Learning Mandarin in Xiangtan

Mandarin Man is about China; in particular, my thoughts on learning the main language, Mandarin, as well as the observations and experiences of a foreigner living in the Middle Kingdom.

I’m Will Taylor, a 23-year old British chemistry & physics graduate currently studying Mandarin for a year in Xiangtan University, Hunan province.  Other major interests include chess and classical and blues guitar.

In 2010 I was lucky enough to get a place on the government-funded Study China Programme, an experience which I blogged about here.  I also write a (currently inactive) chess blog about trying to become a Grandmaster.

I’m currently trying to learn to write 10 Chinese characters per day, and have published a list to keep me accountable, which should be updated daily.