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Afro D Isaac radio showAfro D Isaac radio showAfro D Isaac Radio Show – December 22-28, 2008 | House, Trance & EDM Mix with Isaac WashingtonTune in to the electrifying mixes of DJ Isaac Washington, the Parisian DJ behind the iconic Afro D Isaac Radio Show. This episode brings you an exclusive mix session featuring the best of house music, trance vibes, and dance music.Tracklisting:Funkatarium (Invasion Remix) - Jump, InvasionFeelin' Love (Axwell Vocal Remix) - SoulsearcherPraise To The JBs (Album Version) - ATFCBack To Zero (Fonzerelli Mix) - Robbie RiveraU...2024-07-302h 00Mandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 08After listening to Season 3, Lesson 08, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking six minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.How to practiceThis episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the...2024-06-2505 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS3 ~ 08 ~ The front desk is responsible 櫃台負責配合客人！Show notes:Here is a link to my conversation with Mischa Wilmers on his I'm Learning Mandarin podcast. Taipei Shorts, an annual theater event that showcases multilingual theater written, directed, and performed by local artists in Taipei. Lesson Outline:[00:21] Intro / updates / announcements [03:53] Magic Phrase: 櫃台負責配合客人[05:56] A ramble on tones, context, and imitation[11:52] Dialogue[14:43] TranslationMagic Phrase (4-2)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 櫃台負責配合客人Guìtái fùzé pèihé kèrén櫃台...2024-06-2425 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 07After listening to Season 3, Lesson 07, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking six minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.How to practiceThis episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the...2023-11-0106 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS3 ~ 07 ~ Handsome brother goes to work 帥哥上班Lesson Outline: [00:21] Review of tone pairs from lessons one through six.  [02:30] Magic Phrase: 帥哥上班，外公退休 [08:20] Dialogue [11:40] Translation [23:07] Dialogue, one more time at normal speed Magic Phrase (4-1)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-1 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 帥哥上班，外公退休Shuàigē shàngbān, wàigōng tuìxiū帥哥 / shuàigē / handsome man上班 / shàngbān / to go to work外公 / wàigōng / maternal grandfather退休 / tuìxiū / retired, to retireTranscript of the dialogue (Ch...2023-10-3127 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 06SLOW SPEED VERSIONAfter listening to Season 3, Lesson 06, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking ten minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.How to practiceThis episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without...2023-09-1312 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 06After listening to Season 3, Lesson 06, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking ten minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.How to practiceThis episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the...2023-09-1307 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS3 ~ 06 ~ The subway is leaking! 地鐵漏水！The long-awaited episode 06 is finally here! This lesson's dialogue is longer than usual, so let's get right to it.  Lesson Outline: [00:21] Introduction [04:21] Magic Phrase: 下午下雨，地鐵漏水！ [07:22] Dialogue [11:00] Translation [25:09] Dialogue, slowed down Magic Phrase (4-3)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 4-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 下午下雨，地鐵漏水Xiàwǔ xiàyǔ, dìtiě lòushuǐ下午 / xiàwǔ / afternoon下雨 / xiàyǔ / to rain地鐵 / dìtiě / subway, subway system漏水 / lòushuǐ / to leak waterTranscript of the dialog...2023-09-1230 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 05SLOW VERSION After listening to Season 3, Lesson 05, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking eight minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.How to practiceThis episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season:In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses...2023-07-0508 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 05After listening to Season 3, Lesson 05, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.How to practiceThis episode's daily practice session doesn't include spoken instructions, but the process is the same as previous episodes of this season: In the first part, you'll hear a short snippet of the dialogue, followed by a pause of 2-4 seconds. During the pause, try to echo aloud exactly what you heard. In the second part, the dialogue plays again without pauses. Try to shadow the...2023-07-0506 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS3 ~ 05 ~ Forget the past 忘記過去We can't understand a language outside the context of the people who live it and speak it. A human language cannot be contained in an artifact like a dictionary or even a database, because it is a living thing, which exists through the people who live by it. From the standpoint of learning a language, this point is essential. Not incidentally, rare cases notwithstanding, the human brain is not particularly good at memorizing facts or data. Consider how many things you learned in school that you've already forgotten. The kind of information that we do...2023-07-0424 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice (Slow Speed) - S3 - Lesson 04After listening to Season 3, Lesson 04, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking a few minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.Magic Phrase (1-2)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!雖然 / suīrán / although, even though公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("...2023-06-1707 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice (Normal Speed) - S3 - Lesson 04After listening to Season 3, Lesson 04, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.Magic Phrase (1-2)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-2 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 雖然公園非常安全，阿姨居然失眠！Suīrán gōngyuán fēicháng ānquán, āyí jūrán shīmián!雖然 / suīrán / although, even though公園 / gōngyuán / park ("public garden") 非常 / fēicháng / extremely ("not...2023-06-1704 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS3 ~ 04 ~ The park is extremely safe 公園非常安全Be mindful of how you're feeling when you practice these lessons. Are you feeling excited and energized? Tired and doubtful? Distracted? Focused? Without passing any judgment on how you feel, observing your feelings or state of mind can offer clues about how and whether you might want to adjust your practice. For example, about a month ago I noticed that my language practice was starting to bore me a little. This was after many months of smooth sailing, during which I had been feeling motivated and everything had seemed interesting. Suddenly, I found myself getting distracted more...2023-06-1622 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 03After listening to Season 3, Lesson 03, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress.Magic Phrase (2-3)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 2-3 tone pair. We use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 還好男友沒有拿起啤酒騎馬，危險！Háihǎo nányǒu méiyǒu náqǐ píjiǔ qímǎ, wéixiǎn!Tone Pair Safari (2-3)Once we are familiar with the 2-3 tone pair, we listen to a new dialogue that...2023-05-2503 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS3 ~ 03 ~ Dangerous horse riding 拿起啤酒騎馬危險！Today's tone pair, 2-3, is easily confused with the one we learned in episode one, 3-2. Today we'll spend some time practicing differentiating between them. Then we'll hear another fun (slightly absurd) dialogue to practice our listening skills, and absorb some new words.  Lesson Outline: [00:21] Magic Phrase [04:27] Practice repeating the Magic Phrase [05:43] Practice phrases using tone pairs we've learned so far [08:42] Tone Pair Safari: Dialogue [09:54] Translation of the dialogue [15:16] Hear the dialogue again Magic Phrase (2-3)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 2-3 tone pair. We use it to p...2023-05-2417 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 02After listening to Season 3, Lesson 02, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes progress. Magic Phrase (1-4)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 1-4 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 超市需要音樂，醫院需要安靜！Chāoshì xūyào yīnyuè, yīyuàn xūyào ānjìng!Tone Pair Safari (1-4)Once we are familiar with the 1-4 tone pair, we listen to a new dia...2023-05-1105 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS3 ~ 02 ~ Supermarkets need music 超市需要音樂！Let's learn another tone pair! Can you hear which one it is? Learning the pronunciation of a foreign language can sometimes feel strange, even scary. Pronunciation is such a personal thing -- it's part of who we are, and how we express ourselves. When we start to imitate another language, it's easy to start feeling like "this isn't me." If you find yourself feeling that way, try to just observe the feeling without judging either yourself or the language. You might even take it as a good sign, because it means you're going outside your...2023-05-1014 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S3 - Lesson 01After listening to Season 3, Lesson 01, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the material. Repetition makes it stick.Part 1: Magic Phrase (3-2)This phrase is composed entirely of words that use the 3-2 tone pair. In this lesson, we use it to practice identifying and then pronouncing the tones, hearing how they interact with each other in context. 導遊本來以為美國草莓打折！Dǎoyóu běnlái yǐwéi měiguó cǎoméi dǎzhé!Part 2: Tone Pair Safari (3-2)Once we are familiar with the 3-2 tone pair...2023-05-0205 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS3 ~ 01 ~ American strawberries on sale 美國草莓打折！Welcome back for Season 3! In this series, we are going to do a deep dive on the tones in Mandarin. We covered tones briefly in Season 1, Episode 07, but there is still a lot more to talk about. Tones are one of those subjects that some people love and many people hate... or at least find unpleasant, and possibly somewhat frightening. It's my mission in Season 3 to dispel all your fears about tones. By the end of this season, my hope is that tones will be second nature for you.Even if you already have a...2023-05-0121 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 17 ~ 你人真好！Part 2 + Season Finale!Let's hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from lesson 16.This is the final lesson of Season 2 -- a milestone for both of us. Congratulations! Every minute you spent listening is a minute you invested in yourself and your Mandarin learning. Learning a language is challenging, it takes time, and there are bound to have been moments when you felt frustrated or felt that you had hit a plateau. Whenever this happens, I find it helpful to zoom out and consider how far I've come in the past months or years. I encourage you to do the...2023-02-2816 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 16After listening to Season 2, Lesson 16, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening to and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.README: How to use this recordingYou'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 16 twice.The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you just heard.Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about...2023-02-1604 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 16 ~ 你人真好！You're so kind.In this lesson, we get to hear the last dialogue in Season 2! Mrs. Kang (康太太) goes to get dinner ready, leaving Xiao Li, A-Ming, and Lili to talk. What do they talk about?  Request for support I started this podcast three years ago to share my passion for learning languages. I wanted to share the ways that I found most effective for learning a difficult language like Mandarin, and to talk about the challenges that I faced and how I got through them. MFTGU has been totally self-funded since Day One. Which made total sense when I w...2023-02-1518 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 15 ~ 你這樣太辛苦了！Part 2 + QuestionsLet's hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from lesson 14, and then practice with a Q&A. At the end of the lesson, I suggest that you can practice answering the questions yourself, and can even send me your answers -- either written (pinyin or Chinese characters) or, better yet, as a recording of yourself speaking! Don't be afraid of making mistakes, and if you want to copy part or even all of A-Ming's answers as your own, that is fine! When learning a language, imitation is golden. Lesson Outline: [00:21] Introduction [01:46] Translation of the...2023-02-0313 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 14After listening to Season 2, Lesson 14, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening to and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.README: How to use this recordingYou'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 14 twice.The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you just heard.Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about...2023-01-2204 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 14 ~ 你這樣太辛苦了！You're working too hard!新年快樂！Happy Lunar New Year! In honor of the new year, this dialogue involves lots and lots and lots of food, prepared by Mrs. Kang (康太太). Can you guess what else is happening? Lesson Outline: [00:21] Introduction [01:26] Dialogue [03:08] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue [14:28] Dialogue again Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only):(scroll down for pinyin and the translation) 計程車  那裡有計程車！ 你要不要坐計程車？ 因為我找不到計程車，所以我遲到了  隔壁  我住在隔壁 隔壁有一間餐廳 不要吵到隔壁的人！ 約會（約）  不好意思，今天我有約 你的約會怎麼樣？ 我們太久沒有約會了！ 講話  你會講中文嗎？ 我妹妹不想跟你講話 亂講（亂）  不要亂講！ 我弟弟很愛亂講 不好意思，我家很亂 講話不能亂講！  直接   你講話太直接 我現在要直接去了 我今天不跟你約，我要直接回家 辛苦   謝謝！辛苦了！ 下班了！辛苦了大家！ 我的工作太辛苦 跟這個人講話好辛苦 煮  煮飯 你喜歡煮飯嗎？ 煮水 煮湯 邀請（請）  今天我請你！ 謝謝你的邀請 我想請你來我家 準備   你準備好了嗎？ 趕快準備！ 等一下，我還沒準備好！ Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation): 計程車 :: jìchéngchē :: taxi  那裡有計程車！ nàlǐ yǒu jìchéngchē There’s a taxi over there! 你要不要坐計程車？ nǐ yào bùyào zuò jìchéngchē?  Do you want to take a taxi? 因為我找不到計程車，所以我遲到了  yīnwèi wǒ zhǎo bù dào jìchéngchē, suǒyǐ wǒ chídàole Because I couldn’t find a taxi, so I arrived late. 隔壁 :: gébì :: next door / neighbor  我住在隔壁 wǒ zhù zài gébì I live next door. 隔壁有一間餐廳 gébì yǒuyī jiàn cāntīng Next door there’s a restaurant. 不要吵到隔壁的人！ bùyào chǎo dào gébì de rén Don’t disturb the people next to you! 約會（約）:: yuēhuì (yuē) :: to date, to go on a date  不好意思，今天我有約 bù hǎoyìsi, jīntiān wǒ yǒu yuē Sorry, today I have plans 你的約會怎麼樣？ nǐ de yuēhuì zěnme yàng? How was y...2023-01-2117 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 13 ~ 不要被嚇到！Part 2Welcome back! After a long, unplanned break, we're back to finish out Season 2 once and for all. Let's finally find out what happens to Xiao Li (L) and A-Ming (M) during their impromptu visit to Mrs. Kang's (K) house. Lesson Outline: [00:21] Introduction [02:34] Dialogue (normal speed) [04:20] Line-by-line translation [14:17] Talking about 就 vs. 才 and auxiliary particles [19:45] Dialogue again (normal speed) Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。 L：謝謝你！感謝。 K：還有這個！ L：這是什麼？ K：這個是火龍果啊 M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？ L：沒有欸！ K：來，吃看看 L：很甜！很好吃！ K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點 L：好！ K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。  L：尿尿會變紅色...  K：等一下！喂？哦！女兒，你今天要來吃飯齁！太好了！我要介紹一個外國朋友給你。嗯嗯... 你來就知道了！ M：剛剛是你女兒嗎？ K：對啊！你們今天要不要在我們家吃飯？ M：太不好意思了...  K：不要這麼客氣，兩個帥哥來我們當然很開心。  M：那... 小李，你覺得呢？ L：不知道欸，我明天需要上班，今天本來要先整理一下房間。現在幾點？ M：現在... 四點半 K：啊我女兒都比較晚下班，不然你們先去忙，七點回來吃就可以！ M：好像不錯... 小李你OK嗎？ L：應該可以欸，太感謝你了，康太太！ K：你們都太客氣了！ M：那我們先走了 K：等一下！火龍果還沒吃完吶！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):  K：讓你們久等了！來，你的水。 Ràng nǐmen jiǔ děngle! Lái, nǐ de shuǐ. Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your water.  L：謝謝你！感謝。 Xièxiè nǐ! Gǎnxiè. Thank you! Thanks.  K：還有這個！ Hái yǒu zhège! Also, this!  L：這是什麼？ Zhè shì shénme? What’s this?  K：這個是火龍果啊 Zhège shì huǒlóng guǒ a This is dragon fruit!  M：小李，你吃過火龍果嗎？ Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīguò huǒlóng guǒ ma? Xiao Li, have you ever eaten dragon fruit?  L：沒有欸！ Méiyǒu ēi! I haven’t! K：來，吃看看 Lái, chī kàn kàn Come on, try it.  L：很甜！很好吃！ Hěn tián! Hěn hǎo chī! It’s sweet! It’s really good! K：對啊，我們自己種的！你多吃一點 Duì a, wǒmen zìjǐ zhòng de! Nǐ duō chī yīdiǎn Yeah, we grew it ourselves. Eat a lot of it! L：好！ hǎo! Ok! K：可是你要小心，你的尿尿會變成紅色的！不要被嚇到。 Kěshì nǐ yào x...2023-01-1021 minOccult Symbolism and Pop Culture with Isaac WeishauptOccult Symbolism and Pop Culture with Isaac WeishauptHalloween (1978) Film Analysis: Michael Myers Alien Theory & Symbolism of the Occult!LIVE CHAT WITH ISAAC! YouTube video premiere RSVP for Tuesday 9/18/2022 at 1PM EST: https://youtu.be/0kX0SvBpgpcWe take a look at arguably the greatest horror film of all-time: John Carpenter's 1978 classic HALLOWEEN! Join Isaac as we go through this entire film, loaded down with all the fun facts you could ever want! We'll catch up with this historic cast, go through the film, then look at the symbolism of masks, Samhain and a theory that Michael Myers is actually an alien and Dr Loomis is the real villain! Peep all the images discussed on the show...2022-10-171h 16Mandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 12After listening to S02 Lesson 12, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.README: How to use this recordingYou'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 12 twice.The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you...2022-03-0705 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 12 ~ 不要被嚇到！Don't be scared!In this new dialogue, Mrs. Kang (康太太) arrives with the water and something else that Xiao-Li (小李) hasn't seen before. And she receives a surprise phone call... Lesson Outline: [00:21] Introduction [01:14] Dialogue (normal speed) [03:55] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue [15:45] Dialogue again (normal speed) Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only): 自己  沒關係，我自己來！ 這是我自己做的  你自己看吧  小心  開車要小心！ 小心不要吃太多  路上小心  變，變成 or 變得  今天變熱了   他看到你變得很開心！  他太累了，變成我開車  被  咖啡被我喝了！ 餅乾都被吃掉   貓咪被你嚇到   外  外國  外面  外帶  本來  我本來以為你是他的妹妹！ 我本來還想吃蛋糕，可是蛋糕已經沒了   你本來想說什麼？ 需要  我需要一點時間  你需要什麼嗎？ 我需要你的幫忙！ 上班  上班好累！  你幾點上班？  我明天需要上班   下班  下班了！回家了！ 我今天需要早一點下班   你下班要做什麼？ 幾點  現在幾點？  你都幾點睡覺？  你要坐幾點的車？  忙  我今天很忙  我先去忙   我現在有一點忙   完  我還沒用完！  書你看完了嗎？  趕快把東西吃完！ Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation): 自己 / zìjǐ / self 沒關係，我自己來！/ méiguānxì, wǒ zìjǐ lái! / It's okay, I'll do it myself! 這是我自己做的 / zhè shì wǒ zìjǐ zuò de / I made this myself.  你自己看吧 / nǐ zìjǐ kàn ba / See for yourself.  小心 / xiǎoxīn / careful 開車要小心！/ kāichē yào xiǎoxīn! / Drive carefully! 小心不要吃太多 / xiǎoxīn bùyào chī tài duō / Careful not to eat too much. 路上小心 / lùshàng xiǎoxīn / Careful on the road (said when someone is leaving). 變，變成 or 變得 / biàn, biànchéng or biànde / to become, to change into 今天變熱了 / jīntiān biàn rèle / It got hot today.  他看到你變得很開心！/ tā kàn dào nǐ biàn dé hěn kāixīn! / He became so happy when he saw you!  他太累了，變成我開車 / tā tài lèile, biànchéng wǒ kāichē / He was too tired, so it became that I drove.  被 / bèi / (indicates passive voice) 咖啡被我喝了！/ kāfēi bèi wǒ hēle! / T...2022-03-0618 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 11 ~ 你要提醒我啦！Part 2 + CuriosityI talk about the importance of curiosity as fuel, and then we'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from Lesson 10.Lesson Outline: [00:21] Talking about curiosity [04:52] Dialogue (normal speed)  [06:28] Complete translation [12:56] Explanation of the word 乖 (guāi) [14:07] Repeat the dialogue  Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！ 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？ 康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒 小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？ 康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！ 小李：很乖？ 康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？ 小李：還沒，我才27歲 康太太：27歲差不多了，你趕快去找個女朋友！不然我介紹我女兒給你，她才大你幾歲而已 小李：哦，好啊...  阿明：哈囉，我車子停好了，小李在嗎？ 康太太：我們在這裡 阿明：小李，你喝到水了嗎？ 小李：還沒 康太太：啊我都忘了！你要提醒我啦！我們一直在聊天！聊得太開心！哈哈！ 阿明：沒關係，小李，我們還是去便利商店買吧，比較快 康太太：不用啦，便利商店很遠 阿明：也還好吧... 康太太：你等一下！冰水馬上來！  阿明：那，好吧... 欸？小李，你在看什麼？ 小李：哦，沒有，只是，這個是... 康太太的女兒 阿明：是喔！很可愛。 Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):  康太太：這個是我兒子，他去年帶我去日本玩！ Kāng tàitài: Zhège shì wǒ érzi, tā qùnián dài wǒ qù rìběn wán!  Mrs. Kang: This is my son. Last year he took me to Japan (lit. 玩 wán = to play)! 小李：是哦... 你有幾個孩子？ Xiǎo lǐ: Shì ó... Nǐ yǒu jǐ gè háizi? Xiao-Li: Oh... How many kids do you have?  康太太：兩個，一個兒子一個女兒 Kāng tàitài: Liǎng gè, yīgè érzi yīgè nǚ'ér Mrs. Kang: Two, one son and one daughter.  小李：那...這個小朋友是誰呢？ Xiǎo lǐ: Nà... Zhège xiǎopéngyǒu shì sheí ne? Xiao-Li: Then... who’s this little kid?  康太太：這是我的孫子，他每天都來我這裡吃晚餐，很乖！ Kāng tàitài: Zhè shì wǒ de sūnzi, tā měitiān dōu lái wǒ zhèlǐ chī wǎncān, hěn guāi! Mrs. Kang: This is my grandson, every day he comes to my place for dinner, he’s very 乖!  小李：很乖？ Xiǎo lǐ: Hěn guāi? Xiao-Li: Very 乖?  康太太：對啊，很乖！他每天吃三碗白飯！啊你結婚了嗎？ Kāng tàitài: Duì a, hěn guāi! Tā měitiān chī sān wǎn báifàn! A nǐ jié hūnle ma? Mrs. Kang: Yeah, very 乖！ Every day he eats three bowls of rice! So are you married?  小李：還沒，我才27歲 Xiǎo lǐ: Hái méi...2022-02-1316 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 10After listening to S02 Lesson 10, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking five minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes it stick.README: How to use this recordingYou'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 10 twice.The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you...2022-01-2204 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 10 ~ 你要提醒我啦！You've got to remind me!Xiao-Li (小李) goes to get some water at Mrs. Kang's (康太太) house, but it seems that something else is on her mind...Lesson Outline: [00:21] Introduction to the dialogue [00:53] Dialogue (normal speed) [03:46] Slow version [06:30] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only): 孩子, 小朋友 我有三個孩子 我不喜歡孩子  小朋友好可愛 孫子, 孫女 這是你的孫女嗎？  你有孫子孫女嗎？ 你的孫子幾歲？  結婚  你結婚了嗎？ 我們五月要結婚   你結婚多久了？ 男朋友, 女朋友  你有男朋友嗎？ 這是我的男朋友   你的女朋友在哪？ 找  去找女朋友  我找不到 找到了！終於找到了！ 介紹  讓我介紹一下  讓我來自我介紹  我想把我的朋友介紹給你  聊天 跟你聊天好開心   你們聊好久！ 你要不要跟我聊天？ 遠 要走很遠嗎？  還好，不會太遠  我家離我辦公室很遠   馬上  馬上好！ 你的晚餐馬上來了！ 好，我馬上過去  提醒  謝謝你提醒我！ 我常常要提醒他   如果我忘記，你可以提醒我嗎  Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation): 孩子, 小朋友 / háizi, xiǎopéngyǒu / child or children 我有三個孩子 / wǒ yǒusān gè háizi / I have three kids. 我不喜歡孩子 / wǒ bù xǐhuān háizi / I don't like kids.  小朋友好可愛 / xiǎopéngyǒu hǎo kě'ài / (The) little kid (or kids) is so cute! 孫子, 孫女 / sūnzi, sūnnǚ / grandson, granddaughter 這是你的孫女嗎？/ zhè shì nǐ de sūnnǚ ma? / Is this your granddaughter?  你有孫子孫女嗎？/ nǐ yǒu sūn zǐ sūnnǚ ma? / Do you have any grandchildren? 你的孫子幾歲？/ nǐ de sūnzi jǐ suì? / How old is your grandson?  結婚 / jiéhūn / to marry, to get married 你結婚了嗎？/ nǐ jiéhūnle ma? / Are you married? 我們五月要結婚 / wǒmen wǔ yuè yào jiéhūn / We're getting married in May.  你結婚多久了？/ nǐ jiéhūn duōjiǔle? / How long have you been married? 男朋友, 女朋友 / nán péngyǒu...2022-01-2115 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 09 ~ 趕快進來坐！Part 2 + QuestionsWe'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from S02 Episode 8, and then we'll further reinforce the vocabulary and practice answering some questions with a mock interview. Lesson Outline: [01:53] Dialogue (normal speed)  [03:19] Complete translation [10:00] Explanation of 才對 and 我如果把車子先開到對面去 [12:35] Mock interview (reinforcement and speaking practice) [14:40] Reference interview with A-Ming (阿明)  Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 小李：便利商店在哪裡？ 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！ 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！ 小李：好，走吧！ 康太太：不好意思，不好意思 阿明：欸？我們嗎？ 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！ 阿明：對 康太太：這麼好！ 阿明：對，然後我們正要去... 康太太：你知道嗎齁，這裡不能停車！ 阿明：是喔... 康太太：是的！你要趕快開去對面的停車場才對 阿明：可是我們正要去買一點東西，然後我就要走了，很快，十分鐘就好！ 康太太：不行，這裡常常會有警察來看 小李：阿明，怎麼辦？ 阿明：那... 請問，康太太，我如果把車子先開到對面去，你可以給小李一杯冰水喝嗎？他覺得很熱！ 康太太：沒問題，來我們家坐一下！ 阿明：太感謝了！ 小李：真的嗎？謝謝你！ 康太太：不客氣，趕快進來坐！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 小李：便利商店在哪裡？ Xiǎo lǐ: Biànlì shāngdiàn zài nǎlǐ? Where’s the convenience store? 阿明：那裡的路口有一家，我帶你去 Ā míng: Nàlǐ de lùkǒu yǒu yījiā, wǒ dài nǐ qù The intersection over there has one, I’ll take you there. 小李：好，要走多久？我快熱死了！ Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, yào zǒu duōjiǔ? Wǒ kuài rè sǐle! Okay, how long of a walk is it? This heat is killing me! 阿明：差不多五分鐘，很近！ Ā míng: Chàbùduō wǔ fēnzhōng, hěn jìn! Around five minutes, it’s close! 小李：好，走吧！ Xiǎo lǐ: Hǎo, zǒu ba! Okay, let’s go! 康太太：不好意思，不好意思 Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, bù hǎoyìsi Excuse me, sorry... 阿明：欸？我們嗎？ Ā míng: Éi? Wǒmen ma? Huh? You mean us? 康太太：不好意思，我是你的鄰居！我姓康。 Kāng tàitài: Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ shì nǐ de línjū! Wǒ xìng kāng. Excuse me, I’m your neighbor! My last name is Kang. 阿明：康太太你好，我叫阿明，這個是小李，小李才是你的鄰居 Ā míng: Kāng tàitài nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào ā míng, zhège shì xiǎo lǐ, xiǎo lǐ cái shì nǐ de línjū Hello Mrs. Kang, I’m A-Ming, and this is Xiao-Li, Xiao-Li is actually your neighbor. 康太太：啊你是他的朋友！ Kāng tàitài: A nǐ shì tā de péngyǒu! Oh y2022-01-0716 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 08After listening to S02 Lesson 08, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking four minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress! README: How to use this recordingYou'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 08 twice.The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound...2021-11-2004 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 08 ~ 趕快進來坐！Come on in!Xiao-Li (小李) and A-Ming (阿明) are on the way to the convenience store when they run into an unexpected obstacle. Lesson Outline: [00:21] Introduction to the dialogue [01:35] Dialogue (normal speed) [03:12] Slow version (and repeat) [07:40] Useful vocabulary and phrases from the dialogue [14:12] Dialogue again (normal speed)  Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (Chinese characters only): 路口 這是什麼路口？ 到路口左轉  你去前面路口等我  分鐘  等我五分鐘！ 十分鐘就好！ 可以給我五分鐘嗎？ 差不多  差不多五分鐘  我差不多要走了 差不多了  正要 我正要走  我正要吃飯  我們正要開始吃了  對面  這裡不能走，你要去對面  你看對面的樹  我想坐在你對面  場  停車場  機場  廣場  市場  一杯  一杯茶  一杯綠茶  兩杯咖啡  七杯冰水  進來  趕快進來！ 我在忙，不要進來！ Words and phrases from the dialogue, with examples (w/ pinyin and translation): 路口 / lùkǒu / intersection 這是什麼路口？/ zhè shì shénme lùkǒu? / What intersection is this? 到路口左轉 / Dào lùkǒu zuǒ zhuǎn / At the intersection, turn left. 你去前面路口等我 / Nǐ qù qiánmiàn lùkǒu děng wǒ / Go to the intersection up ahead and wait for me. 分鐘 / fēnzhōng / minutes 等我五分鐘！/ děng wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng! / Wait for me for five minutes! 十分鐘就好！/ Shí fēnzhōng jiù hǎo! / It'll just be ten minutes! 可以給我五分鐘嗎？/ Kěyǐ gěi wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng ma? / Could you give me five minutes? 差不多 / chàbùduō / more or less 差不多五分鐘 / chàb...2021-11-1916 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 07 ~ 冰箱是空的！Part 2 + QuestionsWe'll hear the line-by-line translation of the dialogue from S02 Episode 06, and then we'll further reinforce the vocabulary and practice answering some questions with a mock interview. Lesson Outline: [01:19] Dialogue (normal speed)  [02:21] Complete translation [07:05] Dialogue again (normal speed) [08:08] Mock interview (reinforcement and speaking practice) [11:06] Reference interview with Xiao-Li (小李)  Complete dialogue & translation (中文 only):  阿明：終於把行李都整理好了 小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗 阿明：你要記得喝水哦 小李：這裡好熱！ 阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱  阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？ 小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！ 阿明：美國沒有冷氣嗎？ 小李：我住的地方沒有，只有暖氣 阿明：哇！那邊一定很冷！ 小李：其實還好，只是很常下雨。欸？冰箱是空的！ 阿明：當然是空的啊！你才剛剛回來而已！ 小李：對耶，我真的太渴了，沒辦法思考 阿明：那，我們趕快去便利商店買一瓶冰水吧！ 小李：好，那我把冷氣關掉 Complete dialogue & translation (w/ pinyin and translation):  阿明：終於把行李都整理好了 Zhōngyú bǎ xínglǐ dōu zhěnglǐ hǎole We finally finished unpacking all the luggage!  小李：對，我好累，而且我出了很多汗 Duì, wǒ hǎo lèi, érqiě wǒ chūle hěnduō hàn  Yeah, I'm so tired. And I sweat a lot!  阿明：你要記得喝水哦 Nǐ yào jìdé hē shuǐ ó  You gotta remember to drink water.  小李：這裡好熱！ Zhèlǐ hǎo rè!  It's so hot here!  阿明：哈哈！這就是台灣！很熱吧。 Hāhā! Zhè jiùshì táiwān! Hěn rè ba.  Haha! This is Taiwan! It's hot, huh? 小李：我都忘記台灣夏天有這麼熱 Wǒ dū wàngjì táiwān xiàtiān yǒu zhème rè I totally forgot Taiwan's summers were so hot.  阿明：那你怎麼不開冷氣呢？ Nà nǐ zěnme bù kāi lěngqì ne? So why don't you turn on the AC?  小李：哦對耶！我都忘記有冷氣了！這樣好多了！ Ó duì yé! Wǒ dū wàngjì yǒu lěngqìle! Zhèyàng hǎoduōle!  Oh right! I totally forgot there's AC! This is much better.  ...2021-11-0412 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 06After listening to S02 Lesson 6, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking three minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress! README: How to use this recordingYou'll hear the dialogue from Lesson 06 twice.The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear.Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound...2021-10-1202 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 06 ~ 冰箱是空的！+ Letting Yourself ExploreLearning a new language can become a gateway to exploring an undiscovered side of yourself. Find out how in this lesson. In the dialogue, Xiao-Li (小李) and A-Ming (阿明) realize there's nothing to drink in Xiao-Li's apartment.Whether we like it or not, a lot of things happen in life just by accident. Some talents, skills, or passions may lie dormant, just because we never had the opportunity to uncover them. Learning a new language can be a second chance to explore what intrigues you, and to do so from an entirely different angle -- and in an entirely differen...2021-10-1119 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 05 ~ 怎麼辦？Part 2 + Interviewing in MandarinOne fun, engaging way you can give your Mandarin learning a boost is by conducting interviews with your Mandarin-speaking language parents, friends, or teachers. In this lesson, I offer some advice about how to turn the interview into a powerful language-learning tool. Then, we'll hear a line-by-line translation of the dialogue from Lesson 04. Lesson Outline: [00:21] How do you conduct an interview in Mandarin?  [03:49] The three biggest reasons to do an interview in Mandarin [07:00] Dialogue (normal speed) [07:45] Complete translation [10:37] Dialogue with pauses for echoing (normal speed) Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):  阿明：我們到了！ 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。 你會緊張嗎？ 有一點 你在擔心什麼？ 我擔心我家裡有很多蟑螂！ 是哦。。。你家不是很乾淨嗎？ 是啊，蠻乾淨的，可是。。。 那應該沒問題吧 也是，可是。。。 那我們先進去吧，我幫你拿行李  好，麻煩你了 不會，你先去開門  天哪！ 怎麼了？ 好多蟑螂！怎麼辦？ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):  阿明：我們到了！ Wǒmen dàole! We’ve arrived! 小李：我真的好久沒有回家。 Wǒ zhēn de hǎojiǔ méiyǒu huí jiā. I really haven’t been home in a long time.  你會緊張嗎？ Nǐ huì jǐnzhāng ma? Are you nervous?  有一點 Yǒu yīdiǎn A little.  你在擔心什麼？ nǐ zài dānxīn...2021-09-2512 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 04README: How to use this recordingYou'll hear the dialogue from Episode 4 twice. The first time, there will be a short pause after each line. During the pause, try to repeat aloud exactly what you hear. Repeating aloud is important, partly because you'll be training your speech muscles to make the sounds of Mandarin, and partly because you'll be getting feedback about how you sound (if you're listening with earbuds, I recommend practicing with one earbud out and one in, or else with both partially in, so that you can hear yourself better). 2021-09-1202 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 04 ~ 怎麼辦？+ Finding Your Language ParentsWhat makes a good language parent, and how do you find one? In this episode I share some tips based on my own language learning experience. In the dialogue, 小李 is finally home after a long absence, and 阿明 notices that he seems a little nervous. Q: Who are the best language teachers in the world? A: Parents. Whether they do it consciously or not, parents (and parental figures) are the people who teach us how to speak our first language, from the time we're born, until we start going to school, and beyond. All parents have the...2021-09-1119 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 03After listening to S02 Episode 03, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking two minutes a day to practice listening and imitating the dialogue. Repetition makes progress! If you want to practice reading along in Chinese, here is the dialogue written out in Chinese characters only (you can find the translation and pinyin below that): Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):  阿明：你現在要去哪？ 小李：我要去買禮物 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？ 小李：不是，要送給我的家人 阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？ 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！ 阿明：線上買呢？ 小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？  小李：他們不太懂喝茶  阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？ 小李：已經送過太多次了 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！ 小李：你看我買的貼紙！ 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！ 小李：還有這個貼紙 阿明：禁止吸煙？ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):  阿明：你現在要去哪？ Nǐ xiànzài yào qù nǎ? Where are you going now? 小李：我要去買禮物 Wǒ yào qù mǎi lǐwù I'm going to buy presents.  阿明：送給女朋友嗎？ sòng gěi nǚ péngyǒu ma? To give to your girlfriend?  小李：不是，要送給我的家人 Búshì, yào sòng gěi wǒ de jiārén No, to give to my family.  阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？ shì o! Nǐ yào mǎi shénme? Oh! What are you going to buy?  小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！ Wǒ hái bù zhīdào, xiànzài hěnduō diàn dōu guānle! I don't know yet, a lot of shops are closed now.  阿明：線上買呢？ Xiànshàng mǎi ne? What about buying online?  小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定 Kěshì wǒ juéde wǒ yào kàn dào, mō dào cáinéng quèdìng But I think...2021-08-2302 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 03 ~ 買禮物很不簡單 Buying gifts isn't easyXiao-Li (小李) runs into trouble buying presents for the family back home, and A-Ming (阿明) tries to give some advice. Lesson Outline: I'll mention a few words that will appear in the dialogue.  Listen to the dialogue at normal speed. Listen to the slow version and repeat.   Hear the translation, line-by-line, and try to infer the meaning of the parts you don't know yet. Listen to the slow version again and repeat, trying to connect the sound to the meaning.  Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only): 阿明：你現在要去哪？ 小李：我要去買禮物 阿明：送給女朋友嗎？ 小李：不是，要送給我的家人  阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？ 小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！ 阿明：線上買呢？  小李：可是我覺得我要看到、摸到才能確定 阿明：也是... 送茶葉呢？ 小李：他們不太懂喝茶 阿明：那... 鳳梨酥呢？ 小李：已經送過太多次了 阿明：是哦... 買禮物真的很不簡單！ 小李：你看我買的貼紙！ 阿明：狗狗的貼紙好可愛！  小李：還有這個貼紙 阿明：禁止吸煙？ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation): 阿明：你現在要去哪？ Nǐ xiànzài yào qù nǎ? Where are you going now? 小李：我要去買禮物 Wǒ yào qù mǎi lǐwù I'm going to buy presents.  阿明：送給女朋友嗎？ sòng gěi nǚ péngyǒu ma? To give to your girlfriend?  小李：不是，要送給我的家人 Búshì, yào sòng gěi wǒ de jiārén No, to give to my family.  阿明：是哦！你要買什麼？ shì o! Nǐ yào mǎi shénme? Oh! What are you going to buy?  小李：我還不知道，現在很多店都關了！ Wǒ hái bù zhīdào, xiànzài hěnduō diàn dōu guān...2021-08-2212 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 02 ~ 你回來了！Part 2We all acquire language in the same way, and it has nothing to do with talent or aptitude. In this lesson, we get the line-by-line translation of the dialogue and complete the picture from Lesson 01. Lesson Outline: Introduction: We all learn languages the same way, and talent has nothing to do with it.   Listen to the dialogue at normal speed. Get the translation line-by-line, and try to infer the meaning of the parts you don't know yet. Listen to the dialogue at normal speed again, and repeat during the pauses.    Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters onl...2021-08-1213 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - S2 - Lesson 01After listening to S02 Episode 1, start reinforcing what you've learned by taking four minutes a day to practice listening and speaking the dialogue. Repetition makes progress! A transcript of the dialogue is available below. First, it is written out in only Chinese characters for those who are learning characters and want to practice reading along. Then it is written out with the translation and pinyin.  Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only):  阿明：小李，你回來了！ 小李：阿明，好久不見！ 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？ 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣 阿明：我也很開心看到你 小李：謝謝你來接我 阿明：不客氣！小事情  小李：還是很謝謝你啊 阿明：你在飛機上有吃東西嗎？ 小李：沒有欸，我都在睡覺 阿明：你餓了嗎？ 小李：有一點餓 阿明：你看，我買什麼給你：你最喜歡的鍋貼！ 小李：哇！真的假的！阿明，你好貼心！ 阿明：還好啦，趕快吃！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation):  阿明：小李，你回來了！  A-Ming: Xiao Li, you came back! Ā míng: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ huíláile! 小李：阿明，好久不見！  Xiao Li: A-Ming, long time no see! Xiǎo lǐ: Ā míng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn! 阿明：真的好久不見。美國還好嗎？  Really long time no see. Was the US alright?  Zhēn de hǎojiǔ bùjiàn. Měiguó hái hǎo ma? 小李：美國很好啊，但我還是很開心回到台灣  The US was great, but I’m still really happy to be back in Taiwan.  Měiguó hěn hǎo a, dàn wǒ háishì hěn kāixīn huí dào táiwān 阿明：我也很開心看到你  I’m also really happy to see you.  Wǒ yě hěn kāixīn kàn dào nǐ 小李：謝謝你來接我  Thanks for coming t...2021-08-0204 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpS2 ~ 01 ~ 你回來了！You're back!We're back for another season! In this episode,  Xiao-Li (小李) comes back to Taiwan. Learning how to digest (and even to be entertained by) material that you don't completely understand is an important skill for learning a language. In this episode, we introduce a new dialogue, but don't translate it all at once like we did in Season 1. Instead, I'll introduce some of the key words and phrases, and we'll let your language intuition work to try and figure out the rest. It's ok if you don't get all or even most of it; it's the challenge of grapp...2021-08-0220 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 36: 真是有緣分！              千石：怎麼這麼巧！志明，好久不見！ Qiānshí: Zěnme zhème qiǎo! Zhìmíng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!  Qiānshí: What a coincidence! Zhiming, long time no see!  志明：真的，千石，很久沒見到你呢！ Zhìmíng: Zhēn de, qiānshí, hěnjiǔ méi jiàn dào nǐ ne! Zhiming: Really, Qianshi, I haven't seen you for a long time!  千石：你是不是變胖了！ Qiānshí: Nǐ shì bùshì biàn pàngle! Qianshi: You've gotten fatter, haven't you?  志明：哈哈，你也是！ Zhìmíng: Hāhā, nǐ yěshì! Zhiming: Haha, you too!  千石：志明，這是我的朋友，凱盛 Qiānshí: Zhìmíng, zhè shì wǒ de péngyǒu, kǎi shèng  Qianshi: Zhiming, this is my friend, Kaisheng.  志明：你好，你好，很高興認識你 Zhìmíng: Nǐ hǎo, nǐ hǎo, hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ Zhiming: Hello, nice to meet you.  凱盛：你好 kǎi shèng: Nǐ hǎo  Kaisheng: Hello.  千石：...2021-07-2600 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 35 (Storytelling): 番茄跟甜椒How to listen:Start by familiarizing yourself with the vocabulary below. Then listen to the recording. Whenever you encounter a question, try to answer it, either in your head, or even better say it aloud. If you don't know the answer, just guess. Whether you get it wrong or right, answering it first will make it more memorable. Don't fret if you can't keep up or the pace feels too fast. It will become more manageable with repeated listens. Characters:清華 - qīnghuá - a man欣儀 - xīn yí - a woman...2021-07-0904 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 33：計程車叫了沒？搭 - dā - to take (a plane, a bus, a train, etc.)差不多 - chàbùduō - more or less / approximately出發 - chūfā - to depart馬上 - mǎshàng - immediately只 - zhǐ - only / merely A：你可以幫我叫計程車嗎？我要去機場了。 Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ jiào jìchéngchē ma? Wǒ yào qù jīchǎngle. Can you help me call a taxi? I'm going to the airport.  B：你搭幾點的飛機？ Nǐ dā jǐ diǎn de fēijī? What time is your flight? A：兩點半起飛，所以我差不多要出發了 Liǎng diǎn bàn qǐfēi, suǒyǐ wǒ chàbùduō yào chūfāle It takes off at two-thirty, so I'd better set out right about now.  B：好啊，我馬上來叫。話說，你要去德國多久？ Hǎo a, wǒ mǎshàng lá...2021-06-1500 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 31: 買禮物很不簡單Words and phrases:線上 - xiànshàng - online確定 - quèdìng - certain才 - cái - Very roughly translated as "only" -- This word indicates a condition that must be fulfilled or a number or amount that is less or later than expected, among other things. It's best learned through context: Example 1: 西瓜好便宜！一顆才100塊！ Xīguā hǎo piányí! Yī kē cái 100 kuài! Watermelons are so cheap! Only 100 NT per 顆 (kē - a measure word for round things). Example 2: 他要打給我，我才會跟他說 Tā yào dǎ gěi wǒ, wǒ cái huì gēn tā shuō Only if he calls me will I tell him.  Example 3: 我昨天才知道你結婚了！ Wǒ zuó...2021-06-0900 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 29: 怎麼做？Words and phrases:之前，以前 - zhīqián, yǐqián - before之後，以後 - zhīhòu, yǐhòu - after酸 - suān - sour自己 - zìjǐ - self, oneself 你在吃什麼？ nǐ zài chī shénme? What are you eating? 我在吃麵包，你要吃嗎？ wǒ zài chī miànbāo, nǐ yào chī ma? I'm eating bread, do you want to eat some? 好啊 hǎo a Sure. 來  lái Here. 欸～ 是酸的！  āi  ~ shì suān de! Hey, it's sour! 對啊，是法國的。你有吃過酸麵包嗎？  duì a, shì fàguó de. nǐ yǒu chīguò suān miànbāo ma? Yeah, it's French. Have you ever eaten sour bread?  沒有，你自己做的嗎？ méiyǒu, nǐ zìjǐ zuò de ma? I haven't, did you make it yourself? 對啊，我自己做的...2021-05-2801 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 28: 怎麼辦？你要自己煮飯嗎？Words and phrases:疫情 - Yìqíng - pandemic內用 - nèi yòng - eat in (for here)外帶 - wàidài - take out (to go)叫外送 - jiào wài sòng - to order delivery遠一點 - yuǎn yīdiǎn - a little farther煮飯 - zhǔ fàn - to cook (lit. "boil rice") 買菜 - mǎi cài - to buy groceries (lit. "buy vegetables") 你還好嗎？ nǐ hái hǎo ma? Are you alright? 還好啊 hái hǎo a I’m alright.  最近疫情不能出門了齁 zuìjìn yìqíng bùnéng chūménle hōu Recentl...2021-05-2501 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 22: 你真懂吃！ A：歡迎光臨！ Huānyíng guānglín!  Welcome! B：你好 Nǐ hǎo Hello A：都可以坐 Dōu kěyǐ zuò  You can sit anywhere (lit. "all can sit") B：好... 老闆，請問一下 Hǎo... Lǎobǎn, qǐngwèn yīxià  OK... Boss, let me ask you (lit. "boss, please ask a moment") A：嘿，什麼事？ Hēi, shénme shì? Hey, what's up? (lit. "what thing/matter") B：你有什麼推薦的嗎？ Nǐ yǒu shé me tuījiàn de ma? Do you have any recommendations?  A：你敢吃辣嗎？ Nǐ gǎn chī là ma?  Can you handle spicy? (lit. "do you dare to eat spicy") B：呃... 我不太敢 È... Wǒ bù tài gǎn  Uh... Not really A：那麼... 要不要吃吃看我們的雞腿便當？ Nàme... Yào bùyào chī chī kàn wǒmen de jītuǐ biàndang? Well then... do you want to try our c...2021-05-1200 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 20: 你看起來精神有點差 A：你還好嗎？你看起來精神有點差 A: Nǐ hái hǎo ma? Nǐ kàn qǐlái jīngshén yǒudiǎn chā | Are you OK? You don’t look so energetic.  B：對啊，因為我今天太早醒來 B: Duì a, yīnwèi wǒ jīntiān tài zǎo xǐng lái | Right, because I woke up too early this morning.  A：是喔，幾點？ A: Shì ō, jǐ diǎn? | Really? What time?  B：我平常都8點起床，但最近我6:30就醒來 B: Wǒ píngcháng dōu 8 diǎn qǐchuáng, dàn zuìjìn wǒ 6:30 jiù xǐng lái | Usually I get out of bed at 8, but recently I’ve been waking up at 6:30.  A：你有辦法再回去睡嗎？ A: Nǐ yǒu bànfǎ zài huíqù shuì ma? | Are you able to go back to sleep?  B：沒有辦法。我住在學校旁邊，7點就開始吵了 B: Méiyǒu...2021-04-0600 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 18: 你看我帶來了什麼！ M：哈囉，有人嗎？Hā luō, yǒurén ma? | Hello, is anyone here? L：來了，來了！Láile, láile! | Coming, coming!  M： 嘿，小李！好久不見！不好意思遲到了 Hēi, xiǎo lǐ! Hǎojiǔ bùjiàn! Bù hǎoyìsi chídàole | Hey, Xiaoli, long time no see! Sorry I’m late.  L：不會不會，我還在煮飯  Bù huì bù huì, wǒ hái zài zhǔ fàn | Not at all, I’m still cooking.  M：天哪！怎麼這麼香？Tiān nǎ! Zěnme zhème xiāng? | OMG! How does it smell so good? L：我在燉牛肉。你餓了嗎？Wǒ zài dùn niúròu. Nǐ èle ma? | I’m stewing beef. Are you hungry? M：難怪！我超餓的！ Nánguài! Wǒ chāo è de! | No wonder! I’m so hungry. L：趕快進來吧 Gǎnkuài jìnlái ba | Hurry up and come inside! M：好 hǎo | OK. L：麻煩你脫鞋子 Máfan nǐ tuō xiézi | Please ju...2021-03-3001 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 17：我好羨慕你哦！A: 哇！你的新家好棒哦！A: Wa! Nǐ de xīnjiā hǎo bàng ó! | Wow! Your new home is great! B: 謝謝！我也覺得 B: Xièxiè! Wǒ yě juédé | Thanks! I think so too. A: 從二十一樓看下去的風景真的超美！A: Cóng èrshíyī lóu kàn xiàqù de fēngjǐng zhēn de chāo měi! | From the twenty-first floor looking down, the scenery is super beautiful! B: 對！而且剛好今天太陽出來了 B: Duì! Érqiě gānghǎo jīntiān tàiyáng chūláile | Yeah! Also, today it just so happens that the sun came out. A: 陽光很溫暖 A: Yángguāng hěn wēnnuǎn | The sunlight is really warm. B: 沒錯，而且這是朝北的窗戶，所以夏天不會太熱 B: Méicuò, érqiě zhè shì cháo běi...2021-03-2900 minMy Thoughts OnMy Thoughts OnGame of Thrones: Tale of CrowsListen to my thoughts on Game of Thrones: Tale of Crows by That Silly Studio - Available now with Apple Arcade.My Thoughts On is a weekly, short form podcast hosted by Isaac Proch.Follow Me + Stay Connected!Twitch: NexvalleyYoutube: The NexvalleyTwitter: @iprochInstagram: @iprochWebsite: digitalderez.comMy other Podcast with Emily Myers (@originandjuice)"Isaac & Emily VS the World" - Available on all streaming platforms!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a...2021-03-2603 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 16: 沒有位子了！B：沒有位子了，怎麼辦？B: Méiyǒu wèizile, zěnme bàn? | There aren’t any seats, what can we do? A：你叫別人站起來吧！A: Nǐ jiào biérén zhàn qǐlái ba! | Tell someone else to stand up! B：這樣好嗎？B: Zhèyàng hǎo ma? | Is that OK?A：當然不好，這樣很不禮貌 A: Dāngrán bù hǎo, zhèyàng hěn bù lǐmào | Of course it’s not OK, it’s very impolite. B：那你為什麼叫我這樣做？B: Nà nǐ wèishéme jiào wǒ zhèyàng zuò? | Then why did you tell me to do that?A：因為你問我怎麼辦，我就幫你想個辦法啊！A: Yīnwèi nǐ wèn wǒ zěnme bàn, wǒ jiù bāng nǐ xiǎng gè bànfǎ a! | Because...2021-03-2301 minMy Thoughts OnMy Thoughts OnMini MotorwaysListen to my thoughts on Mini Motorways by Dinosaur Polo Club - Available now with Apple Arcade.My Thoughts On is a weekly, short form podcast hosted by Isaac Proch.Follow Me + Stay Connected!Twitch: NexvalleyYoutube: The NexvalleyTwitter: @iprochInstagram: @iprochWebsite: digitalderez.comMy other Podcast with Emily Myers (@originandjuice)"Isaac & Emily VS the World" - Available on all streaming platforms!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way t...2021-03-1902 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 15: 鳳梨拖地板A: 早安！你等很久了嗎？A: Zǎo ān! Nǐ děng hěnjiǔle ma? | Morning! Have you been waiting long?B: 沒有，我才剛到。我很喜歡你今天穿的t-shirt，上面是鳳梨！B: Méiyǒu, wǒ cái gāng dào. Wǒ hěn xǐhuān nǐ jīntiān chuān de t-shirt, shàngmiàn shì fènglí! | No, I just got here. I like your t-shirt, it has pineapples on it!A: 對啊，我很喜歡鳳梨 A: Duì a, wǒ hěn xǐhuān fènglí | Yeah, I really like pineapples. B: 我記得你還有鳳梨的襪子！B: Wǒ jìdé nǐ hái yǒu fènglí de wàzi! | I rememeber you also have pineapple socks.A: 哇！連我的襪子你都注意到了A: Wa! Lián wǒ de wàzi nǐ dōu zhùyì dàole | Wow! You even noticed my...2021-03-1900 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 14, 2021-03-17A: 你已經搬家好了嗎？A: Nǐ yǐjīng bānjiā hǎole ma? | Did you already finish moving?B: 我已經開始了，但我還沒結束 B: Wǒ yǐjīng kāishǐle, dàn wǒ hái méi jiéshù | I already started, but I haven’t finished yet. A: 你還需要做什麼？A: Nǐ hái xūyào zuò shénme? | What do you still need to do?B: 我還在打掃 B: Wǒ hái zài dǎsǎo | I’m still cleaning. A: 新的房子很髒嗎？A: Xīn de fángzi hěn zāng ma? | Is the new house really dirty? B: 有一點髒，冰箱裡面有蟑螂！B: Yǒu yīdiǎn zāng, bīngxiāng lǐmiàn yǒu zhāngláng! | It’s a little dirty, there are co...2021-03-1700 minMy Thoughts OnMy Thoughts Ontint.Listen to my thoughts on tint. by Lykke Studios - Available now with Apple Arcade.My Thoughts On is a weekly, short form podcast hosted by Isaac Proch.Follow Me + Stay Connected!Twitch: NexvalleyYoutube: The NexvalleyTwitter: @iprochInstagram: @iprochWebsite: digitalderez.comMy other Podcast with Emily Myers (@originandjuice)"Isaac & Emily VS the World" - Available on all streaming platforms!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://a...2021-03-1203 minMFTGU Bonus MaterialMFTGU Bonus MaterialLesson 13, 2021-03-10A: 早安！你準備好了嗎? | Good morning! Are you ready?B: 我準備好了！ | I’m ready. A: 你今天好嗎？ | How are you today?B: 我的脖子很痛，搬家的時候受傷了 | My neck hurts, I got hurt while moving. A: 真的嗎？我很擔心你！ | Really? I’m worried about you. B: 不要擔心！我沒事。 | Don’t worry, I’m fine. A: 好A: 我禮拜五要搬家，我今天拿到了鑰匙 | Ok. I’m moving on Friday. Today I got the keys. B: 恭喜你！ | Congratulations!A: 謝謝，但我沒有家具。我要去IKEA買家具 | Thanks! But I don’t have furniture. I’m going to IKEA to buy furniture. B: 對你來說，搬家很簡單 | For you, moving is really simple. (moving should be simple then)A: 我希望 | I hope soB: 我覺得你的中文在進步！你在看台灣的影集嗎？ | I think your Chinese is improving! Do you watch Taiwanese TV series?A: 我想看中國的影集 | I want to watch Chinese series. B: 你以前住在中國嗎？ | Did you live in China before? A: 我沒有住過，但我有去旅行 | I’ve never l2021-03-1001 minMy Thoughts OnMy Thoughts OnSkate CityListen to my thoughts on Skate City - Available now with Apple Arcade.My Thoughts On is a weekly, short form podcast hosted by Isaac Proch.Follow Me + Stay Connected!Twitch: NexvalleyYoutube: The NexvalleyTwitter: @iprochInstagram: @iprochWebsite: digitalderez.comMy other Podcast with Emily Myers (@originandjuice)"Isaac & Emily VS the World" - Available on all streaming platforms!--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/a...2021-02-0605 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 16After you've listened to Lesson 16, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊 M：她做什麼工作？ L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹 L：那，他們做什麼工作？ M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書 L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？ M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27.  L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？ M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？ L：沒有不好啊...  M：唸書很重要啊 L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊 M：對啊 L：對啊 M：幹嘛 L：沒事 M：你很無聊 Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ Xiǎo lǐ, wǒ wèn nǐ ō, nǐ yǒu xiōngdì zǐmèi ma? Xiao Li, I ask you oh, do you have any siblings?  Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊 Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiě jie I have an older sister.  M：她做什麼工作？ Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò? She does what work?  L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ Tā shì yīshēng. Nǐ ne? Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma? She's a doctor. And you? Do you have any siblings? M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹 Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdì, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei I have, I have a younger brother, I also have a younger sister.  L：那，他們做什麼工作？ Nà, tāmen zuò shénme gōngzuò? Then, they do what work?  ...2020-08-1504 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up16 ~ Do you have any siblings? 你有兄弟姊妹嗎？In this lesson, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) ask about each other's families. This is the last episode of Season 1. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊 M：她做什麼工作？ L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹 L：那，他們做什麼工作？ M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書 L：還在唸書？他們幾歲？ M：我的弟弟29歲，我的妹妹27.  L：他們那麼大，還在唸書？ M：對啊，這樣不好嗎？ L：沒有不好啊...  M：唸書很重要啊 L：對啊，對啊，很重要啊 M：對啊 L：對啊 M：幹嘛 L：沒事 M：你很無聊 Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) Ah-Ming (M)：小李，我問你喔，你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ Xiǎo lǐ, wǒ wèn nǐ ō, nǐ yǒu xiōngdì zǐmèi ma? Xiao Li, I ask you oh, do you have any siblings?  Xiao Li (L)：我有一個姊姊 Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiě jie I have an older sister.  M：她做什麼工作？ Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò? She does what work?  L：她是醫生。你呢？你有兄弟姊妹嗎？ Tā shì yīshēng. Nǐ ne? Nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma? She's a doctor. And you? Do you have any siblings? M：有，我有一個弟弟，還有一個妹妹 Yǒu, wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdì, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei I have, I have a younger brother, I also have a younger sister.  L：那，他們做什麼工作？ Nà, tāmen zuò shénme gōngzuò? Then, they do what work?  M：他們沒有在工作，他們還在唸書 Tāmen méiyǒu zài g...2020-08-1412 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 15Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？ Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！ M：不好意思，我們要買單！ Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八 M：好，來 L：等一下！你要請我嗎？ M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊 L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！ M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我 L：很不好意思 M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊 L：那好吧... M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你 F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！ M：好， 謝謝！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？ Nǐ chī bǎole ma? Are you full? Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！ Chī hǎo bǎo! So full!  M：不好意思，我們要買單！ Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒmen yāo mǎidān! Excuse me, we'll take the check!  Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八 Hǎo de, zhèyàng wǔbǎi bā Ok, that'll be five hundred eighty.  M：好，來 Hǎo, lái Ok, here.  L：等一下！你要請我嗎？ Děng yīxià! Nǐ yàoqǐng wǒ ma? Wait a sec! You're going to treat me?  M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊 Duì a, nǐ gāng lái táiwān, dāngrán yàoqǐng nǐ a Yeah, you just came to Taiwan, of course I'm treating you. L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！ Bùxíng, shàng cì nǐ qǐng wǒ, zhè yīcì huàn wǒ qǐng nǐ la! No way, you treated me last time, this time it's my turn to treat you! M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我 Bùyào la! Wǒ qǐng nǐ jiù hǎo, děng wǒ qù měiguó nǐ zài qǐng wǒ Nah! I'll treat you and that's it...2020-08-0705 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up15 ~ Excuse me! 不好意思！In episode 15, I talk about how you might be misunderstanding your own forgetfulness. Meanwhile, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) fight over who's going to pick up the check. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？ Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！ M：不好意思，我們要買單！ Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八 M：好，來 L：等一下！你要請我嗎？ M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊 L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！ M：不要啦！我請你就好，等我去美國你再請我 L：很不好意思 M：不用不好意思！你來我的地盤，當然我請你啊 L：那好吧... M：不好意思，這裡一千，麻煩你 F：收你一千，請稍等一下... 好，找你四百二！ M：好， 謝謝！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) Ah-Ming (M)：你吃飽了嗎？ Nǐ chī bǎole ma? Are you full? Xiao Li (L)：吃好飽！ Chī hǎo bǎo! So full!  M：不好意思，我們要買單！ Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒmen yāo mǎidān! Excuse me, we'll take the check!  Waiter (F)：好的，這樣五百八 Hǎo de, zhèyàng wǔbǎi bā Ok, that'll be five hundred eighty.  M：好，來 Hǎo, lái Ok, here.  L：等一下！你要請我嗎？ Děng yīxià! Nǐ yàoqǐng wǒ ma? Wait a sec! You're going to treat me?  M：對啊，你剛來台灣，當然要請你啊 Duì a, nǐ gāng lái táiwān, dāngrán yàoqǐng nǐ a Yeah, you just came to Taiwan, of course I'm treating you. L：不行，上次你請我，這一次換我請你啦！ Bùxíng, shàng cì nǐ qǐng wǒ, zhè yīcì huàn wǒ qǐng nǐ la! No w...2020-08-0617 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 14After you've listened to Lesson 14, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！ Xiao Li (L): 好 M：好吃嗎？ L：好吃！但很辣！ M：你會怕辣嗎？ L：還好，不會，我喜歡 M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？ L：好 M：來，我幫你倒 L：謝謝 M：鍋貼也吃看看吧 L：那是什麼？ M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？ L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣 M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了 L：裡面有什麼？ M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！ Cài dōu shàngle! Nǐ kuài shì shìkàn! The food's all here! Hurry up and try it!    Xiao Li (L): 好 Hǎo Ok!  M：好吃嗎？ Hǎo chī ma? Is it good?  L：好吃！但很辣！ Hǎo chī! Dàn hěn là! It's good! But really spicy!  M：你會怕辣嗎？ Nǐ huì pà là ma? Are you afraid of spice?  L：還好，不會，我喜歡 Hái hǎo, bù huì, wǒ xǐhuān Not really, I'm not, I like it.  M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？ Nà jiù hǎo, yào bùyào hè yīdiǎn chá? That's good then. Do you want to drink some tea?  L：好 Hǎo Sure.  M：來，我幫你倒 Lái, wǒ bāng...2020-07-3004 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up14 ~ Hurry up and try it! 你快試試看！Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) are enjoying the food they ordered, and we learn how to talk about trying things, whether or not you can handle spicy foods, and how to compare foods that look (or sound) different. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！ Xiao Li (L): 好 M：好吃嗎？ L：好吃！但很辣！ M：你會怕辣嗎？ L：還好，不會，我喜歡 M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？ L：好 M：來，我幫你倒 L：謝謝 M：鍋貼也吃看看吧 L：那是什麼？ M：美國沒有鍋貼嗎？ L：有啊，可是美國的鍋貼看起來有一點不一樣 M：我們這裡的鍋貼很好吃，你吃就知道了 L：裡面有什麼？ M：裡面有肉跟高麗菜，很好吃！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) Ah-Ming (M): 菜都上了！你快試試看！ Cài dōu shàngle! Nǐ kuài shì shìkàn! The food's all here! Hurry up and try it!    Xiao Li (L): 好 Hǎo Ok!  M：好吃嗎？ Hǎo chī ma? Is it good?  L：好吃！但很辣！ Hǎo chī! Dàn hěn là! It's good! But really spicy!  M：你會怕辣嗎？ Nǐ huì pà là ma? Are you afraid of spice?  L：還好，不會，我喜歡 Hái hǎo, bù huì, wǒ xǐhuān Not really, I'm not, I like it.  M：那就好，要不要喝一點茶？ Nà jiù hǎo, yào bùyào hè yīdiǎn chá? That's good then. Do you want to drink some...2020-07-3013 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 13After you've listened to Lesson 13, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！ Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？ M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜 F: 要白飯嗎？ M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？ Xiao Li (L): 好啊 M: 那我們要兩碗白飯 F: 這樣就好了嗎？ M: 對，這樣就好 F: 好的，請稍等 M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？ L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊 M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！ L：好 M：好，我去拿 Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！ Bù hǎoyìsi, kěyǐ diǎn cānle! Excuse me, we can order!   Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？ Hǎo, nǐ yàodiǎn shénme ne? Ok, what do you want to order?  M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜 Yīgè gōngbǎo jī dīng, yī fèn guōtiē, hái yǒu yīgè chǎo qīngcài One 宮保雞丁, one portion of potstickers, and also one stir-fried green vegetable.  F: 要白飯嗎？ Yào báifàn ma? Do you want white rice?  M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？ Yào! Éi, xiǎo lǐ, nǐ yào chīfàn ma? Want! Oh, Xiao Li, do you want to eat rice?  Xiao Li (L): 好啊 Hǎo a Ok! M: 那我們要兩碗白飯 Nà wǒmen yào liǎng wǎn báifàn Then we w...2020-07-2304 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up13 ~ That's it! 這樣就好！Which dialect of Mandarin should you learn? In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) order some food! How do you call the waiter in Mandarin? (Hint: it doesn't involve eye contact.)Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！ Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？ M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜 F: 要白飯嗎？ M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？ Xiao Li (L): 好啊 M: 那我們要兩碗白飯 F: 這樣就好了嗎？ M: 對，這樣就好 F: 好的，請稍等 M: 他們的鍋貼超好吃！對了，你要不要喝啤酒？ L：我不能喝酒，等一下還要開車啊 M：對齁，那... 我們喝茶吧！ L：好 M：好，我去拿 Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) A-Ming (M): 不好意思，可以點餐了！ Bù hǎoyìsi, kěyǐ diǎn cānle! Excuse me, we can order!   Waiter (F): 好，你要點什麼呢？ Hǎo, nǐ yàodiǎn shénme ne? Ok, what do you want to order?  M: 一個宮保雞丁，一份鍋貼，還有一個炒青菜 Yīgè gōngbǎo jī dīng, yī fèn guōtiē, hái yǒu yīgè chǎo qīngcài One 宮保雞丁, one portion of potstickers, and also one stir-fried green vegetable.  F: 要白飯嗎？ Yào báifàn ma? Do you want white rice?  M: 要！誒，小李，你要吃飯嗎？ Yào! Éi, xiǎo lǐ, nǐ yào chīfàn ma? Want! Oh, Xiao Li, do you want to eat rice?  Xiao Li...2020-07-2213 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 12After you've listened to Lesson 12, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) L：到了！好餓！ M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！ L：好，菜單呢？ M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼... L：呃...  M：怎麼了？ L：我看不懂...  M：喔！你看不懂中文字！ L：對啊，還是看不太懂 M：那我幫你，來...   這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」，然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個 L：我不知道... M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了 L：好，謝謝！ M：不客氣！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) L：到了！好餓！ L: Dàole! Hǎo è! L: We’re here! So hungry! M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！ M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒmen kuài yīdiǎn diǎn cài ba! M: Me too, let’s hurry up and order! L：好，菜單呢？ L: Hǎo, càidān ne? L: Ok, and... the menu?  M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼... M: Càidān zài zhèlǐ! Kàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme... M: Here’s the menu! See what you want to eat.   L：呃...  L: È...  L: Uh... M：怎麼了？ M: Zěnmele? M: Something wrong? L：我看不懂...  L: Wǒ kàn bù dǒng...  L: I can’t understand this... M：喔！你看不懂中文字！ M: Ō! Nǐ kàn bù dǒng zhōngwén zì! M: Oh! You don’t unde...2020-07-1604 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up12 ~ Let's hurry up and order! 我們快一點點菜吧！In this lesson, I talk about how I went from not knowing a single word of Mandarin to starting a Mandarin learning podcast! Meanwhile, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) finally sit down at the restaurant to order. But there's a problem... Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) L：到了！好餓！ M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！ L：好，菜單呢？ M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼... L：呃...  M：怎麼了？ L：我看不懂...  M：喔！你看不懂中文字！ L：對啊，還是看不太懂 M：那我幫你，來...   這個是「飯」，這邊是「青菜」，然後這邊有「湯」，看你要哪一個 L：我不知道... M：沒關係，還是我幫你點好了 L：好，謝謝！ M：不客氣！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) L：到了！好餓！ L: Dàole! Hǎo è! L: We’re here! So hungry! M：我也是，我們快一點點菜吧！ M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒmen kuài yīdiǎn diǎn cài ba! M: Me too, let’s hurry up and order! L：好，菜單呢？ L: Hǎo, càidān ne? L: Ok, and... the menu?  M：菜單在這裡！看你想吃什麼... M: Càidān zài zhèlǐ! Kàn nǐ xiǎng chī shénme... M: Here’s the menu! See what you want to eat.   L：呃...  L: È...  L: Uh... M：怎麼了？ M: Zěnmele? M: Something wrong? L：我看不懂...  L: Wǒ kàn bù dǒng...  L: I can’t understand this... M：喔...2020-07-1516 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 11After you've listened to Lesson 11, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) L：欸？餐廳在哪裡...  M：你不知道怎麼去？ L：我忘記了... M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps?  L：不用了，我可以的 M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？ L：喔？不是。不是那家 M：好吧... 欸？等一下！是左邊那家很大的餐廳嗎？ L：在哪裡啊？ M：在那裡啊！ L：喔！對！就是那家！我的眼睛有問題了 M：沒關係，趕快停車！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) L：欸？餐廳在哪裡...  L: Éi? Cāntīng zài nǎlǐ...  L: Huh? Where’s the restaurant…  M：你不知道怎麼去？ M: Nǐ bù zhīdào zěnme qù? M: You don’t know how to go?  L：我忘記了... L: Wǒ wàngjìle... L: I forgot…  M: 你忘記怎麼去！要不要我幫你看Google Maps?  M: Nǐ wàngjì zěnme qù! Yào bùyào wǒ bāng nǐ kàn Google Maps? M: You forgot how to go?! Do you want me to help you look at Google Maps? L：不用了，我可以的 L: Bùyòngle, wǒ kěyǐ de L: Don’t bother (literally: don't use), I can do it.  M：你看左邊！是那家嗎？ M: Nǐ kàn zuǒbiān! Shì nà jiā ma? M: Loo...2020-07-0903 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up11 ~ You don't know the way? 你不知道怎麼去？In this lesson, we talk about the similarities between learning a language and learning to play music. In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) get lost looking for the Korean restaurant. Language and music have a lot in common. We learn both of them in large part because they feel good. It feels good to connect with other people; it feels good to express yourself. Sure, you might say the real reason you're learning Mandarin is to help with your career, your studies, or any number of other reasons. And that can be a great starting point. But language...2020-07-0811 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 10Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！ L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車 M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？ L：可以啊，沒問題！ M：你不是不會開車嗎？ L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。 M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？ L：還好吧，沒有人知道 M：好吧，那... 我們走吧。你知道怎麼去嗎？ L：我當然知道啊！沒問題的！ M：好！走！ Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) M：怎麼辦？我好餓。我想去吃飯！ M: Zěnme bàn? Wǒ hǎo è. Wǒ xiǎng qù chīfàn! M: What are we gonna do? I’m so hungry. I want to go eat! L：喔！我知道了！我們可以開我媽的車 L: Ō! Wǒ zhīdàole! Wǒmen kěyǐ kāi wǒ mā de chē L: Oh! I got it! We can drive my mom’s car.  M：真的嗎？真的可以嗎？ M: Zhēn de ma? Zhēn de kěyǐ ma? M: Really? Really can we?  L：可以啊，沒問題！ L: Kěyǐ a, méi wèntí! L: Sure we can, no problem. M：你不是不會開車嗎？ M: Nǐ bùshì bù huì kāichē ma? M: Aren’t you unable to drive? L：呃... 騙你啦！我只是沒有駕照。 L: È... Piàn nǐ la! Wǒ zhǐshì méiyǒu jiàzhào. L: Uh… I was kidding! I just don’t have a license. M：沒有駕照... 這樣可以嗎？ M: Méiyǒu jiàzhào... Zhèyàng kěyǐ ma? M: You don’t have a licen...2020-07-0204 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up10 ~ I got it! 我知道了！In this lesson, I talk a little about discovering the unique logic of a new language. In the dialogue, Ah-Ming (阿明) and Xiao-Li (小李) decide to break the law. One of my favorite things about learning a new language is discovering the unique way it expresses ideas: the logic, the way of thinking that the language makes possible. For example, take the word get in English. There are so many ways English speakers use this word, including to say "I got it!" when we have an idea or a solution to a problem. The interesting thing is that the...2020-07-0110 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 09After you've listened to Lesson 9, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Transcripts are available below, first with only Chinese characters, and then with pinyin and the translation. Dialogue transcript (Chinese characters only) M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？ L：還沒，你呢？ M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？ L：好餓！ M： 我也是，我也很餓 L：你想吃什麼？ M：我想吃飯！你呢？ L：好啊，我也想吃飯 M：那我們去吃飯吧！ L：好，去餐廳吃怎麼樣？ M：好！你要開車嗎？ L：我開車？不是你要開的嗎？ M：我沒有車啊，我把車子賣掉了 L：你把車子賣掉了幹嘛？ M：我沒錢啊 L：可是我不會開車啊 M：你不會開車？我以為你會 L：我不會啊！你是不是忘記了！ M：那怎麼辦？ L: 沒辦法!  Dialogue transcript (w/ pinyin and translation) M：小李，你吃飯了嗎？ M: Xiǎo lǐ, nǐ chīfànle ma? M: Xiaoli, have you eaten? L：還沒，你呢？ L: Hái méi, nǐ ne? L: Not yet, and you?  M: 我也還沒。你餓了嗎？ M: Wǒ yě hái méi. Nǐ èle ma? M: I also haven't yet. Are you hungry?  L：好餓！ L: Hǎo è! L: So hungry! M： 我也是，我也很餓 M: Wǒ yěshì, wǒ yě hěn è M: Me too, I'm also really hungry.  L：你想吃什麼？ L: Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme? L: You want to eat what?  M：我想吃飯！你呢？ M: Wǒ xiǎng chīfàn! Nǐ ne? M: I want to eat rice (a full meal)! And you?  L：好啊，我也想吃飯 L: Hǎo a, wǒ y...2020-06-2505 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up09 ~ Aren't you going to drive? 不是你要開的嗎？This dialogue reinforces a lot of words and phrases you already know, which just a few new ones. In this dialogue, 小李 and 阿明 are talking about going to have some food, and who is going to drive. We learn best when we learn from context. Letting your brain try to infer the meaning and usage of a word or phrase is much more effective than having someone just tell you. Facts are forgettable, but experience lasts. However, in order to learn the patterns of a language, it's not enough to just see a word or phrase used onc...2020-06-2411 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 08After you've listened to Lesson 8, use this track to reinforce what you've learned with short listening and speaking practice sessions every day over the following week. Dialogue transcription M: 小李，你最喜歡吃什麼？ L：我最喜歡吃韓國菜，你呢？ M：我也喜歡吃韓國菜，但我最喜歡吃拉麵 L：我要去吃晚餐了，你要不要跟我一起去？ M：好啊，但你要去哪吃？ L：我要去韓國餐廳，很久沒去 M：好啊，你開車嗎？ L：對啊，我開車去 M：什麼時候？ L：等一下就要去了 M：他們也有麵嗎？ L：有啊 M：那好，我們一起去吧，我餓了！ Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★ Thanks for listening! 2020-06-1804 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up08 ~ What's your favorite food? 你最喜歡吃什麼？In this lesson, we'll talk about the single most important thing you should be doing for your spoken Mandarin. We'll also learn how to talk about food, and how to make plans to go eat with other people. Have you ever had the experience of studying a language for a long time, of feeling like you should be able to speak it by now, but then when the opportunity arises you get stuck, or maybe even get cold feet and make some excuse as to why you're not ready yet? If so, the question you should be...2020-06-1719 minIsaac Carlson PodcastIsaac Carlson PodcastWhy Does Shrek Have A Scottish Accent?Why does Shrek have a Scottish accent in his franchise? Today I’m going through the wild production of the original Shrek film to explore how Mike Myers developed the character of Shrek with the talents of Jeffrey Katzenberg, Andrew Adamson, and Vicky Jenson. How did they come up with this voice? Why is Shrek the ogre with the accent? And how does this build Shrek as a relatable character? The in-universe answer and the production answer are going to be discussed here!   __Join our exclusive family of fun people, become a producer, and help support the show! http://patreon.com...2020-06-1209 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 07Dialogue transcript L: 你今天也在咖啡店？ M: 對啊 L: 但是，今天的咖啡店跟昨天的不一樣 M: 對，你看： 今天的咖啡店有貓咪！ L: 為什麼？ M: 沒有為什麼啊 L: 為什麼你每天都去咖啡店？ M: 你問我為什麼...  L: 為什麼你可以每天出去，但我每天要待在家裡？！ M: 這個嘛...  L: 為什麼？！你跟我說！ M: ...你不喜歡待在家裡？ L :沒有人喜歡待在家裡啊 M: ... 你想再看一下貓咪嗎？ L: 好吧 Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★ Thanks for listening! 2020-06-1104 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up07 ~ You ask me why... 你問我為什麼...In this lesson, you'll learn how to identify and produce the four main tones in spoken Mandarin, and some essential COVID-19 vocabulary to help you talk about your situation -- whatever it may be -- plus how to ask why? Why??!Let's talk about tones. For someone coming from a non-tonal language background, it's easy to imagine that tones are something extra, like some kind of garnish sprinkled on top of the language, possibly put there just to make it fancy or to make it harder to learn. This couldn't be further from the truth, of course...2020-06-1021 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 06Dialogue transcript:  M: 嘿，你今天好嗎？ L: 我今天還OK啊，你呢？你在哪裡啊？ M: 我在咖啡店，你看 L: 喔！很漂亮！ M: 對啊 L: 你在喝咖啡嗎？ M: 還沒，等一下 L: 你在等咖啡？ M: 對啊，我還在等 L: 欸！有東西來了！ M：喔對！（謝謝）我的咖啡來了！ L: 好喝嗎？ M: 等一下！我還沒喝... 喔！好喝！ L: 我也要一個！ Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★ Thanks for listening! 2020-06-0403 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up06 ~ I'm still waitingIn this lesson, you'll learn how to talk about things that haven't happened yet. Learning how to say familiar words in another language, it's easy to get the impression that every language is simply another way of saying the same things, but using different sounds. The truth, however, is that each language is a unique system for dividing up all the meaning and concepts that the human mind is capable of representing. There's no one-to-one mapping between languages, which is what makes translation so difficult in the first place. It's also one of the things that makes...2020-06-0317 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 05Dialogue transcript M: 喂？你聽得到嗎？ L: 我聽得到！你呢？你聽得到嗎？ M: 有，我聽得到 L: 那，我們開始說中文吧！ M: 呃。。。我們在說中文啊 L: 喔，對了，哈哈。嘿，你在喝東西嗎？ M: 有啊，我在喝東西 L: 你在喝什麼？ M: 我在喝咖啡。你喜歡咖啡嗎？ L: 我還好，我喜歡喝茶 M: 你現在在喝茶嗎？ L: 有！你看，這是我的茶 M：那是什麼茶？ L：這是烏龍茶 Want to support the podcast? ★ Support this podcast ★ Thanks for listening!2020-05-2804 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up05 ~ Can you hear me?In this lesson, you'll learn how to have a successful video call, and how to talk about what you're drinking, and what you like. It's tempting to focus on all the things you don't know how to say yet. But really, why do that? If you consider what you already do know how to say, even after just a handful of lessons, you might be surprised. It's all about combinatorics -- at this stage, everything you learn increases what you're able to say many times over. By the end of this lesson, your range of competency will...2020-05-2718 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 04About learning Chinese charactersTeaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters with another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!2020-05-2103 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up04 ~ Who are you again?The contents of this episode are pretty standard fare for a language learner, or anyone else for that matter: What's your name? Nice to meet you. Do you have an English name? But hidden in the sentences are a handful of other extremely useful expressions. A note about pronunciation: The vocabulary list below includes the Chinese characters and the pinyin romanization system. The advantage of pinyin for English speakers is that it uses the familiar symbols of the Latin alphabet. The disadvantage is that English speakers are easily deceived into thinking these familiar symbols represent the same...2020-05-2012 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 03About learning Chinese charactersTeaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!However, if...2020-05-1403 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up03 ~ Where are you again?A big part of being able to speak naturally and fluently is being able to convince yourself on some level that you're actually from the same place as other native speakers. It’s one thing to learn a bunch of words and phrases. But to be able to use them like a native speaker requires being able to think like one. In this episode, you'll learn how to tell people where you are, and where you're from. If you were from, say, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, or China, what would that version of you be lik...2020-05-1314 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 02About learning Chinese charactersTeaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of this podcast, but if you are learning Chinese characters through another course or method, you can use the transcript below to follow along.Learning characters can be a fulfilling project, and can help you to remember and differentiate similar-sounding words. And, of course, it opens up more avenues for practicing your Mandarin, such as reading (books, children's books, comic books) and corresponding with Chinese speakers via email and other messaging apps. I highly encourage you to give it a try!However, if...2020-05-0702 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up02 ~ It's OK to feel tired.It's OK to feel tired sometimes, and acknowledging it is part of staying motivated. In this episode, you'll learn how to ask and talk about feelings, especially that feeling of needing some rest.--- Learning a language is the project of a lifetime. There's usually a starting point -- that day you decide will be your first day learning Mandarin, say -- but there's never a stopping point. From that moment forward, the language is alive with you, a part of you. It's important to make sure the language is working for you...2020-05-0612 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpDaily Practice Session - Lesson 01Learning to recognize and speak the sounds of another language is a form of exercise, and it requires repetition. By listening to -- and repeating -- the same dialogue every day, you're training new muscle memory, and signaling to your speech recognition center that  "these sounds are important." After you've listened to Lesson 1 once, use this track as your daily practice routine. At less than four minutes, I think you'll agree getting your Mandarin off the ground is really no big deal. About learning Chinese charactersTeaching Chinese characters is outside the scope of...2020-04-3003 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground Up01 ~ Listen, can you speak Chinese?In our very first lesson, we'll get you started speaking useful Mandarin right away. You'll learn how to say whether or not you can speak Chinese, and we'll start building a good foundation for your accent, copying exactly what you hear.~When you're listening to the sounds of Chinese or any other language, pay close attention to the intonation. This is the first thing that infants copy in their native language, and it should be the first thing you copy when learning Mandarin. Give yourself permission to sound a little silly or weird...2020-04-2916 minMandarin From the Ground UpMandarin From the Ground UpTrailer: Learning Mandarin like a native speakerNothing stands in the way of you getting fluent in Mandarin. Billions have managed it. So why does it seem so hard? In less than three minutes, I'll explain how you can start to change learning Chinese from an insurmountable obstacle into a way to get more in touch with yourself and your ears.New lesson released every Wednesday. Subscribe to start building your Mandarin from the ground up! Music:https://soundcloud.com/jonasmyersmusic ★ Support this podcast ★ 2020-04-1602 minThe Isaac Morehouse PodcastThe Isaac Morehouse Podcast68 - Let's Do a Job Interview, with Daniel MyersA young tech company builds software for small businesses. It employs around 10-15 people and is currently hiring. That is a hypothetical situation which myself and Daniel Myers go through in this episode of the podcast, with me being the recruiter and Daniel a young prospect. Some standard questions that appear during almost every interview are covered, along with some of the ones that I personally like to ask on interviews. After the mock-up we also go through some of the basics concerning job interview preparation and the point of view that interviewees should take. Get in touch with Daniel...2016-05-231h 01