Tom speaks with Manuel, a Mandarin learner from Bavaria whose journey started after studying abroad in Taiwan. Manuel uses Mandarin as a long-term hobby rather than a career requirement, focusing on steady progress over pressure. He learns through Anki, italki lessons, Mandarin Monkey Hangouts, podcasts, YouTube, graded readers, and regular passive listening while running. His goal is simple: look back each year and know he has improved a little.
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