One of the biggest obstacles you face when learning a new language is the fear of embarassment when you mispronounce a word or phrase - which inevitably anyone new to Chinese will do. The innovative... This description may be from another edition of this product.
Probably many people have already reviewed this book, so i will only say that this book is really worth it. I am in China right now and intend to stay here for 1-2 years. This book will help you deal with simple issues like saying "thank you" to more complicated like communicating in a restaurant (yes, even there noone can understand words like "beer or water"). It uses a very simple system of pronounciation that you should definately memorize since tones and accent matter a lot in this language. What this book does not do is teach you Chinese. Just think of it as a survival guide in the one too many occasions that you will not be able to communicate with anyone.
Learning Chinese
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Excellent little book with lots of easy to follow words and phrases. Small enough to tuck in a handbag or even coat pocket. Not only does it show you the word written in Chinese and the English meaning but it explains how to pronounce words phonetically. I can recommend this product to anyone visiting, or going to live in China, who wishes to be a bit independant.
Best Chinese Book There Is
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I have lived in Shanghai for over two years now and even though I am taking formal coursework, I still prefer this book for everyday phrases I need. I only wish it came with an Audio CD. In fact, I am paying a local Chinese person to read this book into a digital recorder I own to play back for authenic pronounciation. I am a student of Pinyin and this book is misleading in a lot of places. But it is not bad. It works most of the time. I strongly recommend it.
Tai hao le-Wonderful!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This book is an absolute gem. It doesn't only teach you run-of-the-mill phrases, but also teaches you how to string a sentence in Chinese. It is completely versatile for a tourist/business person. The basic dictionary at the back is a huge help too. I have purchased many other books, but this is by far the best I've come across, because of the way it explains the pronounciation. Finally, something worth more than what I paid for it!
Native Speakers Understood Me Right Away
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I have traveled to China several times. I could only speak the most common words(hello, thank you, Yes, No etc...). I decided it was time to try and expand my Chinese vocabulary. I purchased this book and read the introduction. I spent about 15 minutes reading the recommendations to proper pronunciation of different sounds in the Chinese language. I then called one of my Chinese friends on the telephone. I practiced different words I found in the book and my friend was amazed at how well I did for the first time at trying to speak Chinese. I called back a few days later and practiced some more. I would say the Chinese word and my friend would tell me what I was saying in English. They understood my Chinese pronunciation about 70% of the time on the first try. I found that a few Chinese words sound different depending on the area of China you are dealing with. I am now learning to put several words together and also using the phrases that are included within the book. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is just starting out with pronunciation of Chinese words and phrases. This book is also small enough to fit in your purse or pocket. Easier to use than a electronic translator. Good Luck.
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