I've been reading the posts here about different learning methods and it reminded me of my own first year, so I figured I'd share.

I got to BLCU in September 2014. I'd already done two years of classes and was pretty sure my pronunciation was ok 😅

Now that I've been on the other side of the desk I get it. The teachers were good people, this isn't on them. But think about it, one teacher and a full class of people from all over the world. Nobody has time to sit with each of us and fix our zh ch sh. Plus after hearing foreigners all day for years their ears get used to our accent lol, so they understand you even when a random taxi driver wouldn't.

Chinese people outside class weren't much help either, everyone just said 你中文说得很好 no matter what came out of my mouth. Sometimes I'd see a little wince first, that was about all the feedback I got.

I'd tell everyone to find a language exchange partner ASAP. Trust me, you'll thank me later. I did a language exchange with a Chinese guy and that's what helped. Even he wouldn't correct me unless I asked (面子 stuff), so I asked all the time. And when I really butchered something he'd just switch to English mid-sentence, which was brutal but it worked

For the longest time zhi chi shi and zi ci si sounded identical to me. I seriously thought he was trolling me 🙃 He'd say them reeeally slowly and stare at me, which didn't help, so we ended up doing it every day, him saying it and me copying. I also used to nod my head on 4th tones and sort of dip it on 3rd tones. Please don't ask why lol.

At some point it clicked. I'd call someone and for the first 10 seconds or so they couldn't tell I was a foreigner.

Fast forward, I taught Chinese for 10+ years and worked at Chinese companies too. Then I took about a year off, and after that I wanted to get my pronunciation back in shape. Every app I tried just gave me a score and that was it. I wanted something that told you what you got wrong, couldn't find one, so I built one.

Full disclosure, it's mine. It's called SayMandarin and the link is https://chinesepronunciation.app/

You say a word into the mic and it shows which sound or tone was off. It's free, no account needed, and it works on your phone too. It's AI so it's not perfect, sometimes it hears a 3rd tone at the end of a phrase as a 4th, still working on that 🙏 I'll be forever grateful for any feedback or suggestions.

Anyway if you're going to BLCU or doing a language year and want to ask anything, go for it. I remember way too much about those dorms (especially dorm 1) 😂 加油 💪

Hi! I’m 27F looking to make friends and practice Mandarin! I’m planning to visit China next spring to explore where my grandparents are from, so I’d love to reconnect with that part of my heritage. 🥹
I’m still learning, so I’d love to practice through texting, voice messages, or calls. I’m happy to help with English, too! ❤️

Hi! I need testers for Google's 14-day closed test of my app, Chi Le Ma (吃了吗), a free app for learning Chinese. It's for people who already understand some Mandarin but can't speak or read it yet: HSK 1–4 lessons, a tone trainer, stroke-order writing and mock exams.

How to join:

1. DM me the Gmail you use on your Android phone (please don't post it in the comments)

2. I'll add you and send you the install link

3. Keep it installed for 14 days and open it now and then

I created it so you really dive into the language but also the culture, honest feedback would be appreciated!! :)

Hi everyone! I'm currently learning Chinese and looking for people in Rabat who study or speak Chinese. I'd love to practice Mandarin together, improve my speaking skills, and learn more about Chinese culture.

If you're interested in practicing together and making new friends, feel free to message me. Also, if you're Chinese and studying Arabic in Rabat, I'd love to connect! We can help each other practice our languages and learn more about each other's cultures. 🇨🇳🇲🇦