Synopses & Reviews
You don't need characters to speak Chinese! In fact, for English speakers, learning the characters is an inefficient process and slows down your progress in learning to speak and listen to Chinese.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Instead, use separate but integrated "tracks" to help you efficiently master the basics of spoken and written Chinese. andlt;iandgt;Basic Spoken Chineseandlt;/iandgt; provides success at a beginning level of fluency.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;ulandgt;andlt;liandgt;Unlike many textbooks, this book focuses on the challenges faced by andlt;bandgt;native English-speaking studentsandlt;/bandgt; in learning Chinese.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;liandgt; Detailed explanations in English of Chinese pronunciation, grammar, usage, culture, society, and recommended learning approaches.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;liandgt; Included DVD offers videos featuring over 100 native speakers in many diverse Chinese-speaking societies, from mainland China and Taiwan to Singapore and Malaysia. This software program allows the learner to view 40 on-location, native-speaker videos of the book's 40 core Chinese conversations, and interact with them in various ways: user can select/replay any specific portions of the videos; can choose to also view the conversation in pinyin, Simplified Chinese characters, or Traditional Chinese characters (appears beside the video as each spoken line occurs); or can choose to mute any Chinese or American speaker's audio, to practice speaking along with the videoandlt;BRandgt;andlt;liandgt;An included Audio disc provides over 6 hours of native-speaker audio, including all of the book's conversations, build ups, new words, supplementary vocabulary, dialogues, and other key items.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;liandgt;Teacher's Guide is available electronically.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;liandgt;A written Character Transcript (Simplified and Traditional) is available electronically.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;/ulandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;bandgt;About the Series:andlt;/bandgt; Respected Chinese language expert Dr. Cornelius Kubler, who has taught diplomats, business people and students, presents a learning system that uses separate but integrated "tracks" to help you efficiently master the basics of spoken and written Chinese. The materials in andlt;iandgt;Basic Chineseandlt;/iandgt; allow you to move from complete beginner level to basic fluency.
Review
"Meticulously planned, carefully prepared and patiently tested for over a decade, the Basic Chinese series represents the most comprehensive introductory materials available now. The eclectic approach, the flexibility in use, the attention to authenticity of language in its sociolinguistic context, the myriad of audio and visual aids, and the array of rigorously designed exercises makes the Basic Chinese the ideal material for any committed learner embarking on the journey of learning the Chinese language." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Dr. Jun Yang, Senior Lecturer in Chinese, University of Chicagoandlt;/bandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;"Revolutionary in its approach to teaching and learning Chinese as a second language, this textbook series is easily one of the best that are currently on the market. In addition to the highly useful content, grammar explanations and cultural notes for each lesson are extensive, detailed and straightforward. The dream of having engaged and fully-prepared students in every class is an easily reachable reality for any program that adopts this series." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Professor Cecilia Chang, Chair, Department of Asian Studies, Williams Collegeandlt;/bandgt;
Review
"This is one of the best elementary Chinese textbooks, I believe, ever produced in the history of teaching Chinese as a second languageandhellip; A great and unique work which will benefit students and teachers for many years to come." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Dr. Shengli Feng, Professor of Chinese Linguistics, Chinese University of Hong Kongandlt;/bandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;"Outstanding for its carefully graduated presentation of material in easily digestible sub-units, comprehensive and clearly written grammatical and cultural notes, and perhaps most important of all, its separation of the task of learning to speak the language from the very different processes of learning to read and write Chinese charactersandhellip; The most exciting Chinese language textbook I have seen in many years." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Dr. James E. Dew, retired associate professor of Chinese, University of Michigan; former Director of the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies in Taipeiandlt;/bandgt;
Review
"A breath of fresh airandhellip; Its dual track for spoken and written language finally gives American students a chance to develop oral proficiency without being slowed down by the character writingandhellip; An ideal textbook for any program that seeks to advance rapidly in spoken Chinese and to fully prepare the students for their encounter with China." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Dr. Jingqi Fu, Associate Professor of Chinese, St. Mary's College of Marylandandlt;/bandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;"Contextualized so learners know not only what to say, but why, when, and with whom it is appropriate to use such language. andhellip;thorough and clearandhellip;refreshing." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Dr. Matthew Christensen, Associate Professor of Chinese, Brigham Young Universityandlt;/bandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;"Kubler's books distinguish themselves with natural, culturally-rooted dialogues, detailed notes (for both written and spoken language), generous practice activities and an amazing care for organization. These books will be valuable tools for both students and their teachers." and#8212;andlt;bandgt;Prof. Eric Pelzl, Wisconsin Lutheran Collegeandlt;/bandgt;
Review
"I have been teaching Chinese to high school students for over 25 years and have used a variety of texts. I decided to try "Basic Spoken Chinese" (BSC) with one of my classes on an experimental level, and I have to say it is the best text of its kind that I have ever seen.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;"It should be noted that BSC and BWC are intended primarily to be used as college texts. However, this should NOT deter Chinese instructors at the secondary level from considering adopting them. In the final analysis, the difference simply comes down to pace. The lesson plans which accompany the text can easily be modified for high school classes, or the teacher can prepare his own lesson plans, as I do."and#8212;Richard Ayres, St. Xavier High School, Louisville, KY
Review
"Meticulously planned, carefully prepared and patiently tested for over a decade, the Basic Chinese series represents the most comprehensive introductory materials available now. The eclectic approach, the flexibility in use, the attention to authenticity of language in its sociolinguistic context, the myriad of audio and visual aids, and the array of rigorously designed exercises makes the Basic Chinese the ideal material for any committed learner embarking on the journey of learning the Chinese language."—Dr. Jun Yang, Senior Lecturer in Chinese, University of Chicago
"Revolutionary in its approach to teaching and learning Chinese as a second language, this textbook series is easily one of the best that are currently on the market. In addition to the highly useful content, grammar explanations and cultural notes for each lesson are extensive, detailed and straightforward. The dream of having engaged and fully-prepared students in every class is an easily reachable reality for any program that adopts this series."—Professor Cecilia Chang, Chair, Department of Asian Studies, Williams College
Review
"This is one of the best elementary Chinese textbooks, I believe, ever produced in the history of teaching Chinese as a second language… A great and unique work which will benefit students and teachers for many years to come."—Dr. Shengli Feng, Professor of Chinese Linguistics, Chinese University of Hong Kong
"Outstanding for its carefully graduated presentation of material in easily digestible sub-units, comprehensive and clearly written grammatical and cultural notes, and perhaps most important of all, its separation of the task of learning to speak the language from the very different processes of learning to read and write Chinese characters… The most exciting Chinese language textbook I have seen in many years."—Dr. James E. Dew, retired associate professor of Chinese, University of Michigan; former Director of the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies in Taipei
Review
"A breath of fresh air… Its dual track for spoken and written language finally gives American students a chance to develop oral proficiency without being slowed down by the character writing… An ideal textbook for any program that seeks to advance rapidly in spoken Chinese and to fully prepare the students for their encounter with China."—Dr. Jingqi Fu, Associate Professor of Chinese, St. Mary's College of Maryland
"Contextualized so learners know not only what to say, but why, when, and with whom it is appropriate to use such language. …thorough and clear…refreshing."—Dr. Matthew Christensen, Associate Professor of Chinese, Brigham Young University
"Kubler's books distinguish themselves with natural, culturally-rooted dialogues, detailed notes (for both written and spoken language), generous practice activities and an amazing care for organization. These books will be valuable tools for both students and their teachers."—Prof. Eric Pelzl, Wisconsin Lutheran College
Review
"I have been teaching Chinese to high school students for over 25 years and have used a variety of texts. I decided to try "Basic Spoken Chinese" (BSC) with one of my classes on an experimental level, and I have to say it is the best text of its kind that I have ever seen.
"It should be noted that BSC and BWC are intended primarily to be used as college texts. However, this should NOT deter Chinese instructors at the secondary level from considering adopting them. In the final analysis, the difference simply comes down to pace. The lesson plans which accompany the text can easily be modified for high school classes, or the teacher can prepare his own lesson plans, as I do."—Richard Ayres, St. Xavier High School, Louisville, KY
Synopsis
This is a beginning-level course in spoken Chinese that employs a revolutionary new method designed to have you quickly speaking and comprehending Mandarin Chinese. Along with its sister book
Basic Written Chinese and their accompanying workbooks,
Basic Spoken Chinese offers a complete introductory course to the Chinese language. As a native English speaker, working hard to learn Chinese is not enough; you have to work smart in order to learn this very different language efficiently. An accompanying MP3 audio CD and a separate DVD with video software reinforce the material introduced in the book. No matter why you've chosen to learn Chinese--for business, travel, cultural studies or another goal--the
Basic Chinese approach of two separate but integrated tracks in spoken and written Chinese will help you learn this language most efficiently and successfully.
- Detailed explanations in English of Chinese pronunciation, grammar, usage, culture, society, and recommended learning approaches.
- A digital Instructor's Guide is available electronically.
- A written Character Transcript (Simplified and Traditional) is available electronically.
The MP3 audio CD and software CDs feature: - 40 videos with dozens of native speakers filmed on location in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.
- 6 hours of native-speaker audio, including all of the book's conversations.
- Build up sections, new words, and pronunciation exercises.
Available separately,
Basic Spoken Chinese Practice Essentials is the companion workbook for
Basic Spoken Chinese. This practical guide includes a broad range of drills and exercises designed to dramatically enhance your proficiency in speaking and comprehending. While designed for use with the companion textbook, it can be used together with any Chinese textbook or teaching program to hone your Chinese language skills.
Synopsis
You don't need characters to speak Chinese! In fact, for English speakers, learning the characters is an inefficient process and slows down your progress in learning to speak and listen to Chinese.
Respected Chinese language expert Dr. Cornelius Kubler, who has taught diplomats, business people and students, presents a system that works for you. Use separate but integrated "tracks" to help you efficiently master spoken and written Chinese.Basic Spoken Chinese provides success at a first year university level of fluency.
Since Chinese takes a lot of practice, turn toPractice Essentials for a wealth of care fully designed activities to help solidify every aspect of your spoken Chinese skills:
- Vocab and Grammar summaries
- Role Play and Listening exercises
- Transformation and Response practice
- Translation exercises
A CD-ROM contains over 11 hours of audio, as well as printable PDF files of hundreds of additional practice pages and exercises.
Synopsis
Acquire basic fluency in spoken Mandarin through a proven, practical approach
Synopsis
Use this one-of-a-kind practice guide together with any Chinese book or language program, and dramatically enhance your speaking.
No matter what book or course you're using to learn Chinese, it takes a lot of practice. Here is a wealth of effective practice activities — including more than 16 hours of audio material! — to help polish your spoken Chinese. This book corresponds to Basic Spoken Chinese and allows you to move from complete beginner level to basic proficiency.
Practice Essentials includes carefully designed activities to help solidify every aspect of your spoken Chinese skills:
Pronunciation exercises
Vocabulary and Grammar summaries
Substitution drills
Transformation and Response drills
Role Play and Listening Comprehension exercises
Dictation exercises
Translation exercises
An included disc contains over 16 hours of audio material, as well as (printable) PDF files of hundreds of additional practice pages and exercises.
Together with or after this book, you can use Basic Written Chinese (Tuttle, 2011) if you want to learn Chinese reading and writing. It introduces the highest-frequency characters and words in a systematic way.
About the Series: Respected Chinese language expert Dr. Cornelius C. Kubler, who has taught diplomats, business people and students, presents a learning system that uses separate but integrated "tracks" to help you efficiently master the basics of spoken and written Chinese. The materials in Basic Chinese allow you to move from complete beginner level to basic fluency.
Synopsis
You don't need characters to speak Chinese! In fact, for English speakers, learning the characters is an inefficient process and slows down your progress in learning to speak and listen to Chinese.
Instead, use separate but integrated "tracks" to help you efficiently master the basics of spoken and written Chinese. Basic Spoken Chinese provides success at a beginning level of fluency.
- Unlike many textbooks, this book focuses on the challenges faced by native English-speaking students in learning Chinese.
- Detailed explanations in English of Chinese pronunciation, grammar, usage, culture, society, and recommended learning approaches.
- Included DVD offers videos featuring over 100 native speakers in many diverse Chinese-speaking societies, from mainland China and Taiwan to Singapore and Malaysia. This software program allows the learner to view 40 on-location, native-speaker videos of the book's 40 core Chinese conversations, and interact with them in various ways: user can select/replay any specific portions of the videos; can choose to also view the conversation in pinyin, Simplified Chinese characters, or Traditional Chinese characters (appears beside the video as each spoken line occurs); or can choose to mute any Chinese or American speaker's audio, to practice speaking along with the video
- An included Audio disc provides over 6 hours of native-speaker audio, including all of the book's conversations, build ups, new words, supplementary vocabulary, dialogues, and other key items.
- Teacher's Guide is available electronically.
- A written Character Transcript (Simplified and Traditional) is available electronically.
About the Series: Respected Chinese language expert Dr. Cornelius Kubler, who has taught diplomats, business people and students, presents a learning system that uses separate but integrated "tracks" to help you efficiently master the basics of spoken and written Chinese. The materials in Basic Chinese allow you to move from complete beginner level to basic fluency.
Synopsis
andlt;bandgt;This is a beginning-level course in spoken Chinese that employs a revolutionary new method designed to have you quickly speaking and comprehending Mandarin Chinese.andlt;/bandgt;andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Along with its sister book andlt;iandgt;Basic Written Chineseandlt;/iandgt; and their accompanying workbooks, andlt;iandgt;Basic Spoken Chineseandlt;/iandgt; offers a complete introductory course to the Chinese language. As a native English speaker, working hard to learn Chinese is not enough; you have to work smart in order to learn this very different language efficiently. An accompanying MP3 audioand#8211;CD and separate software CD reinforce listening comprehension correct pronunciation. No matter why you've chosen to learn Chineseand#8212;for business, travel, cultural studies or another goaland#8212;the andlt;iandgt;Basic Chineseandlt;/iandgt; approach of two separate but integrated tracts in spoken and written Chinese will help you learn this language most efficiently and successfully.andlt;ulandgt;andlt;liandgt; Detailed explanations in English of Chinese pronunciation, grammar, usage, culture, society, and recommended learning approaches.andlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt; Teacher's Guide is available electronically.andlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt; A written Character Transcript (Simplified and Traditional) is available electronically.andlt;/liandgt;andlt;/ulandgt;andlt;bandgt;The MP3 audio CD and software CDs feature:andlt;/bandgt;andlt;ulandgt;andlt;liandgt; 40 videos with dozens of native speakers filmed on location in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.andlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt; 6 hours of nativeand#8211;speaker audio, including all of the book's conversations.andlt;/liandgt;andlt;liandgt; Build up sections, new words, and pronunciation exercises.andlt;/liandgt;andlt;/ulandgt;Available separately, andlt;iandgt;Basic Spoken Chinese Practice Essentialsandlt;/iandgt; is the companion workbook for andlt;iandgt;Basic Spoken Chineseandlt;/iandgt;. This practical guide includes a broad range of drills and exercises designed to dramatically enhance your proficiency in speaking and comprehending. While designed for use with the companion textbook, it can be used together with any Chinese textbook or teaching program to hone your Chinese language skills.
About the Author
andlt;bandgt;Cornelius C. Kublerandlt;/bandgt;, Stanfield Professor of Asian Studies at Williams College, received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in linguistics from Cornell University. He earned a second M.A. in Chinese literature from National Taiwan University.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;From 1980-1991 he was employed at the Foreign Service Institute, U.S. Department of State, where he served as Language Training Supervisor in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Mongolian; as Principal of the advanced Chinese field school in Taiwan; and as Chair of the Department of Asian and African Languages.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Since joining Williams College in 1991, he has chaired the former Department of Chinese and Asian Studies Program as well as the Department of Asian Studies, which he was instrumental in founding. He has also served as visiting professor at Eisenhower College, Portland State University, Middlebury College, National Taiwan Normal University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Kubler, who is author or coauthor of 20 books and over 50 articles on Chinese language pedagogy and linguistics, frequently serves as reviewer or consultant for Chinese and Asian Studies programs in the U.S. and overseas. He has served as Chair of the Test Development Committee for the SAT Subject Test in Chinese and as member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Departments of Foreign Languages of the Modern Language Association. He is currently serving as American Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies in Nanjing, China.