About
Choosing to study Mandarin - and more so, sticking with it - has been the single best decision I have made in my life. Listing all the positive changes that have come to my life in the few years I've been studying the language is impossible. Cultural experiences, new perspectives, new foods to my palate, and incredible stories lived, and most importantly: the people I've met and the lifelong friendships I've founded.
What To Expect
Here you'll find comprehensive and honest reviews of language resources, from my perspective as an experienced language learner. I'll share free and paid resources that cover all aspects of Mandarin study. I'll also share some recreational resources, too.
I decided to start this blog after realising how difficult and time-consuming it can be to find decent and worthwhile study resources, despite the paralysing choice.
Thats why I hope you get a lot of value from this blog. Every week I'll publish two articles:
- One mid-long form piece reviewing a Chinese learning resource, technique, or cultural aspect.
- One short Chengyu or expression, to improve your vocabulary and native-ness.
Who Am I?
I'm Josh, or 左施. For the past couple of years, I've studied Mandarin Chinese as a hobby and I'm currently sitting somewhere around HSK4 (HSK 2.0) although the highest level I've officially passed is HSK1 for now, more on that later. I started as a 'self-taught' learner, meaning I have never studied Mandarin formally at a school or language institute, but I'm in the place I am today thanks only to the help of friends and strangers I have met along the way and.
How You Can Join In
Every week I'll publish one main article and one short article. I aim to share everything I learn and have learned about Chinese, China and language study. This newsletter will include the following and more:
- Reviewing a resource,
- Sharing a collection of resources,
- Exploring Chinese culture & history,
- Thought on classic Chinese cinema and music,
- Tips and advice for effective and efficient study,
- HSK test news.
If you're on your own Mandarin learning journey - whether you just started today or you're a polyglot who has lived in China for 15 years - you'll find insightful and opinionated reviews, introductions to Chinese culture, and my first-hand perspectives every step of the way.
You can join the mailing list (it's free!) and get updates straight to your inbox on this site, follow me on Instagram @mandarinresource or email me josh@mandarinresource.com.