Chinese For Dummies (For Dummies (Language and Literature))

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 384 pages
• Published by: For Dummies; Pap/Cdr Re edition October 14, 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 047178897X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0471788973
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Weighs: 1.3 pounds

Book Description
China has become a major influence in the world today. Not only is China full of opportunities in business and politics, but Chinese culture, such as movies and literature, are also making their way into the western world. And with Chinese as the second most widely- spoken foreign language in America, more and more Americans are exposed to its language and culture. This revised edition of Chinese for Dummies shows you the basics of Mandarin Chinese and culture points that will make great impressions while communicating.

Many Americans are taking time to learn Chinese, especially since it is becoming one of the most widely used languages in the world. Currently, there are:

• Over 1 billion people speak some form of Chinese
• More Chinese speakers in the United States than French or German speakers
• 102.6 million internet users who obtain access using Chinese
• At least 25 million people worldwide who are learning Chinese

Chinese For Dummies will show you how to communicate effectively in Chinese as well as inform you on Chinese culture. Some of the topics this book covers include:

• 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 will introduce an often daunting language to you in a fun-and-easy For Dummies manner.

Download Description
The perfect beginner's guide to understanding and communicating in Chinese Chinese language and culture are becoming increasingly appealing to people both in and out of the business world. Chinese For Dummies is for anyone who wants to learn or brush up on their skills in basic Chinese. Focusing on China's official dialect, Mandarin, this easy-to-follow guide covers proper pronunciation, basic grammar and numbers, vocabulary, and proper etiquette and gestures. Readers will discover how to make small talk, order food in restaurants, make travel arrangements, and be both a gracious guest and a wonderful host, as well as understand the basics of Chinese culture.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Chinese For Dummies ® (For Dummies (Language & Literature)) (Paperback) This book suffers from two problems. One is that it throws readers directly into conversation and overwhelms them. I used the book to pick up a few cultural niceties, but my Chinese friends laughed at my failure to use the correct tones. The other problem is that it is shoehorned into the Dummies framework of organizing books rather than trying to absolute novices the basics first. This book has good appendixes and other reference material. It would be a great second book after you have mastered another approach of learning basic Chinese. I quickly ditched this approach, and bought the Pimsleur series. Comment | | (Report this)