Latest English Speaking Learning Dictionary

Author: Duan Lixin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features:
Comprehensively includes typical daily spoken English frequently used in Commonwealth countries;
Detailed and authentic presentation of the original form of spoken English, covering both polite and vulgar expressions;
Pronunciation symbols in entries highlight stress, intonation, and weak forms to reproduce real spoken sounds;
Each entry is accompanied by usage notes, providing clear explanations and practical example sentences;
Compact format for easy carrying and immediate application.
Fly to the Commonwealth! An essential spoken English reference book!
Learn and use daily expressions on the go;
Memorize colloquial street language anytime, anywhere;
6,000 entries;
Covers high-frequency spoken English in major Commonwealth countries, including conversational phrases, idioms, proverbs, and slang;
Makes your spoken English natural, authentic, and flavorful.
Spoken language is the primary form of existence for any language, yet this is easily overlooked when learning a foreign language. For many learners, the convenience of using books, the relative permanence of written language, and the authority of important texts collectively grant written language an exceptional status it does not truly deserve. Spoken language, in contrast, is often seen as a pale reflection of written language, and its grammar and vocabulary are mistakenly judged by the standards of written expression. English is frequently taught according to this principle. Students who follow the approach that written language is the primary, if not the only, mode of communication inevitably face significant difficulties when they first arrive in an English-speaking country.
Particularly noteworthy is the striking difference between the vocabulary and range of idioms in everyday spoken language and typical written language. In informal language—not only in casual conversations but also in film and television dialogue—there exists an abundance of slang, taboo words, and other expressions. Understanding and appropriately using these correctly requires multifaceted assistance. Duan Lixin spent years collecting idioms, fixed phrases, proverbs, and sayings from everyday English to compile this highly useful dictionary of practical English usage. He pays close attention to the different levels of spoken register, informal language, impoliteness, and politeness in spoken vocabulary. While some books that claim to introduce "authentic" English may overlook these aspects, I have no doubt that this dictionary will provide great practical help to Chinese English learners.