There is no simple trick, you just need to listen more. I’ve written a lot about listening ability, check the category entry in the sidebar menu or click categories in the top menu, then listening!

I have been here in China for 15 months now, got about 6 months left. I feel I have made huge progress, although it helped that I learned how to speak French 4 years ago (took me a mile!) so what worked for French I used to learn Mandarin.

I can speak fairly well, and can read enough to ‘know what is happening’ (although I don’t read books/newspapers/long texts).

I really, really struggle with listening however. It tends to not be what is said however, but the speed. I bought a book-CD learners set of a story and whereas I could read the book easily, when I listened to the CD I just couldn’t process it all quick enough.

Last week I was in 国美电器 buying a radio. The guy was talking way too quickly and my brain just fuzzled.

I have been told I speak very well and nail the accent. My friends have said that people think you are at an advanced level when you speak, and so respond normally.

I was asking the guy about 短波 receivers but didn’t pick up any of his reply.

It really annoys me. I don’t particularly care about reading literature or newspapers or even learning to write. I can’t write in French and I don’t care. I just want to speak, listen and read signs/adverts etc

What can I do to improve my reading speed? It has not improved at all in 6 months. Listening to the wireless now they are all speaking too quickly! I think it is a Beijing-based finance station. GAAAA!!

This series of articles looks back at how I learnt Chinese, so I have actually already been to NTNU and left again (I studied there between 2012 and 2014). I did have a good time and learnt a lot, though! 🙂