I said it just like pimsleur and was corrected by native (taiwanese?)

[kudra]

from Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reduplication#Chinese

Adjective reduplication is common in Standard Mandarin, typically denoting emphasis, less acute degree of the quality described, or an attempt at more indirect speech: xiaoxiao de 小小的 (small), chouchou de 臭臭的 (smelly).

Noun reduplication is found in the southwestern dialect of Mandarin, which is nearly absent in standard Mandarin (Guoyu). For instance, in Sichuan, baobao 包包 (handbag) is used whereas Beijing and Guoyu use bao'r 包儿.

[self-taught-mba]

Good find Kudra! Didn't know Wiki had that detailed info.( Note the conflict in the answer.)

typically denoting emphasis, less acute degree of the quality described, or an attempt at more indirect speech

How very Chinese. So it can indicate emphasis and a lessening of degree? Yes-depending on the situation. In the case of "dian" and "xiao", these are an indication of smallness so doubling it is emphasizing really really small.

whereas many other situations it is seeks to emphasize or increase, like the "smelly" example.

In most cases the English equivalent is adding "really really".

However the indirectness is also very interesting, and this is what I referred to as "cuteness". So if you were to ask if someone has a problem understanding you, or a problem with the product you're selling, for example, rather than saying yes the more typical answer would be to say a little little bit. or "yi dian dian".

My suggestion is to pay attention to the facial expressions and you will quickly get the hang of these.

Also note how they prefer to use xiao3 wen4ti2 for any problem even if it is a rather large problem, because this is more polite and less abrasive. (Many business dealings I've been involved with contained a rather large problem that is just a "xiao3 wen4ti2".

This is also a great insight into the Chinese culture. (More important than hu tongs I would argue:mrgreen: ) and demonstrates social relationships and word choice to indicate a softening of effect to both maintain face and leave wiggle room.