Some observations on creating language learning podcasts. These concern the role of context.
- Show, don’t tell. On one level, learning a language means learning semantics - the study of word meanings. Dictionaries, textbooks, and school teachers, all pretty much focus on semantic, literal, word meanings, but often by sequestering words from context. Such an approach is at odds with the medium of podcasting, where semantic explanations must be simple, concrete, and embedded in a context that illustrates their use. Abstract explanation is tricky in this medium. The general rule that I recommend is this: Avoid detailed explanations of the word – show it in context.
- Make it natural. The fact is that, in real conversation, people do not communicate exclusively on a semantic level anyway. As John points out in this excellent example, they use context too. We go to great pains to embed realistic context and language as it really occurs into the lessons. It is this shift away from from semantics (or grammar) towards context, that gives ChinesePod its particular flavor. It’s much easier for the listener to engage with natural, conversational language.
- Go beyond semantic meaning. In linguistics, the relationship between context and meaning is known as pragmatics. Here’s the difference: If semantics are concerned with what words mean, then pragmatics are concerned with what speakers mean. The fact is that literal explanations of what words mean are neither inherently interesting, nor remotely memorable. (It’s more interesting to learn concepts than to learn words, per se.) Far better to deal with semantics by letting the learner figure out the meaning for herself - since she already knows what most of the concepts are (dog, computer, happiness, etc). The learner figures out meaning by focusing on what speakers mean, which is why drama, sound effects, etc, can be so effective. Speakers have emotions, but word translations, of themselves, do not.
- Leverage pragmatics. Consider the semantic meaning of the old saw, “It’s freezing in here.” Taken literally, it means, “The temperature in this room is low“. But the pragmatic intent could be something entirely different. In context, it could mean, “Would you please close the window!“ Visit any Chinese home, make the simplest observation, and watch how people jump to interpret your every utterance to make your more comfortable. That’s pragmatics for you, and while we’re at it, that’s high-context culture for you, too. Instead of being direct (as in German, low-context approach) people in China take an indirect tack and use context as well as words. When you learn Chinese, therefore, you have to go beyond the literal translations and figure out how to use language in culturally appropriate ways. Even at the Newbie level, this is essential. (The cultural background also provides a framework on which to hang the new language.) You can open up a world of inference, subtlety,and color through the pragmatic dimension.
- Use different types of context. Context is not monolithic – there are many types. One is social context – the relationships between the speakers, particularly at the level of status and social roles. The sentence “It’s freezing in here” could be insulting in one situation, ”How can you have me sit in such a cold place?”, but supportive in another – “Let’s move to another room.” Social relationships in China are complex and learning to use language appropriately is essential, lest you prove yourself a fluent fool. Once again, the element realism can show learners the depth of expression that can be had from simple, high-frequency vocabulary. Another type of context is ‘epistemic’ context. This goes beyond social roles to encompass what the speakers know about the world. Cultural settings offer endless ways to show how the target language is used. It’s also its conceptual and relates to experience. (I couldn’t do justice to the importance of cultural context in this short post, but I’ll definitely be talking more about cultural context in the future.)
I’d like to hear your comments/from the lessons, or elsewhere on context, pragmatics, or the rest.
Ken Carroll
Sarah (Praxis) on 
Nancy on 
Paulinurus on 
Fanhaiyan41969 on 
Francisco on 
12 Comments
I would argue that context is essential for any type of learning. I can’t think of an example where it isn’t essential – although perhaps more so when learning a language.
Love the ‘fluent fool’ link… I’d share it with my wife but I’m afraid she might be insulted because of the title. Another manifestation of linguistically encoded cultural differences?
Lisa Neal,
math? Bereft of all context!
Hi Ken,
as you pointed out, context can have many, many dimensions (spacial, temporal, social, professional, historical, etc.). The problem is, with each dimension that you add, the specificity of the word, structure, or phrase in discussion rises – while the applicability decreases. Taken to the extreme, each usage is unique.
Fortunately, language is a tool that can be used across multiple situations. The reusability = transferability of a word/structure/phrase might be derived implicitly by encountering it later coincidentely (positively) or by applying it in the wrong context and being corrected (negativly). Kids do it the implicit way.
The alternative approach is to make context explicit by comparing and analyising usage in different settings and/or by pointing out what makes the context and how it affects language usage. I am convinced that it is important to at least to a certain degree go the explicit way because it is a shortcut for an adult learner. At best, give the spectrum of usages and compare with alternative options.
The step toward explicit context also involves abstraction and, yes, making compromises, which is fine because the goal is to communicate. Highly nuanced context is all what makes up the HSK Advanced – and only a few sages among us reach that level.
By the way: In the process of context abstraction you slowly leave pragmatics and approach pure and clear syntax.
The notion that math is bereft of all context may explain the poor overall performance of the average person with math (meaning, anything beyond arithmetic).
I brought this subject up to my 女朋友 last night, we discussed how important it was for both of us to try and understand each other through our own cultural not just language, this helps put it in further perspective for both of us. Thinking back I’ve already made several gaff’s that I didn’t understand completely.
Well I did write a huge blog entry with a trackback to this article but it seems to have not pinged back yet even though the other Android App post already pinged.. Anyway.. click my name if you want to read my response to this post.
In the “battle” between context (that we create for learners) and fun, give me fun every time!
The beauty of Chinesepod is not the context, that you do remarkably well with, but the fun that is built into the whole system. Context, built upon fun, is worth far more than context alone.
With any new language, I think the only way to avoid being a ‘fool’ is to keep one’s mouth shut – a self defeating prescription for learning the skill of speech. But having a meta-awareness that, when we speak Mandarin, we are speaking a “high-context” language is certainly useful to keep in mind.
From a pragmatic(s) perspective, CP does a great job showing us how language is used, IMO. Which is why I often can’t suffer posters who say this or that particular lesson topic is not relevant (meaning not useful). Ironically, they a right in another context: The topic is often not that relevant to learning how the bits of language contained in a lesson are really used. Fools.
i am really appriate it.
I posted my response to this on CPod but probably should have posted it here.I’m not sure if it made much sense to others but it is something I’ve been wondering about for a while and would love others opinions:
I read with much interest your blog post and especially the linked article on how to avoid becoming a fluent fool.An excellent article and such a good point.I’d love to get a lot more insights along these lines.Not only am I very interested in Chinese culture [and I think the popularity of the DA show demonstrates that I'm not alone here and you're preaching to the converted] but particularly interested in the way Chinese think about things and the deeper reasons behind their way of thinking.But while deepening one’s cultural understanding is so important,particularly for emigrants if they are to lessen the likelihood of culture shock or at least mitigate it,this does not of course imply that such an emigrant would instantly abandon the culture from which they’ve come.So this leads me to a question I have for you ,and other westerners now permanently residing in China.My question reminds me a tad of your lesson on Language Power Struggle.You could call this a question about culture power struggle.Now of course many of the cultural differences are going to be embraced with much enthusiasm and joy.But there are going to be times I’m sure when there is a fundamental difference in your approach to something,that will go beyond the “when in Rome” unwritten rule.Also even in one’s own culture I don’t believe in being a sheep and just going along with everything so I’m also interested in stories/anecdotes about freedom of individuality and what level of individuality is tolerated in China [my impression is that the mindset is very much more about the harmony of all,and much less about the individual].But I have a specific instance in mind.Forgive my limited understanding of the instance I have in mind,but it is this: We all know that Chinese value humility and have a different way of accepting complements to westerners.Charming.Also,one is thus meant to treat a complement in the same way.Fair enough.For me the dilemma comes when Chinese people compliment you about your kids in front of them.I have known a Chinese person who referred to his highly intelligent university graduate son as subnormal.This sounds strange to western ears,but my take on it is [and correct me if I'm wrong] that the families are so close and that they see their kids as an extension of themselves and thus believe in demonstrating humility.But what to do when a Chinese person compliments you about your kids in front of them? On the one hand you could do as they do and deny it.On the other hand though,if one denies that ones young child [ who is old enough to understand what is being said ] is pretty ,or bright ,or whatever,then what effect will this have on their self esteem,particularly if they are not raised in the Chinese culture ? So I’m basically interested in what degree westerners assimilate ,and what degree of difference is tolerated.
“Instead of being direct (as in German, low-context approach) people in China take an indirect tack and use context as well as words.” (quoting Ken)
Is this really the case ? What do the other Sauerkrauts have to say here, particularly those who have more idea of linguistics than I do ? I’m not saying it isn’t sobut can someone explain why there would be so much difference between say English and German in this respect. I’ve never considered it before. Or perhaps English is different anyway. So, say, comparing German and French.
I feel learning a new language prevent you to feel lost while interacting with someone abroad. Without any doubt the most effective way is to spend an extended period of time at english school London. Key rule to learn a new language is having the information structured in a way that makes it easy to absorb.
5 Trackbacks
[...] leads to the ChinesePod blog and Ken Carroll’s latest post, Learning from Context. The language-learning approach at ChinesePod (and its siblings for learning French, Spanish, [...]
[...] semàntic; sigues pragmàtic; fes servir diferents tipus de context. Ken Carroll, Weblog [L'enllaç] [etiquetes: aprenentatge Online, xarxes, web Semàntica, Xina, accessos a la [...]
[...] In Ken Carroll’s latest blog post on the Official ChinesePOD Blog he writes: “Show, don’t tell. On one level, learning a language means learning semantics – the study of word meanings. Dictionaries, textbooks, and school teachers, all pretty much focus on semantic, literal, word meanings, but often by sequestering words from context. Such an approach is at odds with the medium of podcasting, where semantic explanations must be simple, concrete, and embedded in a context that illustrates their use. Abstract explanation is tricky in this medium. The general rule that I recommend is this: Avoid detailed explanations of the word – show it in context.” (read the rest here..) [...]
[...] it does show you what’s important! Share and [...]
[...] not long ago the folks at ChinesePod wrote some interesting observations about learning from context. You might want to check that out [...]