Language Learning
Picture Chinese: Art as Language
By Sukming Lo. Paperback. 303pp.
This is a fascinating and highly original book, featuring over 300 full color illustrations—each one depicting the origins of a particular Chinese character. It shows how ancient Chinese pictographs were derived from actual images and events, gives examples of their use and function, their shared and unique characteristics, and illustrates how the ideas, patterns, and shapes they represent are at the root of the Chinese written language as we know it today. By examining Chinese characters in this way, one gains a deeper understanding and appreciation for the logical formation of this fascinating written language.
Chinese Crosswords
By Tong Yan and Ying Fu. Paperback. 170pp.
This is a revolutionary new approach to puzzle solving and language learning. Chinese Crosswords uses the established crossword puzzle format loved by millions worldwide; however, the clues are given in English whereas the answers must be completed using Chinese characters. Not only do the puzzles have to make sense where they intersect, but special attention must be given to proper sentence structure and grammar if the puzzles are to be completed correctly. Dramatically improves vocabulary and Chinese language comprehension.
Chinese Etiquette and Culture
By Cathy Zhou. Paperback. 125pp.
Includes mini CD.
An excellent pocket reference for all aspects of Chinese table manners, etiquette, and cultural traditions. Indispensable for travelers, businesspeople, or anyone involved in cross cultural relations.
Popular Chinese Phrases and Exressions
By Cathy Zhou. Paperback. 130pp.
Includes mini CD.
Designed to help visitors, businesspeople, teachers, and others who have learned some Chinese and want to socialize with the Chinese-speaking community in China or at home.
Talking in Chinese: A Practical Phrasebook
By Jane Choate. Paperback. 130pp.
Includes mini CD.
Talking in Chinese is a highly practical phrase book for tourists in China. Includes typical sample conversations and essential vocabulary on a variety of topics.
Essential Chinese Characters: A Cultural Guide
By Brenda Qian. Paperback. 143pp.
Includes mini CD.
A pocket reference guide designed to allow those learning Chinese to better understand the most commonly-encountered Chinese characters used in celebrations and those carrying auspicious meaning.
2,000 Chinese Characters: A Comparison Guide to Traditional and Simplified Forms
By M. Q. Xu. Paperback. 120pp.
Although most Chinese characters used today are in the modern (simplified form), traditional, or classical-style Chinese characters are still very much in use in literature, the arts, and other aesthetic forms. This useful reference book is valuable for anyone learning Chinese and faced with the challenge of recognizing traditional and simplified characters. By taking the 2,000 most commonly encountered characters, this two-way (traditional-simplified and simplified-traditional) resource book shows how to differentiate between these forms. Features incidies in pinyin, zhuyin, and stroke order. A must for any collection on Chinese language learning.