to become a Chinese teacher.
Chinese Language Education in the UK [00:54:57]
Emma talks about the Chinese language education in the UK and the challenges and opportunities for students and teachers in this field.
Conclusion [00:58:12]
Emma’s advice for people learning Chinese.
