Basic Chinese: A Grammar and Workbook

Any beginner on Chinese should get this book, for the following reasons: 1. it explains things simply 2. it has both pinyin and Chinese script 3. the exercises are very varied 4. each chapter is short In fact, this book could almost be used as a textbook in itself, as with each chapter you get: + new vocabulary, in script as well as pinyin, the book covers around 400 new words + exercises that cover all ranges: translation, correcting sentences, and other grammar exercises (usually 5 per chapter) You need to be able to read pinyin reasonable well before you pick this book up, since it doesn't cover the pronunciation. Another issue is that the chapters are somewhat sequential, so that you have to do them in order, like a textbook. The exercises in the following chapters build to some degree on the previous ones. But I don't think that the intention of this book is to function as a reference, like some reviewers seem to think, it is a workbook first and foremost. If it is a reference book you want, the following book by the same authors and publisher should suit your needs: Chinese: A Comprehensive Grammar (Routledge Grammars). This book has significantly boosted my confidence in Chinese.

My Chinese class required this book so I got it. The book is an excellent tool for learning grammar. The book is clear and concise. A beginner could use this book, but I think it's better if you already have a basic knowledge of some chinese (mostly because vocabulary is not covered - the book is purely grammar). The book does the job well and isn't overwhelming.

I was able to browse through this book in the bookstore. I study Mandarin Chinese for one and a half year, speaking fluently, and I own quite a few different study books, so I can judge them easily. I was impressed with this book and certainly plan on buying it - just it's a bit pricy. Clear presentation of the grammar, AS it is used by the native speakers, advanced English without mistakes, and use of Hanyu Pinyin romanization *without mistakes* (as often seen as an obstacle in Chinese study books). The other book(s) from this author has the same but I suppose more advanced (as a follow up course). These are not books for the absolute beginner, though! It is not the kind of friendly course book with stories and all vocabulary laid out for each chapter, no it is not. It is, however, all presented in a very clear way.

This book and its companion book "Intermediate Chinese" are very instructive for serious students of the Mandarin Chinese language. The books provide an excellent reference on the various component parts of the language. However, these texts are not for the uninitiated. Some basic knowledge of the language is imperative if you are to get the most out of these texts. Being stationed in Zhongshan China, it was imperative for me to learn the language and learn it quickly. I waded through at least 10 books and tape courses on the subject. My recommendations after much experimentation are as follows:1. Chinese The Easy Way - Philip F.C. Williams - Ph.D. and Yenna Wu - Ph.D.. This book will ground you in the grammer and pronunciation essentials quickly and in my opinion is the best beginners book on the market for this subject matter.2. Transparent Languages "Langauge Now - Mandarin Chinese" software. Allows you to actually speak and grades your pronunciation.Following, this, use these two texts to round it all out. The texts would definitely be a bit easier to use if they had an index but this isn't a show stopper at all.

It's clear and concise. It includes tons of exercises in each chapter, and explains the fundamentals in a very friendly and easily understandable way. Intermediate Chinese, written by the same author, is also a must for serious Chinese language students. I highly recommend these books.