Mandarin and Music with Murray James

[murrayjames]

Recently I did an interview with @Phil Crimmins, the co-founder of Mandarin Blueprint. Phil is an old friend and drummer I used to perform with around Sichuan. He invited me on his podcast to speak about my experience learning Mandarin and making music in China. The podcast covers many topics, including:

 

• definitions of language fluency and proficiency;
• reasons to learn (and not to learn) a foreign language;
• similarities between language and music;
• the benefits of patience;
• moving past the “intermediate plateau”;
• immersion/environmental factors;
• language learning and empathy;
• my experience teaching at a Chinese music conservatory;
• aural reading and reading speed;
• reading Chinese literature;
• concision as an indicator of language ability;
• my upcoming role at NYU Shanghai;
• and more.

 

Chinese Forums gets mentioned a few times as well!

 

The podcast can be watched/listened to on the Mandarin Blueprint website:

https://www.mandarinblueprint.com/podcast/35-mastering-mandarin-music-with-murray-james/

It’s also on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mg2sBhEtA

 

 

[Tomsima]

Really great hearing about all your experiences, great perspective on patience and time required for studying

[abcdefg]

Good quote at about 8:15 (Youtube version.)

 

Quote

"When you can do more things with the language, then interesting stuff will happen to you." 

 

Well said and I agree. Language has opened lots of doors for me here. 

[murrayjames]

Thanks all! Glad many of you found the conversation interesting/helpful.