Chinese For Dummies » (REV)

Wendy Abraham is the Associate Director of the Stanford Center for Buddhist Studies and the Asian Religions & Cultures Initiative. She has taught courses on Chinese language, Chinese literature, and Asian cultures at Hunter College, Georgetown University, New York University, and Stanford University, where she’s currently pursuing her second doctorate in modern Chinese literature. She spent a year researching Shang Dynasty oracle bones in Taiwan, which sparked her deep interest in the development of China’s written language. Wendy has directed Chinese language programs for American students in Beijing and Shanghai and has interpreted for high-level arts delegations from China. Her first doctoral dissertation from Teachers College (Columbia University) was on the Chinese Jews of Kaifeng, a subject about which she has written widely and continues to lecture frequently throughout the United States. She also created Jewish Historical Tours of China, bringing people to visit Shanghai and Kaifeng on educational trips. Her interest in all things Chinese continues unabated.

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

Introduction.

Part I: Getting Started.

Chapter 1: Getting to Know a Little Chinese.

Chapter 2: The Nitty Gritty: Basic Chinese Grammar and Numbers.

Chapter 3: Introductions and Greetings: Ni Hao!

Part II: Chinese in Action.

Chapter 4: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk.

Chapter 5: Eating and Drinking: Ganbei!

Chapter 6: Shopping Made Easy.

Chapter 7: Exploring the Town.

Chapter 8: Enjoying Yourself: Recreation and Sports.

Chapter 9: Talking on the Phone.

Chapter 10: At the Office and Around the House.

Part III: Chinese on the Go.

Chapter 11: Money, Money, Money.

Chapter 12: Taking the Road Less Traveled: Asking for (and Giving) Directions.

Chapter 13: Staying at a Hotel.

Chapter 14: Transportation.

Chapter 15: Traveling Abroad.

Chapter 16: Handling Emergencies.

Part IV: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Pick Up Chinese Quickly.

Chapter 18: Ten Things Never to Do in China.

Chapter 19: Ten Favorite Chinese Expressions.

Chapter 20: Ten Phrases That Make You Sound Chinese.

Part V: Appendixes.

Appendix A: Chinese Verbs.

Appendix B: Chinese-English Mini-Dictionary.

Appendix C: Answer Key.

Appendix D: About the CD.

Index.