Frequently Asked Questions
What level is the challenge for?
No matter your level, if you're struggling with tones, this challenge is for you. By the end, you'll have an "anchor word" for each tone combo—a word you know you're pronouncing correctly, which you can then use as a tonal reference for other words with the same tone combo.
How can I access the challenge?
Mobile, desktop, laptop, tablet... The challenge is super user-friendly and you'll be able to log on from anywhere!
What exactly will I learn? How will this challenge help me?
During this challenge, we'll start by reviewing the basics: individual tones in isolation, basic tone change rules, etc. After that, we'll explain in-depth how tones can change in context, and specifically in two-tone combinations. Many of these changes are subtle, but mastering them will significantly improve your pronunciation and make you sound much more natural to native speakers.
After that, you'll drill those two-tone combinations until you bury them into your muscle memory. That means it will be effortless and automatic, and you'll know instinctively how to pronounce tones in context. You'll get daily videos from John, giving you things to focus on specifically while you're practicing. By the end of the challenge, your tones will be significantly better and more natural-sounding.
What's so special about this method anyway?
Most Chinese learners understand what tones are intellectually. But when speaking, they try to "layer" the tones over the syllables, and have to mentally think about which tone each syllable is supposed to be while they're trying to talk.
This doesn't work, and is extremely stressful for you as a learner. Why? Because there's a LOT of stuff to think about and it's impossible to hold everything in your head at the same time while you're speaking. It's also not a natural way of speaking. Native speakers don't have to think about tones, after all!
With the "Tune Up Your Tones" challenge, you'll drill those tones until they come out naturally, just like a native speaker! The magic of these drills is that they move fundamental tasks like pronouncing tones into your muscle memory. The tones will now feel like an inherent part of the words, rather than something additional layered on top.
As you complete your reps each day, the tones will begin to lodge themselves into your subconscious. It doesn't happen right away - in fact it may take a few weeks for you to feel the real effects. But by the end of the challenge, you'll have a command of tones that will amaze you.
I'm not sure I can commit for 30 days
Your daily tasks should only take 30 minutes. The principle of the challenge is, "do a little each day and big results will follow." 30 minutes is a pretty manageable amount of time to devote to your Chinese.
You can break it up into 5 minute chunks throughout the day:
• 5 minutes after breakfast
• 5 minutes on your lunch break
• 5 minutes before dinner
• 5 minutes while waiting for the bus...whenever is convenient for you!
The secret sauce is the consistency - working at it for a little bit of time every day. You'll be amazed at the massive progress you make from simply showing up every day to give focused attention to one aspect of your Chinese!
What if I decide the challenge isn't for me?
All of our products come with a 30-day money back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with it for any reason, reach out to me at any point during the challenge and I'll issue you a full refund.
How long do I have access to the course after the end of the challenge?
How does "lifetime access" sound? While the challenge is 30 days, you will have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like.
What exactly does "lifetime access" mean?
In practical terms, it means the course materials will be available online for as long as Outlier is in business. If we do ever go out of business or otherwise need to remove the course for any reason, we'll make the material available for you to download for a period of at least 6 months.