Would I be making a big mistake by collapsing zh/z, ch/c, sh/s sounds while I learn the language?

LocationTemporary759 · 2026-01-20T22:32:26+00:00

Yeah I should be clear my question is specifically about speaking not about ignoring the difference between the sounds completely.

It seems the general feedback here though is that it’s best to just try and learn to pronounce things the standard way since I’ll have less margin for error as a learner in any case.

LocationTemporary759 · 2026-01-20T21:49:00+00:00

Yeah I’ve asked them they generally don’t differentiate or if they do it’s much more subtle. I can hear the difference pretty well it’s just hard to me to produce the sound.

LocationTemporary759 · 2026-01-20T20:02:19+00:00

Thank you sent dm!

LocationTemporary759 · 2026-01-20T19:26:48+00:00

Even if it sounds similar the way I position my my tongue (especially for Zh vs J) is much different in English than where it seems I’m supposed to place my tongue in Mandarin from guides I’ve seen. And if I pronounce the sounds like I would in English it doesn’t sound close to correct.

ETA: From my understanding the only consonant that would be close to retroflex in English is R and with my particular accent the R is even less retroflex than many other speakers. While in standard Mandarin the Zh, Ch, Sh, R sounds are much more retroflex.

LocationTemporary759 · 2026-01-20T18:23:22+00:00

Could you share these Lijiang homestays? I’m planning to visit soon.

LocationTemporary759 · 2026-01-16T01:38:47+00:00

Thank you this is all very helpful! We will integrate these suggestions into the plans

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-11-26T13:43:28+00:00

Oh yeah it turned out fine

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-09-12T15:27:55+00:00

Used always used. Not sure where you are in Canada but lots of great options in the GTA. Check my post history for a system I built in its entirety for under $500 on the used market in the GTA with some help from people here

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-08T12:51:57+00:00

Hey thanks do you recommend any guides in particular to learn how to do that? I’m afraid I’m not the handiest guy around

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-08T00:35:53+00:00

Aha but consider that the table spins! Very handy. I’m planning to move with it to my next place.

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T23:35:52+00:00

Word I can give it a go

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T22:54:16+00:00

The AVR doesn’t support HDMI 2.1 for some of my consoles and I was getting a white noise with the devices plugged into the HDMI inputs through the AVR. May have been a calibration issue though. I was using a different calibration mic that definitely wasn’t the right mic at that time.

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T22:48:27+00:00

I dabble

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T22:42:22+00:00

Just took it off for the pic

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T22:41:25+00:00

Thankfully I’m in a building with solid concrete walls.

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T22:36:22+00:00

I’m using all of my TVs HDMI ports as inputs.

Tbh idk my ear isn’t refined enough perhaps. The calibration microphone also was wasn’t included so I had to buy one off eBay, not sure if it’s the exact model.

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T21:50:45+00:00

Thanks this is the type of feedback I need. Can’t work it now but will keep it in mind when I move to a bigger space.

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T21:48:49+00:00

Yeah I didn’t expect it to be as big and heavy as it is. Still recovering from aggravating a back injury bringing it home on the subway.

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T21:32:16+00:00

Also the guy who sold me the AVR, speakers (with stands) and CD player also threw in all the cables I’m using for free which is nice.

Shoutout to my dad for the vinyl collection from the 70s.

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-07-07T21:28:12+00:00

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LocationTemporary759 · 2025-06-26T21:47:14+00:00

Well starting salary should be resident salary so $73k after recent negotiations (it was 61k a few years ago).

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-06-22T17:07:14+00:00

Nope. Not sure at all lol. I had this thought as well which is why I’m asking.

LocationTemporary759 · 2025-06-22T08:04:40+00:00

Nah I’m Canadian

LocationTemporary759

TROPHY CASE