CantoneseClass101.com Blog

Another Fall has come and gone and just like that, another iPhone model has hit the market, along with iOS updates for all. If you’ve updated your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to iOS 6 already and tried looking for your favorite InnovativeLanguage.com podcast, you may be scratching your head wondering if we’ve packed our bags and closed up shop.

We haven’t. In fact, we continue to release new lessons every single week in over 25 languages!

Here are some tips on where to find us and listen on-the-go!*

Using the Podcast App

To find these apps using iOS 6, you’ll need to download Apple’s Podcast app. (Here’s a quick link to the free download.) Once you have the Podcast app installed, you’ll be able to find us under Education or by searching for us. With one tap of a finger, you can download our latest lessons and subscribe to our feed. Once you’re subscribed, these podcast feeds will be added to your library in the Podcast App.

The app itself is made with podcast users in mind. Jump forward and backwards by 10 and 30 second intervals (great for when you want to jump right to the grammar or go back to review the vocabulary) and share your favorite lessons through Twitter, Message and email. The recent update of the Podcast app also allows you to keep your podcast library up-to-date across devices using iCloud.

Using iTunes to Sync

If you prefer using the built-in Music app on your iPhone or iPad, you can still access your podcasts by syncing with iTunes on your computer. Just be sure to delete or not download the Podcast App and know that you won’t be able to download new lessons from your device. (Unfortunately, that’s only possible through the Podcast app.) Using the Music app, you can still tap to view our lesson dialogue and create your own playlists.

No matter how you choose to listen to our lessons, be sure to sign up for a Free Lifetime Account at CantoneseClass101.com to access 7 days of free Premium access and free tools like the Cantonese Word of the Day, Core 100 Words List and more!

Click here for your free account now!

*These tips are up to date as of October 10th, 2012

Dear Reader,

“You’ll Never Master a Language!”

That’s what my foreign language teacher, Mr. Barry, told me many years ago. “I’m sorry, you just don’t have an aptitude for languages” is what he added.

Well, he was wrong, and I knew it.

I went on to master Japanese, a much harder language than the one Mr. Barry taught, obtaining a master’s degree from a top Japanese university and founding a Japanese company headquartered in Tokyo.

My name is Peter Galante, founder of Innovative Language Learning, and I’m here to tell you the story of how I proved them wrong.

So how did I go from language class failure, to founder of a language learning company with over 200 million language lessons delivered?

The secret lies in my story below. Most people will spot it the first time through. So read slow and carefully.

First, learning a language – what does it take? Brains? Genes? Memory?

Sure, they help. But as my teacher had honestly pointed out, I couldn’t do it.

Learning Japanese as it’s spoken in real life was my goal. I wanted to use Japanese I heard in real life, in movies, songs, online, in letters from friends.

I didn’t want to learn boring grammar out of a book…I wanted to speak to people, watch movies and learn about Japanese culture.

But this was frowned upon. Using fun and interesting phrases outside the textbook was frowned upon. We were studying to pass some silly tests.

My passion for learning languages was deep; however, and I stuck with learning languages on my own. When I learned Japanese, I learned from Japanese speakers who give you what you need to know – authentic, real life Japanese.

It’s no different for you and Cantonese.

With lessons that guide you through conversation and translations that break it all down, word by word, grammar point by grammar point.

After all, if you had all this, you’d be ready to speak Cantonese right away, right?

Well, this is the fun, fast, and easy method I learned with.

And this is the same exact way the very first lesson was created. And the method works. How do I know? Because these lessons have reached over 200 million downloads worldwide and that number grows hourly.

“You’ll Never Master A Language?”

Wrong. You’ll start speaking Cantonese minutes into the first lesson at . All with 300+ Audio and Video lessons, from Beginner to Advanced. Plus, our system includes lesson notes, personalized learning, progress tracking and more to make sure you master Cantonese. As a BONUS, you’ll get our 7-day Fluency Fast Course where time-tested language learning secrets and strategies are revealed.

Click Here To MASTER Cantonese at 20% OFF and Get a BONUS Fluency Fast Course!

Joining is Risk-Free! Click on any link to grab this 20% off discount until Friday only. If you’re not speaking Cantonese as fast as you like, contact us for a full refund. No questions asked.

Peter Galante,
InnovativeLanguage.com, Founder

P.S. Are you ready to master Cantonese and prove everyone wrong? Save 20% on all Basic and Premium subscriptions ‘til Friday, October 12th.

P.P.S. Hope you’re reading this, Mr. Barry!

Hello Listener,

Last July, the CantoneseClass101 Dashboard made its first appearance. It provides a great place to start if you’re completely new to CantoneseClass101 and don’t know where which level is right for you.

In short, the Dashboard allows you to:

And the feedback? It was incredibly positive and filled with great suggestions. Thank you for reaching out to us! We listened and this past month, applied the suggestions to your Dashboard.

Your New Dashboard V1.1: Take control of your Cantonese learning!

What’s New?

Want to study on your own terms? Skip the recommended lesson and customize your learning! With the new update, you can now:

Customizing Your Dashboard

The Dashboard is now fully editable (add, remove, reorganize, set a target series) and there is no limit on how many series you can add. You’ll see the top 3 series that you’re currently working on, while the rest can be viewed by clicking on “See All.”

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Add A Series

Go to ”Browse Lessons”, find the series you want and click on it. On main series page, just below the description, click on the “Add to Dashboard” checkbox. It will now appear in “My Courses” on your Dashboard. If you have more than three series already, you’ll be able to find it by clicking on “See
All.”

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Remove A Series.

While in the “My Courses” section of your Dashboard, click on “Edit” just below the “Study” Button. To remove it, click on the No Symbol (). Once you’re done, press “Done Editing.”

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Reorganize Your Dashboard

While editing your dashboard, click on a series and drag it to your desired location. Once you’re done, press “Done Editing.”

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Set Your Target Course

Notice the green target symbol ( ) while in “Edit” mode? That is your main course which will appear in the lesson recommendation list below. To change it, simply click on the gray target symbol of a different series and you’ll see a green notification that your target has been changed. Your lesson recommendation list will also be updated.

(sample screenshot taken from JapanesePod101.com)

Quick “Study” Button

Quickly jump to the next lesson of your course! Just like the “Study Now” button in the lesson recommendation list, this will take you to the next lesson of that series.

We hope you enjoy the brand new Dashboard! We’ll of course continue to listen to our fans and tweak the Dashboard to provide the very best experience for everyone. If you have questions or feedback for us, send us an email here.

Click Here To Test The New Dashboard At CantoneseClass101.Com!

Hello Listener,

What’s one day of Cantonese learning?

Simple phrases? Takes 5 minutes. 30 new vocabulary words? At least 30 minutes. New grammar and creating your own sentences? Let’s say an hour.

And we’re still just 2 hours and 35 minutes into the day.

You won’t master Cantonese in one day but you’ll make big progress. One day is enough to start learning, start speaking, and improve your Cantonese.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but streets and city blocks here.

So, if you tune into the fun, fast and easy lessons, you start speaking minutes into the lesson. Just one lesson. Imagine how much more you’ll learn in one day?

It only takes one day to speak better Cantonese.

Start today and save 27% on all Basic and Premium subscriptions until September 28th!

Click here to start speaking better Cantonese with CantoneseClass101 & SAVE 27%!

And you’re getting ALL Audio and Video Lessons and PDF Lesson Notes from Beginner to Advanced levels. Just set your learning level, start at the recommended lesson and we track your progress.

Start speaking immediately with lessons. You get the conversation first, the grammar and vocabulary after. Our lesson hosts break it down word by word, and translate it so you start using what you’ve learned.

Make sure you know it all. PDF Lesson notes give you the lesson in writing: the transcript, translation, grammar and vocabulary. Read along as you listen or review after.

Done with a lesson?

Cut your study time in half. Master vocabulary, pronunciation, and more with Premium tools:

• Drill vocabulary with Spaced Repetition (SRS) Flashcards
• Save words for later study with Word Bank
• Get conversationally fluent with the 2000 Most Common Cantonese Words List
• Practice pronunciation with line-by-line transcripts
• Record yourself with the Voice Recorder to see how close you are
• …and more!

One day. How good will your Cantonese be after today? A week? A month? Start today and save 27% on all Basic and Premium subscriptions until September 28th!

Click here to get 27% OFF! 2-Year Basic is as low as $2.92/month and 2-year Premium is $7.30/month!

Love the fast, fun and easy lessons at CantoneseClass101?

Love free stuff? (who doesn’t!)

Then you’ll love this!

Just in case you didn’t know…there are free Cantonese lessons at CantoneseClass101. They don’t stop. They’re published weekly. They’re yours. And that’s just the tip of the Free Feature iceberg when you get a Free Lifetime Account!

Here’s what you get…

Every New Lesson From The Past 3 Weeks
You’re not getting just one little lesson. We publish several lessons weekly so you have 3 weeks worth of audio and video lessons to learn with. You can find them by clicking on the “Newest Lessons” tab in the top menu at CantoneseClass101

First 3 Lessons Of Every Season And Series
New to CantoneseClass101? Get a feel for how each season is taught and which topics are covered. Browse through the many lesson seasons and series and access the first 3 lessons by clicking on the “Browse Lessons” tab in the top menu at CantoneseClass101

Just sit back and learn real-life Cantonese with every new lesson that comes out. No cost whatsoever. These lessons are just one of many awesome freebies you get with a Free Lifetime Account at CantoneseClass101.

Hello Listener,

No textbooks. No deadlines. And you’ll never oversleep.

You don’t have to go back to school to learn Cantonese the way it’s spoken in real life.

You need to learn from real-life conversations, not textbook examples. And you learn it from our Cantonese lesson hosts who break down the necessary words and grammar so you start speaking immediately. No dry textbook conversations here!

Start your Cantonese semester at CantoneseClass101!

Until August 31st, save 20% on all Premium Subscriptions and get unlimited access to all lessons, all PDF Lesson Notes, and Premium Tools.

Click Here To Save 20% On Premium Subscriptions!

From beginner to advanced video and audio lessons, our Cantonese lesson hosts break down the basics the fast fun and easy way. Set your learning level, start a recommended lesson and track your progress as you improve!

You master:

And go up to intermediate and advanced concepts like:

Done with a lesson? Cut your learning time in half with Premium tools:

You don’t have to go back to school to learn Cantonese as it’s spoken in real life. Go at your own pace with CantoneseClass101 and save 20% on all Premium subscriptions ‘til August 31st!

Learn To Speak Cantonese with CantoneseClass101! Click Here To Save 20%!

Hi there listener,

When students start learning Cantonese, a ton of questions start popping into their brains like…

“How’d the Cantonese language come to be?”
“What are the top 100 Cantonese words I should know?”
“What’s the deal with this crazy grammar?”
“Where’s a good dictionary when you need one?”

You’ve got questions; we’ve got answers.

You’ll find them and a lot more at the newly redesigned Cantonese Resources Corner. It covers everything from language origins, the writing system, grammar, and must-know vocabulary down to extras like mobile apps and the dictionary. Best of all, you get access to FREE resources like:

The Cantonese Resources Corner is a master list of everything you’ll need to know about Cantonese. Jump in, master the basics of reading, writing, and grammar, and reinforce the material you learn from Audio and Video lessons.

Hello Listener,

Why go for anything less?

Right about now, the best of the best are gathering in London for the 30th Modern Olympic Games. That’s over 10,000 athletes, all aiming for a gold medal. Their eyes are on the prize. Are yours?

Want to learn Cantonese? You will.

Unlike at the Olympics, there’s no losing here; you only get better – day by day, word by word, grammar rule by grammar rule. So, don’t just learn a few phrases, learn to speak Cantonese the way you know your own language.

Go for the gold and go for fluency with CantoneseClass101.

Until the end of the Olympics (August 12th), save 30% on ALL Basic & Premium Subscriptions and unlock every single lesson we’ve ever made and will make.

You want to speak and understand Cantonese as it is spoken in real life. Our lessons have been designed exactly for that. You get the conversation first and learn the vocabulary and grammar behind it after.

Load these lesson on your smartphone and learn anywhere, anytime!

Extra Bonus: Each lesson comes with PDF lesson notes. Lesson transcripts, translations, vocabulary and grammar explanations are given to you in writing. Review after a lesson or read along as you listen!

And that’s just the Basic Plan.

Premium is different. It’s our most popular plan and is designed to cut your Cantonese learning time in half. Since you want to speak more Cantonese, you need more words.

A Premium Subscription gets you:

Go for the gold and go for fluency with CantoneseClass101. Save 30% on all Basic & Premium subscriptions until August 12th!

Greetings from Team CantoneseClass101!

We’re stopping by the blog today to tell you about an exciting new feature we’re slowly rolling out on the website. A few select users have been chosen to test drive the new Dashboard feature.

Log in to your account today to see if you’re one of them!

The new Dashboard aims to help you track your Cantonese learning quickly and easily. We’ve produced a lot of lessons in our lifetime and while we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of lessons to our users, we realized that it can been pretty overwhelming for some.

Where do I start? What level is best for me? What series do I move on to now?

These were common questions coming in from avid users like you, so we set out to solve these commonly asked questions, and the Dashboard was born!

We’ll of course continue to listen to our fans and tweak the Dashboard to provide the very best experience for everyone. If you have questions or feedback for us, send us an email here.

To help you get started, here are a few of the big changes:

• Your learning progress

• Recommended lesson alert

• Your learning profile

• Account information

• Quick links to useful tools

We hope you enjoy the brand new Dashboard! Stay tuned for more tweaks and updates to the site and head over to CantoneseClass101.com to test out the new Dashboard beta.

Hello Listener,

What can you do in 3 minutes?

You can…

Check your Facebook feed…(and accomplish nothing)
Stare at your homework assignment in confusion…

OR learn to introduce yourself in Cantonese, pick up new phrases and start speaking a new language.

Three minutes is all you need.

Introducing our newest video series, Learn Cantonese in Three Minutes.

In this 25-lesson series, you’ll learn the basics needed to talk confidently with Cantonese speakers. Our Cantonese lesson host will take you step-by-step through must-know phrases such as “Hello, my name is…” and “Thank You/You’re Welcome.” The phrases and conversation get more advanced as the series progresses.

How It Works
In each lesson, every phrase is broken down on screen while the lesson host explains the grammar and composition. That’s the beauty of video!

Plus, you’ll get what many Cantonese beginners don’t get to learn until much later: tips on sounding like a natural when interacting with Cantonese speakers.

Three minutes is all you need.