I know it’s been a long break. The last ten years have been like this. I get thoroughly stuck into Chinese, then something happens, usually work, and I could be away for two years. Then I come back to it and start again. Each time I re-start, it is quicker to catch up and then start breaking new ground. I’ve been really really into Chinese in recent weeks, probably a consequence of lockdown and being indoors even more than usual. I resumed study in April this year, exactly two years since I last posted here. Then I studied fairly diligently until now and here we are, I’m blogging again.

Here’s the state of play.

Heisig, Remembering the Hanzi. I’m up to 360 characters which is a personal best and it is coming along well. I’m making a really nice journal of all the characters I’ve learned and will show you when I’ve got a video clip and/or some stills.

Duolingo, I restarted this from scratch as well. In Duolingo, there are six stages of Chinese, each comprising many short lessons on different topics. I’ve just started stage 2 and am checking in every day.

Listening skills. I’ve started watching Peppa Pig videos in Chinese whenever I’ve got five minutes (there are loads on YouTube). They are simple stories and I’m surprised and pleased whenever I can make out a word. I’m also going to start watching Chinese dramas on Netflix. I saw a video made by a polyglot who convincingly argued for not having the subtitles on, just let the spoken Chinese sink in through your ears instead of your eyes – essential if you spend a lot of time poring over textbooks, like I do.

Books. Speaking of books, I’ve pulled most of my Chinese language-learning collection off the top of the bookshelf and arranged it on my desk for easy access. I use Heisig every time I study but I also have numerous introductory textbooks, story books, etc.

Skritter. I’m all about reading and writing, Skritter tests my stroke order.

Other resources I am excited about getting into more deeply:

• ChinesePod. I’ve been a fan of ChinesePod for years and am keen to work through their structured learning programmes.
• The Chairman’s Bao. Love those easy-to-read news stories.
• This blog. Blogging makes me happy because it captures some of the best bits of my occasional bursts of progress.