The fun way to learn to speak Chinese With more than 1.2 billion speakers across the globe -- and with nearly 3 million in the U.S. alone -- Mandarin Chinese claims the top spot as the world's most common language. If you want to learn this language to get ahead at school or work, or to make your travel to China easier, this is the handy reference you'll want by your side. Chinese For Dummies teaches basic grammar, as well as the necessary vocabulary to make introductions and greetings, use proper etiquette, make small talk, make transportation arrangements, order food and beverages, ask directions, deal with money, shop, access recreation, and handle an emergency. Concentrates on Mandarin Chinese and features new and revised content Includes major updates to all the necessary foundational information needed to speak Chinese Covers grammar, verb conjugations, and pronunciations Offers a refreshed mini-dictionary complete with even more vocabulary Find free conversational audio tracks online As the Chinese economy continues to grow, the importance of Chinese as a trade language will also increase. If you're a student or business professional who has a basic understanding of the language, you'll be poised to surpass your peers when it comes to dealing with international markets. So get started today!

The fun and easy way to take your Italian language skills to the next level

The tips, techniques, and information presented here give students, travelers, and businesspeople a primer on how to speak Italian. Complete with updates, a bonus CD, and the traditional "For Dummies" user-friendly format, this new edition of "Italian For Dummies" gives you reliable lessons, practice, and language learning techniques for speaking Italian with ease and confidence.

Featuring a revamped, user-friendly organization that builds on your knowledge and ability, "Italian For Dummies" offers expanded coverage of the necessary grammar, major verb tenses, and conjugations that beginners need to know. Plus, you'll get a fully updated and expanded audio CD that includes real-life conversations; a refreshed and expanded mini-dictionary; more useful exercises and practice opportunities; and more.Builds on your skills and ability as you learnCovers the grammar, verb tenses, and conjugations you need to knowIncludes a mini-dictionaryAudio CD includes real-life conversations

If you're looking to reach a comfort level in conversational Italian, "Italian For Dummies" gets you comfortably speaking this Romantic language like a native.

The fast, informal way to learn to speak French - with integrated audio clips throughout. Listen to pronunciations and conversations.

French is a beautiful language but quite difficult to learn. Whether you need to learn the language for a French class, or you travel overseas for business or leisure, this enhanced edition of "French for Dummies" can help. Written in an easy-to-follow format, with integrated audio clips, it gives you just what you need for basic communication in French. The enhanced edition includes: Expanded coverage of necessary grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciationsUseful exercises, practice questions, and a mini-dictionary

Business, an upcoming class, travel - whatever your reason for wanting to learn a new language but don't have time to take a class, this enhanced edition of French For Dummies can get you well on your way to becoming fluent in no time

Privyet! Explore the Russian language with this fantastic beginner's guide With over 260 million speakers around the world, Russian remains one of the most popular and marketable languages you can learn. And for those who have no idea where to begin, Russian For Dummies is the perfect first step! In this easy-to-understand resource for Russian language beginners, you'll discover basic grammar and common expressions you might use while shopping, dining out, traveling, or conducting business. You'll also find simplified and generalized conjugation rules and a streamlined approach to grammar based on how you actually understand the language, rather than technical rules and details. This book offers: Supplemental online resources so you can hear how native Russian speakers use the words you're trying to learn Guidance on identifying Cyrillic letters from the alphabet used by Russian speakers and writers Tons of useful exercise and practice opportunities you can take advantage of to sharpen your skills Perfect for any newcomer to the Russian language trying to pick up their first few phrases, Russian For Dummies is a fantastic first foray into conversational Russian that will have you ordering meals, going shopping, and navigating other day-to-day situations with ease. ! (That means good luck!)

Learn to write in Arabic In Arabic, there are different levels of language. The written language, which is studied in this book, is literary Arabic, sometimes also called classical Arabic or even modern or standard Arabic. It is the language of the Quran, classical poetry, literature and the media. The Arabic plume consists of 28 consonants and three long vowels. Each consonant is accompanied by a vowel which is placed above or below the consonant. Arabic speakers are in great demand in the United States, due to the country's political commitments to the Middle East, but only 25 percent of non-native speakers know the language in enough detail to function as translators, interpreters, analysts, or field agents. Arabic Character Writing For Dummies helps you write this language clearly and correctly. Learn to write the Arabic alphabet Find free instructional videos, flashcards, and printable writing pages online Build upon your mastery of the language Get ahead at work or in your personal life Arabic Character Writing For Dummies is designed for beginners, students, and lifelong learners wishing to write in Arabic.

Get good guidance on using English well English is a hard language to get right. It's all too easy to make simple mistakes, whether writing or speaking which can land you in embarrassing social situations or even cost you a job. Luckily, Basic English Grammar For Dummies UK Edition is here to help you get to grips with English. Without the complexity of formal grammar and through plenty of examples and brief exercises, it gets you up and running on common spelling errors, how to structure sentences to make yourself easily understood, and find the right tone and style for any situation, whether you're talking on the phone or writing a letter, email, or text. Is it good or well? There, their or they're? Some people don't have to think twice about using proper English grammar, but for the rest of us it can become tricky and confusing. Easy to understand and free of jargon, this friendly and accessible guide sticks to the basics and makes it easy to build your English grammar skills. In no time, you'll leave the me or I?' debate at the door and speak and write confidently and correctly. * Includes quizzes and self-tests * Provides guidance on composing letters, emails, and texts * Uses easy vocabulary to make the content accessible to all * Serves as a great guidebook to English grammar for overseas learners If English is your second language or you simply missed or have forgotten the nuances that were taught in school, Basic English Grammar For Dummies UK Edition is the fast and easy way to brush up on your skills and make a good impression.

Find your voice, and communicate with confidence

Ever wondered why nobody hears you in meetings, or wished people would take you more seriously? Or maybe you're unhappy with your accent, or you feel insecure about your high-pitched or monotonous voice? "Voice and Speaking Skills For Dummies" will help you to discover the power of your voice, understand how it works, and use your voice like a professional whether in meetings, addressing an audience, or standing in front of a classroom. Take a deep breath, relax those vocal cords, and make your speech sparkle

We're not all planning to become politicians, or likely to address large audiences on a regular basis, but we all need to be able to communicate well to achieve success. Certain professions require a high level of vocal confidence, notably teachers and business leaders. As well as using body language effectively, we also rely on our voice to convey passion, exude enthusiasm, and command attention--and that's before we've considered the content of our words A clear understanding of how your voice works, how to maximize its effectiveness, and ways to overcome voice 'gremlins' such as speaking too fast, stuttering, or sounding childish, is pivotal to enabling you to succeed, whatever the situation.Highlights the importance of your voice, explains how to use it effectivelyGives you confidence in public speakingHelps you use your voice to make a great first impression in all aspects of your lifeIncludes a CD with vocal exercises to help you communicate with confidence.

Whether you're looking to improve your speaking skills for work or personal gain--or both--"Voice and Speaking Skills For Dummies" gives you everything you need to find your voice and communicate with confidence.

Note: CD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of the e-book file, but are available for download after purchase.

earn the official language of Kenya and Tanzania.

Swahili For Dummies will teach you the basics of Swahili, so you can start conversing in Africa’s language of commerce. This book introduces you to the foundations of Swahili grammar and enables you to engage in basic conversations. With the simplified Dummies learning process, you’ll quickly get a grasp on the language, without complex terms and confusing explanations. You’ll also move through the book at a comfortable pace, so you’ll be familiar with what you’ve learned before moving on to more complex stuff. Focus on communication and interaction in everyday situations, so you can actually use the language you’re studying―right away.

• Understand the basics of Swahili
• Learn everyday words and phrases
• Gain the confidence to engage in conversations in Swahili
• Communicate while traveling and talk to Swahili-speaking family members

Swahili For Dummies is for readers of all ages who want to learn the basics of Swahili in a no-stress, beginner-friendly way. Swahili teachers will also love sharing this practical approach with their students.

The fun and easy way to learn the fascinating language of German with integrated audio clips

"German For Dummies, Enhanced Edition" uses the renowned Berlitz approach to get you up and running with the language-and having fun too Designed for the total beginner, this guide introduces you to basic grammar and then speedily has you making conversation. Integrated audio clips let you listen and learn as you hear pronunciations and real-life conversations. Fun and games sections ease your way into German fluency, phonetic spellings following expressions and vocabulary improve your pronunciation, and helpful boxes and sidebars cover cultural quirks and factoids.Master the nuts and bolts of German grammarLearn phrases that make you sound German-and know what "never" to say in German

Whether you're just looking for a greeting besides "Guten tag" or you want to become a foreign exchange student, this enhanced edition of "German For Dummies" gives you what you need to learn the language-as much as you like, as fast as you like

Learn to write 100 characters in Chinese Billions of people worldwide speak Chinese--and now you can learn to write 100 characters in the world's most-spoken language! Whether you're taking a course, looking to get ahead at work, or just want to up the ante when you're communicating with Chinese-speaking family and friends, Chinese Character Writing For Dummies gets you up to speed fast. This workbook will guide your first steps in learning Chinese characters. It contains 100 basic characters, including 44 simple characters (pictograms and symbols) and 56 composite characters (ideograms and ideo-phonograms). It helps you little by little to familiarize yourself with the pieces of the puzzle most frequently used, as well as some basic Chinese writing rules. Offers online bonus content that includes instructional videos, downloadable flashcards, and printable writing pages Shows you how to write 100 Chinese characters Provides instruction for beginners, students, and lifelong learners Gives you helpful tips on how to memorize characters Speaking Chinese will take you far--and learning to write some of the most common characters will only take you farther! Find out how Chinese Character Writing For Dummies can help you today!

The tools you need to master Spanish grammar

"Spanish Grammar For Dummies" is a logical extension and complement to the successful language learning books, "Spanish For Dummies" and "500 Spanish Verb For Dummies." In plain English, it teaches you the grammatical rules of the Spanish language, including parts of speech, sentence construction, pronouns, adjectives, punctuation, stress and verb tenses, and moods. Throughout the book, you get plenty of practice opportunities to help you on your goal of mastering Spanish grammar.Grasp the grammatical rules of SpanishBenefit from plenty of practice opportunities throughout the bookUse the Spanish language confidently and correctly

Whether you're a student studying Spanish or a professional looking to get ahead of the pack by learning a second language, "Spanish Grammar For Dummies" is your hands-on guide to quickly and painlessly master the written aspect of this popular language.

Read and write your way to excellence on the GED RLA Test Does the thought of taking the GED RLA Test make you red in the face? Fear not! With the help of GED RLA Test For Dummies, you'll get up to speed on the new structure and computer-based format of the GED and gain the confidence and know-how to pass the RLA Test like a pro. Packed with helpful guidance and instruction, this hands-on test-prep guide covers the concepts covered onthe GED RLA Test and gives you ample practice opportunities to assess your understanding of the Language Arts, Writing, and Language Arts Reading sections of the exam. Designed to test your understanding of reading, writing, and editing skills, the GED RLA Test can be tough for the uninitiated. Luckily, this fun and accessible guide breaks down each section of the exam into easily digestible parts, making everything you'll encounter on exam day feel like a breeze! Inside, you'll find methods to sharpen your reading and language arts test skills, tips on how to approach GED RLA question types and formats, practice questions and study exercises, and a full-length practice test to help you pinpoint where you need more study help. * Presents reviews of the GED RLA test question types and basic computer skills * Offers passages and questions that assess reading comprehension, language conventions, and usage * Includes one full-length GED RLA practice test * Provides scoring guidelines and detailed answer explanations Even if reading, writing, and editing have never been your strong suit, GED RLA Test For Dummies makes it easy to pass this crucial exam and obtain your hard-earned graduate equivalency diploma.

Learn Latin American Spanish quickly and painlessly

The job market for those who are bilingual is expanding rapidly. Businesses and government agencies are hiring translators; retailers and advertisers are concentrating more energy in targeting the Spanish-speaking; and hospitals and agencies are seeking to overcome language barriers.

Whether you're a student studying Spanish, a traveler gearing up for a trip to a Spanish-speaking country and need to learn the basics, or a upwardly mobile looking to get ahead of the pack in your career by learning a second language, Spanish For Dummies, 2nd edition is your hands-on guide to quickly and painlessly learn Latin American Spanish that includes: Expanded coverage of grammar, verb conjugations, and pronunciationsA refreshed and expanded mini-dictionary complete with even more essential vocabulary, exercises, and moreA revamped and expanded bonus CD-ROM that includes real-life dialogue to aid in your learning

Whether you're looking to learn Spanish for use in the home, class, at the office, or on the go, "Spanish For Dummies, 2nd edition" has you covered

The fun and easy way to become a more efficient, effective reader

Want to read faster -- and recall more of what you read? This practical, hands-on guide gives you the techniques you need to increase your reading speed and retention, whether you're reading books, e-mails, magazines, or even technical journals You'll find reading aids and plenty of exercises to help you read faster and better comprehend the text.

Yes, you can speed read -- discover the skills you need to read quickly and effectively, break your bad reading habits, and take in more text at a glance

Focus on the fundamentals -- widen your vision span and see how to increase your comprehension, retention, and recall

Advance your speed-reading skills -- read blocks of text, heighten your concentration, and follow an author's thought patterns

Zero in on key points -- skim, scan, and preread to quickly locate the information you want

Expand your vocabulary -- recognize the most common words and phrases to help you move through the text more quickly

Open the book and find:

Tried-and-true techniques from The Reader's Edge program

How to assess your current reading level

Tools and exercises to improve your reading skills

Speed-reading fundamentals you must know

Helpful lists of prefixes, suffixes, roots, and prime words

A speed-reading progress worksheet

Exercises for eye health and expanded reading vision

Tips for making your speed-reading skills permanent

Communication is no longer considered an optional soft" skill for climbing the corporate ladder. More and more businesses are placing emphasis on being able to communicate effectively. Communicating Effectively For Dummies gives you the tools and insight you need to manage conflict, build teams and communicate persuasively at work."

This is a set Italian Phrases For Dummies & Italian for Dummies, 2nd edition with a CD. Everyday conversations in Italian made easy. Italy is a perennially popular destination for Americans, with three cities (Florence, Rome, and Venice) among the top ten in Travel & Leisure's 2003 "World's Best Cities" poll. This concise, easy-to-use guide helps travelers and students get up to speed fast on conversational Italian, showcasing the most commonly used words and phrases. Francesca Romana Onofri is an Italian translator and teacher. Karen Moller is a writer who has worked on several Italian-language projects for Berlitz.