Foreigners Learning Chinese: Difficulties Explained

Author: Compiler: Ye Panyun, Wu Zhongwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-03
Features: "Demystifying Difficulties in Learning Chinese for Foreigners" is a reference book for foreigners with beginner to intermediate Chinese proficiency. It can also serve as a reference for Chinese language teachers and other native speakers when coaching foreigners in learning Chinese. The book includes over 200 entries that are frequently encountered in Chinese language teaching practice and are of great interest to students. The entries are organized in the order of vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and writing, with the grammar section further divided into lexical grammar, syntactic grammar, and discourse expression. Since the book does not include translations (with English annotations for only a few particularly challenging terms), we have minimized the use of grammatical terminology and aimed for simplicity in language. The explanations of the issues are not exhaustive but focus on key points, emphasizing the distinction between correct and incorrect usage, as well as the differences between similar concepts. Typical example sentences are used to guide students, helping them understand not only what is right but also why it is right. To facilitate expression, deepen understanding, and aid memorization, some entries employ diagrams, tables, and formulas. Most entries include practice exercises, and the book concludes with answers to the exercises and an index for easy reference.