Chinese For Dummies - Softcover

Abraham, Wendy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1118436660 ISBN 13: 9781118436660

Publisher: For Dummies, 2013

Synopsis

The fast and easy way to learn to speak Mandarin Chinese

China has become a major influence in the world today, and Mandarin Chinese is the world's most widely spoken language. Not only is China full of opportunities in business and politics, but Chinese culture, continues to make its way into the western world.

With an updated CD including real-life conversations, Chinese For Dummies expands grammar, verb conjugations, and pronunciations—and includes a refreshed mini-dictionary complete with even more essential vocabulary.

• Basic vocabulary
• Everyday conversations, including phone dialogue and small talk
• Speaking in perfect pitch and tone
• Easy-to-understand grammar rules
• Getting around in a Chinese-speaking country
• Cultural references like maintaining face, dining etiquette, and social mores

Also included is an audio CD that features actual Chinese conversations by native Chinese speakers, which allows you to hear how Chinese is really spoken. Written by a leading Chinese language teacher in the United States, Chinese for Dummies introduces an often-daunting language to you in a fun-and-easy For Dummies manner.

CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of the e-book file, but are available for download after purchase.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Learn to:

• Grasp Chinese vocabulary, grammar, and cultural references
• Get around in a Chinese-speaking country
• Make small talk, ask for directions, and order food

Real-life conversations by native Chinese speakers included on the CD

The fast and easy way to learn to speak Mandarin Chinese

Whether you're a student, a traveler, or you just want to pick up basic Mandarin Chinese, this unintimidating guide will help you start speaking the language in no time. Inside you'll find a wealth of fascinating cultural facts and handy references — including Chinese-English and English- Chinese mini-dictionaries, lists of common expressions and verbs, and much more!

• Chinese 101 — get a grasp of Chinese sounds and writing systems, essential elements of Chinese grammar, and words and phrases you can't live without
• Get going — hone your small-talk skills with Chinese words and phrases you can use when asking for directions, dining out, and more
• Take it to the streets — take your Chinese on the road and discover how to plan a trip, make arrangements for a place to stay, discuss transportation, and handle emergencies while you're away
• Mind your p's and q's — find a collection of simple phrases you can use, popular Chinese expressions, and reminders of what not to do in a Chinese setting

CD Includes More than 25 real-life conversations that give you a chance to listen to and mimic Chinese pronunciation, pitch, and inflection.

See CD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

Open the book and find:

• How to pronounce Chinese sounds
• What Chinese script looks like
• Chinese grammar basics and essentials
• Tips on forming sentences in Chinese
• The lowdown on Chinese numbers, times, and measurements
• Chinese phrases and words used in everyday situations
• Cultural conventions in China
• Ten tips to help you learn Chinese quickly

About the Author

Dr. Wendy Abraham has taught Chinese language, literature, and culture at universities throughout the United States. She has Master's degrees in both Chinese Language and Education, an EdD in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University, and was a PhD candidate in Chinese literature at Stanford University. Dr. Abraham has lived in the People's Republic of China and Taiwan, where she conducted post-graduate research on oracle bones and the origins of the Chinese writing system.

About this edition

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1118436660
• ISBN 13: 9781118436660
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 384