In this modern age of technology, it has become more efficient for learners to master Mandarin by combining traditional and modern methods. Besides Chinese tutors, many developers and content creators have come up with apps and podcasts to enable richer learning of the Chinese language and culture. These are especially helpful on the go or when one is feeling unmotivated. These applications cater to beginners who are studying Chinese Language basics to advanced learners who no longer rely on Hanyu Pinyin. Read on for one of the most comprehensive lists of apps, podcasts, and videos!

Apps

Skritter

This is an app which mainly focuses on writing Chinese characters. It is pretty sensitive in recognising handwriting and goes through the correct stroke order before allowing the user to write the character. At the same time, the correct pronunciation will also be given. What is great about this app is that it also provides sentences that integrates the characters and tonal prompts on pronunciation. This whole process includes Hanyu Pinyin which makes it a useful tool especially for beginners. Besides, users are also able to track their learning progress through the Personal Progress Stats, helping them stay motivated but also pushing them to buckle up if their progress is not up to standard. All in all, Skritter is an all-in-one app for every type of user. Free trial is provided. Check out the Skitter here!

AnkiApp

This app allows you to create your own flashcards or use the ones that are pre-installed inside. It even has short sentences with Hanyu Pinyin and English translations. Flashcards are important in language learning because it enhances the learner’s memory as they recall the characters. When you only view the characters once during a class, you will never remember them and how to use them to create sentences. However, if you are able to access it on the go, learning instantly become convenient. By revising over and over again each day, whether you are on the train to work or before you sleep, these small actions help build up both your memory and vocabulary pool. One revision method is to cover the Hanyu Pinyin and translation of the words and try to recall the correct pronunciation and meaning before checking the answer.

Google Translate

Probably one of the most well-known applications used by people learning languages. There are over 100 languages which you can translate to your mother tongue! It covers basic Mandarin to complex sentences, working fairly accurately for a free app. It even has a translate option for documents! Translation apps are especially handy for those who came across unknown words and sentences but do not have someone nearby they could ask. In addition to writing translations, Google Translate’s service also includes voice translation. This is a lifesaver when traveling – attempting to read road signs, address and while communicating with the locals.

Waygo

Here comes another app for Mandarin language beginners who are traveling. It focuses on Asian languages, Mandarin being one of them and instantly translates when the user hovers their camera phone over the characters. It also allows the user to see and hear the pronunciation, making it both a travel and study app. This is great to be used in China and Taiwan, where most menus, road signs, packaging details and shop signs are in Chinese. Beginners are the most suitable group of people to use the app as they are unfamiliar with Hanyu Pinyin and typing out Chinese characters.

Speaking of apps, did you know that Han Hai Language Studio provides a free study app for all students who sign up for the Premium Daytime Chinese course? It works hand in hand with the textbook, supporting students as they study on the go. Check out the courses here!

Podcasts

Learn Chinese Insights Podcast

Hosted in English, this podcast interviews people from all around the world and all walks of life on how they become fluent in Chinese. Many of them go on to study or work in Chinese-speaking countries such as China and Taiwan. It discusses a variety of topics such as why choose to learn Chinese, the benefits of being bilingual, moving from a Western country to an Asian one, expats working in China, cultural differences and so much more. This is most suitable for people who are considering learning Chinese but are at a loss of where to start. Getting more information from a learner’s point of view would be much more understandable than just searching for information online. Listeners will always have something to learn from each interviewee. Who knows, you may make the decision to learn Mandarin in Singapore right after listening to such podcasts!

Journey to Chinese Fluency

Similar to Learn Chinese Insights Podcast, this is another podcast that interviews foreigners who achieved a high level of fluency in Chinese. Some of them have been studying Chinese for years, while others have lived in China for over a decade. They share their motivations, learning tips and resources amongst Chinese culture and hilarious personal stories. Rather than an interview, it feels much more like listening to the chat of two friends.

Speak Chinese Naturally

This podcast is aimed at advanced learners as the hosts speak fully in Chinese. It is entertaining as they speak about Chinese slangs, idioms, travel tips, festivals, and living in China, just to name a few. Listeners are able to hear what it is like to speak naturally, focusing on the speed of talking and types of words used. They can also discover new knowledge about China that is not necessarily covered in textbooks.

喜马拉雅 (xǐ mǎ lā yǎ)

Think Audible but in Chinese. With a huge genre of audiobooks to pick out from, they are great to listen to on the go or when doing chores at home. Mystery, history, education, literature, fiction... There is bound to be your cup of tea. They even have a section for children! Listeners are able to get familiar with the different tones and immerse in the language. This is important even if you are not fully fluent in Chinese because just by immersing in the language, you are able to improve your listening skills.

Videos

Thomas阿福

Thomas is a well-known German content producer who is living in China with his Chinese wife. As a Chinese language major graduate and thus highly fluent in the language, Thomas makes hilarious videos touching on his daily life as a German in China. His videos have garnered him over a million fans on Weibo, one of the biggest social media platforms in China and over 200 thousand subscribers on Youtube. It's pretty obvious that he has gained the likes of both Chinese and foreigners. Besides introducing the many cities of China, he would also occasionally invite other foreigners onto his show to talk about their experience in this big country. The great thing about Thomas’s videos is that he includes both Chinese and English subtitles, perfect for the audience who are learning the language or planning to travel to China!

歪果仁研究协会 Ychina

(wāi guǒ rén yán jiū xié huì)

Ychina does a mix variety of videos. It is hosted by a group of foreigners living in China, they mainly do street interviews with foreigners on hot topics about the country. In addition, they also talk about current trends and explore undiscovered places. One of their current series features a host, Raz who goes around experiencing different jobs in China. So far, he has turned into a street food vendor, train crew, tea maker and subway worker. It brings viewers deep into the local society and gives more understanding about the hard work by the most common people who keep this populated country up and running. While being entertaining, YChina also aims to produce educational and inspiring content. You could say the content are made for foreigners by foreigners! Just like Thomas’s videos, YChina also provides both Chinese and English subtitles.

In the rise of globalization, there are so many ways one could study Mandarin in Singapore. Besides signing up for classes and learning in a group, the above-mentioned applications, videos and podcasts are some of the best ways to study Chinese when you are alone or on the go. Learners should always take advantage of online resources. When combined with the offline resources, a greater pool of knowledge will be generated, making the learning journey an easier one. So, which application one will you be exploring first?

Helpful Tools to Aid Your Mandarin-Learning Journey