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Learn Mandarin Chinese with ChinesePod

I’ve always had a passing interest in language. Learning a second language is something I never really got around to doing. At least I can pretend to be smart by listening to ChinesePod.

Direct from Shanghai, they put out more episodes each week than any podcast I have so far listened to. There are two hosts, an Irish man, and a Chinese woman. They both have a sense of humor, so the show isn’t dry like some I’ve heard. Each episode is a different skill level, from beginner to advanced, and features both instruction and conversation. Even the advanced lessons are interesting to listen to. I have no idea what they’re saying, but it sounds Chinese to me, so it’s all good. I can sometimes pick up little phrases I recognize.

The podcast is free, as all podcasts should be. There’s a corresponding wiki with tips and information. The site has some payed features, like lesson transcripts, a grammar guide, and exercises, if you’re willing to fork over a little green.