From ABC to English Conversation

Author: Zhou Li
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-03-01
Features: This is a beginner's book for English conversation, suitable for those who have never learned English, or have learned but forgotten most of it, or have learned "dead" English (able to read but not speak). Due to work requirements, they urgently need to learn some spoken English. The book focuses on general daily spoken English, avoiding being "comprehensive" but aiming for common usage. It heavily references recent foreign spoken English textbooks and new vocabulary emerging since China's reform and opening-up, striving for modern language that can be immediately applied. The book has the following features:
First, its accessibility. Currently, most adults learning spoken English are not primarily for self-improvement, but to handle general interactions brought by opening-up. This book focuses on general daily spoken English, avoiding being "comprehensive" but aiming for common usage.
Second, its timeliness. Since the beginning of this century, with the rapid advancement of science and technology, spoken English has been evolving rapidly. Since learning is for practical use, it must focus on new and lively language. This book has made efforts in this regard, heavily referencing recent spoken English textbooks from both China and abroad, as well as new vocabulary emerging since China's reform and opening-up, striving for modern language that can be immediately applied.
Third, its progressive nature. The concept of "adult" reflects differences in age and proficiency. To use the same textbook in a training class, adjustments must be made to the material. The authors have fully considered this. Starting from Unit 9, each unit contains 6-8 dialogues, with the first four being basic conversations, generally simpler. The later ones are extended dialogues, relatively more challenging. This addresses the issue of varying proficiency levels. This is also why we call this book "From ABC to Spoken English."
Fourth, and also the most distinctive feature of this book, is its self-study nature. Anyone with experience in adult education knows that learners often mark the book with symbols, Chinese characters, or Pinyin as phonetic aids. This observation inspired the authors: why not simply use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)? This ensures correct pronunciation, provides learners with a support tool, and helps correct poor phonetic habits—wouldn't that be better!
In summary, the book's purpose is to think for the learners and do their best to help them overcome difficulties.