Key insights

• 🌱 🌱 Started learning Chinese at age 15 or 16, embarking on an exciting journey filled with challenges and achievements.
• ✈️ ✈️ Participated in a transformative high school program to China for 6 weeks, immersing in the language and culture.
• 💬 💬 Currently comfortable with conversational Chinese and aiming for near-native fluency, reflecting steady progress.
• 😨 😨 Initially faced fears of rejection but ultimately embraced opportunities to study Chinese abroad in Guangzhou.
• 📚 📚 Studied Chinese through distance education due to local resource limitations, showcasing self-discipline and resilience.
• 🏫 🏫 Pursued dual degrees in Arts and Science, maintaining a commitment to continue language studies despite challenges.
• 🌍 🌍 Emphasized the importance of engagement with cultural events and exchange programs while studying at university.
• 🇨🇳 🇨🇳 Highlighted the significance of identifying one's language level and pursuing immersion experiences to accelerate learning.

Q&A

• What are the speaker's future goals related to learning Chinese? 🚀

  The speaker aims to reach near-native fluency in Chinese and expresses a desire to return to China for a year to teach English. This would further immerse them in the language and culture, enhancing their learning experience.

• Why is identifying one's Chinese language level important? 🎯

  Identifying your current language level is crucial for setting realistic improvement goals. It helps in selecting the right resources and creating effective study plans aimed at enhancing language skills.

• What are some resources suggested for improving Chinese language skills? 📚

  To enhance Chinese learning, the speaker recommends using graded readers, HSK materials, and other media resources. These include textbooks, workbooks, and short stories tailored for learners at different levels.

• What opportunities are available for students studying Chinese at university? 🎉

  University studies in Chinese offer valuable opportunities for cultural engagement, participation in exchange programs, and access to various language events that enhance the learning experience.

• What educational path did the speaker choose to further their language studies? 🎓

  The speaker pursued a dual degree in Arts and Science at university, which provided them with structured learning environments and exposure to diverse perspectives on language and culture, despite the financial burden.

• What challenges did the speaker face after returning from China? 😟

  Upon returning home, the speaker faced challenges in continuing their Chinese studies due to a lack of local resources. They opted for a self-directed study plan via distance education to keep progressing in the language.

• How long did the speaker study in Guangzhou? 🇨🇳

  The speaker spent six weeks in Guangzhou, China, where they attended classes and engaged with the local culture. This immersive experience greatly enhanced their conversational skills in Chinese.

• What motivated the speaker to start learning Chinese? 🤔

  The speaker began their journey of learning Chinese at the age of 15 or 16, motivated by a high school program that allowed them to travel to China. This opportunity sparked their interest and excitement in immersing themselves in the language and culture.

• 00:00 The speaker shares their 8-year journey of learning Chinese, highlighting the improvements they've made and their experiences, including a program in high school that took them to China. 🌍
• 01:33 The speaker shares their initial fears of rejection and excitement about being accepted into a program to study Chinese in Guangzhou, China, where they immersed themselves in the culture and language. They express a desire to continue studying Chinese upon returning home, despite facing challenges in pursuing courses.
• 03:04 The speaker studied Chinese through distance education due to lack of local resources, later pursuing a dual degree in Arts and Science at university to continue their language studies, despite it being an expensive endeavor. 🏫
• 04:50 Studying Chinese at university offers valuable opportunities for cultural engagement and exchange, but reliance on the academic system can hinder independent learning after graduation. 🏫
• 06:23 📚 Enhance your Chinese learning by incorporating graded readers, HSK materials, and diverse media resources.
• 07:57 The speaker emphasizes the importance of identifying one's Chinese language level and working towards improvement through resources, especially aiming for immersion experiences, such as living in China. 🇨🇳