If you’ve ever watched Xiaomanyc (Arieh Smith) on YouTube, you’ve likely been amazed by his ability to speak multiple languages fluently, especially his near-native Mandarin Chinese. But Xiaoma isn’t just about Chinese—he has also experimented with Spanish, Cantonese, Shanghainese, Korean, Japanese, and more.
But how exactly does he learn languages so quickly and effectively? Is it just natural talent, or does he have a method that anyone can replicate?
In this post, we’ll break down Xiaomanyc’s language-learning strategies—his step-by-step approach, tools, and the mindset that allows him to learn languages at an incredible speed.
Let’s dive in!
Who is Xiaomanyc?
Xiaomanyc (real name Arieh Smith) is a New York-based YouTuber and polyglot best known for his fluent Mandarin Chinese, which often shocks native speakers in his viral videos.
His channel, with over 2.2 million subscribers, features:
- Speaking perfect Mandarin and various Chinese dialects with locals.
- Taking on rapid language-learning challenges, such as learning Spanish in 30 days or Korean in 24 hours.
- Exploring cultures through language, showing how speaking someone’s native language creates instant connections.
His journey into language learning wasn’t accidental—he has developed a unique, immersive, and effective strategy that allows him to learn and retain languages quickly.
Step-by-Step: How Xiaomanyc Learns Languages
Unlike traditional language learners who start with textbooks and grammar drills, Xiaoma focuses on real-world immersion and conversation from the beginning.
Here’s a breakdown of his language-learning approach:
Step 1: Immediate Immersion & Speaking from Day One
📌 Key Principle: Start speaking as soon as possible!
When Xiaoma learns a new language, he doesn’t wait until he “feels ready”. He immediately starts practicing speaking, even with limited vocabulary.
How he does it:
- Learns basic conversational phrases (greetings, introductions, common questions).
- Finds native speakers to talk to immediately (even if he makes mistakes).
- Uses language exchange apps like Tandem and HelloTalk to chat with real people.
💡 Takeaway for You: The fastest way to learn a language is to start using it immediately, even if you only know a few words.
Step 2: Mastering Pronunciation & Tones Early
📌 Key Principle: Sounding natural is more important than being perfect.
One of the reasons Xiaoma’s Mandarin Chinese is so impressive is because of his perfect pronunciation and tones. Many learners struggle with this, but Xiaoma prioritizes pronunciation from the start.
His method:
- Listens carefully to native speakers and mimics their pronunciation.
- Breaks down tones and sounds into small parts and drills them daily.
- Records himself speaking and compares it to native speakers.
- Uses shadowing—listening to a sentence and immediately repeating it, trying to match the pronunciation perfectly.
💡 Takeaway for You: Good pronunciation makes a huge difference in how natural you sound—focus on it early!
Step 3: Learning the Most Common Words First
📌 Key Principle: Focus on high-frequency words, not random vocabulary.
Xiaoma doesn’t waste time memorizing random words. Instead, he focuses on the 1,000 most commonly used words in a language.
His process:
- Uses frequency lists (e.g., the most common 500–1,000 words).
- Learns words in context, not just as isolated vocabulary.
- Builds sentences early using the words he learns.
💡 Takeaway for You: Most conversations rely on a small set of words—learn those first!
Step 4: Creating an Immersive Environment (Even Without Traveling)
📌 Key Principle: Surround yourself with the language every day.
Xiaoma believes in immersion, even when he’s not in the country of his target language.
How he does it:
- Watches YouTube videos, TV shows, and movies in the target language.
- Listens to native speakers daily via podcasts and audiobooks.
- Changes his phone, social media, and daily interactions to the language he’s learning.
💡 Takeaway for You: Even if you can’t travel, you can create a “mini-immersion” environment by surrounding yourself with the language.
Step 5: Practicing with Native Speakers Every Day
📌 Key Principle: Real conversations beat textbooks.
Instead of spending hours on grammar exercises, Xiaoma focuses on real conversations with native speakers.
His strategy:
- Uses Tandem and HelloTalk for language exchange.
- Takes 1-on-1 lessons on iTalki for structured conversation practice.
- Practices with people in his community (e.g., talking to Spanish speakers in New York).
💡 Takeaway for You: Talking to native speakers regularly accelerates fluency.
Step 6: Using Flashcards & Memory Tricks for Vocabulary
📌 Key Principle: Use smart memory techniques, not rote memorization.
Xiaoma doesn’t just memorize words—he uses techniques to make them stick.
His favorite methods:
- Anki Spaced Repetition – A flashcard system that helps him review words at optimal times.
- The Memory Palace Technique – Visualizing words in a familiar place to recall them faster.
- Association & Storytelling – Connecting words to images or funny stories to make them easier to remember.
💡 Takeaway for You: Use memory hacks like spaced repetition and visualization to make vocabulary stick.
Step 7: Pushing Himself with Language Challenges
📌 Key Principle: Short-term challenges push long-term growth.
Xiaoma often takes on intense short-term challenges, such as:
- Learning Spanish in 30 days.
- Learning Korean in 24 hours.
- Memorizing 1,000 new words in 5 days.
These challenges force him to make rapid progress in a short time.
💡 Takeaway for You: Set a short-term challenge to boost your motivation and learning speed.
Summary: How You Can Learn Languages Like Xiaoma
1. Start speaking immediately – Even if you only know a few words, use them!
2. Focus on pronunciation early – It’s easier to fix mistakes now than later.
3. Learn the most common words first – Don’t waste time on rare vocabulary.
4. Immerse yourself daily – Watch, listen, and read in your target language.
5. Practice with native speakers – Even 10 minutes a day makes a difference.
6. Use memory techniques – Spaced repetition and visual associations help.
7. Push yourself with challenges – Set a goal and go for it!
Final Thoughts: Why Xiaoma’s Method Works
Xiaomanyc’s success isn’t just talent—it’s the result of smart strategies and consistent practice.
If you’re learning a new language, try his methods and see how fast you improve! 🚀
Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be the one surprising native speakers!