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SLV | Episode 38 | Fluency, Campus Life, Airplanes, and What is a TiaoXiu?

Release Date: 04/29/2025

SLV | Episode 38 | Fluency, Campus Life, Airplanes, and What is a TiaoXiu?

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

In Episode 38 we review what it means to be "fluent" in a language, including two important distinctions between "real life fluency" and "test-taking" fluency. We take a look at the campus bookstore and what they have in store (literally!) A visit to the aviation museum in Changping district. And what is a TiaoXiu (调休) and why do you have to make up work days in China? Transcripts here: Keep in touch! Join our newsletter: Study Resources: Sign up for our Chinese course by email: Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:47 The Evolution...

SLV | Episode 37 | Chinese Progress Check; Collecting Postage Stamps; and Building an AI tutor?

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

Episode 37 of the Language Vlog Podcast brings yet another language check in for the Mandarin Chinese language. This one was a bit rough and required a bit more editing than usual. Also begs the question: what is fluency? Is fluency the ability to speak at length without interruption or the ability to see, hear, and respond to anything in another language? We also discuss a little bit about collecting postage stamps as I was tasked with finding a few for someone back in Canada. I managed to pick up a few and it makes me wonder: what is worth collecting? And finally, we talk about constructing...

SLV | Episode 36 | Studying Outside, Catkins and Wind in Beijing, and Another Chinese Language Check

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

This week we take a look at what Beijing's REAL spring is like: catkin fluffs floating through the air being whisped around by the whims of the Big Wind (大风). That means it's mask season all over again, not just for allergies, but to keep those things out of your nose and mouth. They can be especially distracting while riding a bicycle or running outside. And that brings up a question: do you prefer to study inside or outside? We consider some of the pros and cons of being outside in Spring time or whether it's simply better to stay inside separated from the elements. Finally,...

SLV | Episode 35 | Changping Walking; Language Typing Practice; What is QingMing; and what is iShowSpeed up to now?

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

In this episode, Episode 35, we take a look at one of the recent videos published to the YouTube channel, all about a walk back from the university to the hotel. We take a look at the neighhourhood, some of the things that are developing, and how the place could potentially change over the next few years. Next, we go over some of the things that go on in Beijing and in China over the recent QingMind holiday. It's not a long holiday, only one day, and oftentimes people have to complete a "make up work day", but this year we didn't have to. What are some of the traditions that go on and...

SLV | Episode 34 | Beijng's Temple Fairs; ESL Overseas; and Faceless YouTube Channels

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

This week's episode takes a look back at Beijing's Temple Fairs, particularly LongTanHu in the southern portion of the city. We discuss a little bit about what goes on at these fairs, what makes them unique, and whether or not you have to go to them all. We also review another video just posted to the YouTube channel that talks about teaching English as a Second Language overseas - is it worth it in 2025? Short answer is "Yes" but there are some things to consider before going. Not only that, the one thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to go for only a year, that year will fly by fast....

SLV | Episode 33 | Beijing's Spring flowers; Using up spare time; Speaking tips; and Getting up early

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

Episode 33 takes us to Beijing in the midst of the Spring time flower bloom. The peach blossoms are out (and now blown away) and the cherry blossoms will be here soon. (But the weather's nice so it's a good time to travel here if you're thinking about it.) Looking at ways to use our spare time, be it at home, in the classroom, or wherever we may have it - what do you do with the time you have? A look back at a video we published YEARS ago about developing speaking skills. And what time do you get up in the morning? Some people says the most successful people in the world get up early,...

SLV | Episode 32 | APPs, Jobs, Latin, Expensive Houses and Snow in Beijing

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

Episode 32 of the Language Vlog podcast we talk about some of the essential APPs you need if you want to live in China (and some if you want to travel through the country). We also talk about finding a job overseas teaching English, be it in China or elsewhere, and how easy it can be to find a lead. We also talk about the recent vlogs uploaded to the YouTube channel (@stevenslanguagevlog) which discuss Steven's first impressions of returning to the classroom and what he gets to see on his way to the university each and every day: really expensive houses. Next, a throwback to high school and...

SLV | Episode 31 | Teaching ESL, Living Abroad, University Life in China, and Happy International Women's Day!

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

Episode 31: Teaching in China, University Life, and Navigating Beijing In this episode of the Language Vlog Podcast, I share some thoughts and insights into my transition back into classroom teaching in China, detailing my commute and living arrangements between Beijing’s Changping District and Shuangjing. I also talk about salary expectations for English teachers, the role of grammar knowledge in ESL teaching, and some common challenges of working at a university in China. Additionally, I talk about how moving from remote work to in-person teaching has changed my daily routine and impacted...

SLV | Episode 30 | Language Checks, Teaching in China, and Just What Can a Teacher Do?

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

In Episode 30 of the Language Vlog Podcast, we take a look at a recent "progress report" on my Mandarin Chinese studies and whether or not it's a feasible idea to create videos (in my broken Chinese) directed at a Chinese audience. Would people like that? Next, we go through some of the things to consider if you're looking for working in China and how much you could potentially make while living and working in the country. This episode continues on a little bit where the YouTube video leaves off in that I also consider some of the things to check before signing a contract, including benefits,...

SLV | Episode 29 | Watching NeZha 2; Language Learning Mistakes; and A Visit to the Military Museum

Steven's Language Vlog Podcast

In Episode 29 of the Language Vlog Podcast, we review some of the videos we've posted to the YouTube channel lately, including a brief look at Ne Zha 2, the latest animated film that's hitting cinemas throughout China. We look at the mythology behind the story and discuss my understanding of how the movie unfolds - including some challenges following the plot. We also talk about Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), the platform that has seemingly taken over TikTok’s spotlight, and why I’m using it more than I ever used TikTok. I share insights on how Xiaohongshu compares to other social media...

More Episodes

In Episode 38 we review what it means to be "fluent" in a language, including two important distinctions between "real life fluency" and "test-taking" fluency.

We take a look at the campus bookstore and what they have in store (literally!)

A visit to the aviation museum in Changping district.

And what is a TiaoXiu (调休) and why do you have to make up work days in China?

Transcripts here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-sDW4HyeAH9PssJp8kE6XWQduAHOXj7n?usp=sharing

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Study Resources:

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Time stamps:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview