Cleopatra Wise initially had no desire to learn a foreign language but after being convinced to go to China for a class trip, her visit to Shanghai became a transformative experience that sparked her interest in learning the language. She embarked on a quest to learn Chinese which ended up with her working in Taiwan, Beijing, and later working for the Asia Society in New York. Cleopatra also shares three aspects of her experiences as a black Muslim woman living in China: being black in China, connecting with the black diaspora in China, and wearing hijab in China. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing new experiences and the profound impact that learning Chinese has had on her personal and professional life.

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• T-Shirts for Mandarin Learners | Mandarin Companion

Discover why reading in Chinese is a game-changer for fluency and learn the best time to start using graded readers. Jared and John break down the benefits of extensive reading and offer tips on how to integrate graded readers into your study routine for maximum impact. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate learner, find out how reading can accelerate your Chinese learning journey.

Links from the episode:

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• John D’andrea Interview | YouTube

• Theresa Munford Interview | YouTube

• Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form

Dive into the world of raising bilingual children with Sunny from Spot of Sunshine Chinese. In a chat with Jared, Sunny shares her journey from Taiwan to the suburbs of Chicago, discussing the challenges and triumphs of maintaining language and cultural connections.

She offers tips and expert advice on effective strategies for parents raising bilingual children, emphasizing the importance of motivation, comprehensible input, and creating an immersive environment at home. Tune in to discover Sunny's insights and learn how to support your child's bilingual development.

Links from the episode:

• Sunny at Spot of Sunshine Chinese | Instagram and Website

• Mandarin Companion graded readers

• Send us a message | Mandarin Companion feedback form