Chinese characters are one of the most fascinating aspects of the language and occupy a prominent place in Chinese culture. Good handwriting is also very important in learning Chinese: the strokes that make up the characters must be written in a certain rigidly specified order, and they must also be written in a special way. This book is the only introductory manual for writing Chinese characters prepared specifically for an English-speaking audience. The author guides the reader through the fundamentals of writing and introduces the different types of script used in China today, their evolution, their place in Chinese tradition, and the relation among them. The book provides basic instruction in writing with a modern fountain pen rather than a brush. Only commonly used characters-both simplified and full forms-appear as examples and exercises. Also included is an explanation of how to look up characters in a Chinese dictionary. This attractive and charming book, full of anecdotes and calligraphic aphorisms, is both a useful classroom tool and an enjoyable reading experience for anyone with an interest in the language and culture of China.

This user-friendly book is aimed at helping students of Mandarin Chinese learn and remember Chinese characters. At last--there is a truly efficient and enjoyable way to learn Chinese characters! This book helps students to learn and remember both the meanings and the pronunciations of over 800 characters. This otherwise daunting task is made more accessible by the use of techniques based on the psychology of learning and memory. Fundamental principles include the use of visual imagery, the visualization of short "stories," and the systematic building up of more complicated characters from basic building blocks. Although Learning Chinese Characters is a comprehensive book intended for students, it can be used by anyone with an interest in Chinese characters, without any prior knowledge of Chinese. It can be used alongside (or after, or even before) a course in the Chinese language. All characters are simplified (as in mainland China) but traditional characters are also given, when available. Key features: Specially designed pictures and stories are used in a structured way to make the learning process more enjoyable and effective, reducing the need for rote learning to the absolute minimum. The emphasis throughout is on learning and remembering the meanings and pronunciations of the characters. Tips are also included on learning techniques and how to avoid common problems. Characters are introduced in a logical sequence, which also gives priority to learning the most common characters first. Modern simplified characters are used, with pronunciations given in pinyin. Key information is given for each character, including radical, stroke-count, traditional form, compounds, and guidance on writing the character. This is a practical guide with a clear, concise and appealing layout, and it is well-indexed with clear lookup methods. The 800 Chinese characters and 1,033 compounds specified for the original HSK Level A proficiency test are covered.

Are you looking for a complete course in Welsh which takes you effortlessly from beginner to confident speaker? Whether you are starting from scratch, or are just out of practice, Complete Welsh will guarantee success!Now fully updated to make your language learning experience fun and interactive. You can still rely on the benefits of a top language teacher and our years of teaching experience, but now with added learning features within the course and online. The course is structured in thematic units and the emphasis is placed on communication, so that you effortlessly progress from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations, to using the phone and talking about work. By the end of this course, you will be at Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages: Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.A UTHOR INSIGHTSLots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.GRAMMAR TIPSEasy-to-follow building blocks to give you a clear understanding.USEFUL VOCABULARYEasy to find and learn, to build a solid foundation for speaking.DIALOGUESRead and listen to everyday dialogues to help you speak and understand fast.PRONUNCIATIONPerfect your pronunciation.TEST YOURSELFTests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGEExtra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the culture and history of Wales.TRY THISInnovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.This pack includes a book and two CDs of audio material.Rely on Teach Yourself, trusted by language learners for over 75 years.

Whats Inside: Six CDs with eight hours of personalised audio instruction; The 132-page book, SPANISH in 10 minutes a day(R); Bonus study tools including 150 Sticky Labels. "SPANISH in 10 minutes a day(R) AUDIO CD" is a complete programme that immerses the senses -- hear, say, see, touch, read and write! This easy-to-use language kit is designed to develop an immediate speaking ability. The focus in on success, practicality and fun. Features: A personal tutor guides listeners through each step -- introducing a new word, using it in a sentence and practising it with them; The wide range of voices acquaints listeners with a variety of accents, from Paris to Senegal to Quebec; The CDs may be used with the book to create an immersive environment, or on their own while commuting, exercising or travelling. The most important words used by travellers, professionals and students, conveniently arranged in 24 categories: Key Question Words; Building Blocks for Grammar; Your Home Numbers; Colours; Money; Days of the Week; Greetings; Months; Seasons; Family; Religion; Verbs; Time; Directions; Post Office, Mail; Paying Bills; Travelling; Dining Menu; Telephone; Transportation; Shopping and Packing.

Get By in Italian is the ideal travel companion - a quick and easy introduction to Italian and a phrase book covering all the essential language you'll need on your trip. With the help of the audio CD, get to grips with the basics of a conversation before you leave, then take the book away with you as a handy reference guide. Download the tracks on to your MP3 player to learn on the move. Understand the basics of the language with clear and easy-to-follow explanations. Try out what you have learned with mini role-plays and activities. Communicate with confidence with thousands of essential words and phrases. Get around easily with useful tips for the visitor. Eat out the Italian way with the comprehensive menu reader. Also contains a two-way mini dictionary so you'll never be stuck for the right word, and a full pronunciation guide so you'll always know how to say it! 160-page book and 60-minute audio CD. The book is also available separately (9781406612691). Also available in these languages: Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin American Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish.

Master Welsh grammar, quickly and easily In "Welsh Grammar You Really Need to Know," you will find every integral grammar concept simply explained, each illustrated with lots of examples. Even if you do not know the grammatical term in question, the book is structured so that you can look up language forms according to what you want to say. With this comprehensive resource, you will gain the confidence to communicate comfortably in Welsh. Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience Tests in the book and online to keep track of progress Glossary of grammatical terms for easy reference

The perfect guide to mastering the Burmese language. Designed for either self-study or classroom use. It teaches all four language skills speaking, listening (when used in conjunction with the CDs), reading and writing. Offers clear, easy, step-by-step instruction, building on what has been previously learned. Three CDs follow along with lessons in the book.

The first edition of this extremely popular Greek text has been successfully adopted in many high schools and colleges; the organization and approach used by the authors, make it an equally effective tool for those who would enjoy learning the language on their own.

The text is designed for a two semester course at the introductory level. This second revised edition incorporates the authors' improvements and corrections gathered from users' commentary. Those who are currently using the first edition will find this update valuable, those who are seeking a
Greek language text will find Greek: An Intensive Course one of the most complete and accessible books on the market.

Insight Guides Mandarin Phrasebook andDictionary: all the words and phrases you needto feel at home, when away. Includes free app. Compact, clear, and packed with key words and phrases, thispocket-sized Mandarin phrasebook and dictionary (with free app) is a trusty travelcompanion. It's all you need to make yourself understood - and to understandothers - when you're out and about. * Smartly organised by topic (Exploring, Activities,Health and Safety, Food and Drink, Going Out) in colour-coded sections * Includes insider local information, and nativespeaker language tips * Informative introduction provides clear pronunciation guidelines, andgrammar basics to help you get to grips with the language * Includes an innovative extra that'sunique in the market - all Insight Guides Phrasebook and Dictionaries come witha free app featuring key phrases from the book, spoken by native speakers topromote perfect pronunciation About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer offull-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishinghigh-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. Weproduce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrasebooks, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs.Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus onhistory and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool toinspire your next adventure.

Are you looking for a complete course in Catalan which takes you effortlessly from beginner to confident speaker? Whether you are starting from scratch, or are just out of practice, Complete Catalan will guarantee success! Now fully updated to make your language learning experience fun and interactive. You can still rely on the benefits of a top language teacher and our years of teaching experience, but now with added learning features. The course is structured in thematic units and the emphasis is placed on communication, so that you effortlessly progress from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations, to using the phone and talking about work. By the end of this course, you will be at Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages: Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Grammar tips Easy-to-follow building blocks to give you a clear understanding. Useful vocabulary Easy to find and learn, to build a solid foundation for speaking. Dialogues Read and listen to everyday dialogues to help you speak and understand fast. Pronunciation Don't sound like a tourist! Perfect your pronunciation before you go. Test Yourself Tests in the book to keep track of your progress. Try This Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it. The audio for this course is available for free on library.teachyourself.com or from the Teach Yourself Library app. Rely on Teach Yourself, trusted by language learners for over 75 years.

A must for anyone travelling abroad. As the first phrasebook ever to appear in a 'map' format, what better guided tour could there be through the experiences of travelling in a foreign language? Also the perfect stocking filler, bon voyage gift, thank you, or party gift. A patented lamination process allows Language Maps(r) to fold and unfold in a snap without tearing in addition to being durable, weatherproof, compact, sturdy, easy to use, and much lighter and discreet than a dictionary or phrasebook. Contains over 1000 words and phrases split into important sections covering the basics for any trip. Language Maps(r) are so beautifully illustrated that all travellers will be proud to use them in any setting, whether dining in an expensive restaurant or buying tickets to a museum. Display box also available Ask for details.

Arabic is no longer the language of a few nomadic desert tribes, but the lingua franca of one of the richest and fast developing regions. For the large number of job seekers going to the Arab countries, some working knowledge of the language and its grammar has become a must. This book, designed as a simple course, includes phrases for everyday use and should prove invaluable for those sojourning Arab lands.

"Spanish Key Words "is the easy route to mastering good, usable, basic Spanish. Easy-to-learn Unit Structure gets you the words you need to know quickly and easily. One hundred easy-to-master units of 20 words each. These words are the essential foundation stones on which you intuitively build your language framework: the first five units (100 words) account for 50% of normal conversational Spanish, the first 500 words account for 75% of normal conversational usage. The full 2,000 words will equip you for nearly all word occurrences in modern Spanish usage in speech, newspapers, books, television etc. Also provides an all-in-one basic Spanish-English dictionary and an all-in-one basic English-Spanish Dictionary.

The simplest, most logical way to pick up a Spanish vocabulary of ten thousand words from two thousand. "Spanish Key Words " presents you with the 2,000 word basic vocabulary ordered by frequency of occurrence in modern usage - in one hundred simple units. "Spanish Key Words " is a learning aid benefiting from computer analysis of a million words. It consists of a list of the commonest two thousand key words in Spanish, with their meanings in English, arranged in decreasing order of frequency. A simple, fast, proven way to learn Spanish with ease.

The Beginner's Series is designed to meet the bilingual needs of the traveling businessperson, tourist, and student. These language lessons cover such common situations as: passing through customs, checking into a hotel, placing phone calls, going to the post office, and extending and accepting invitations. First learn about the country's history and culture, acquaint yourself with social customs, restaurant practices, and transportation systems. Then learn basic language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and useful phrases that will have you communicating with natives and moving about feeely. Clear, easy to use, and insightful, the Beginner's Series will introduce you to the languages of the world.

The Middle East and other Arabic-speaking regions are of central importance in the world today. This handy booklet, designed to be carried in one's pocket, presents the basics of reading and understanding Arabic script. It begins with an introduction to the alphabet and the pronunciation of Arabic characters. The book also features the rules of reading and writing the language, including reading direction, consonant-vowel elisions, and, of course, letter linkages or ligatures, notoriously the most difficult aspect of the script to learn. It is an essential tool for travellers, business-people, and military personnel in the Middle East and other places where Arabic is spoken.

This book is intended to provide a foundation in the grammar of classical Chinese on which the student who plans to specialize in classical studies can build, and to give the student of modern Chinese sufficient knowledge of literary Chinese for his purposes.

The material was developed over twenty years for use in the course "Introduction to Classical Chinese," as taught at Cornell University, where students of Chinese history and literature began their study of the literary language after one year of modern Chinese, and students in modern fields after two years. It is therefore assumed that the student can already pronounce Chinese words, use a system of romanization, read and write a few hundred Chinese characters, and understand simple passages of modern Chinese.

Volume II of this work consists of vocabularies for all of the texts and exercises in Volume I.

This book is intended to provide a foundation in the grammar of classical Chinese on which the student who plans to specialize in classical studies can build, and to give the student of modern Chinese sufficient knowledge of literary Chinese for his purposes.

The material was developed over twenty years for use in the course "Introduction to Classical Chinese," as taught at Cornell University, where students of Chinese history and literature began their study of the literary language after one year of modern Chinese, and students in modern fields after two years. It is therefore assumed that the student can already pronounce Chinese words, use a system of romanization, read and write a few hundred Chinese characters, and understand simple passages of modern Chinese.

The language studied in this book took shape in the latter half of the first millennium B.C. and persists as a living medium of expression today. Bernhard Karlgren has said of it: "All grammatical expedients which have been current at any time in the past, can be used promiscuously in the literature of later epochs."

Texts 1 22 in Volume I constitute the core of the course. With the accompanying Exercises (also in Volume I), they provide material for about forty class sessions, thus leaving time in a normal academic year to take up a selection from Texts 23 34 and the Additional Texts A N. (All are included in Volume I.) Most of the first twenty-two texts are from classical works of the formative period when the basic syntax was established. The remaining texts illustrate later grammatical forms and contain subject matter of considerable variety."

The basics of Latin made fun--and fast! Learning the basics of Latin can vastly improve your vocabulary and even provide keys to understanding legal, medical, and scientific terminology. The Everything Essential Latin Book is your perfect introduction to this fascinating language. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple explanations, this portable guide covers the most important basics of Latin, including: The Roman alphabet and translation The all-important syntax of Latin Getting someone's attention and giving commands Common questions and answers Describing people and places Verb tenses Grammatical voice With The Everything Essential Latin Book, you'll be speaking like an ancient Roman in no time!

Want to speak Japanese? Don't have a lot of time? "Japanese For Dummies Audio Set" is designed to help you learn quickly and easily at home or on the road. From basic greetings and expressions to grammar and conversations, you'll grasp the essentials and start communicating right away.

This completely practical, portable learning system lets you set your own pace and skip around to explore topics that interest. Three one-hour CDs introduce the basics of Japanese, get you familiar with the languages structure, and prepare you to use the language in real-world situations. You can play them on any car or home stereo, copy them to your computer, and load the pre-converted files onto your mp3 to play them wherever and whenever you want. A 96-page compact guide helps you find your way around the CDs and handy Japanese/English dictionary for quick reference on the go. You'll discover how to: Begin communicating in Japanese on a basic levelHandle greetings and introductionsAsk questions and understand the answersBuild your vocabularyTalk about numbers, time, and the calendarAsk for directionsOrder a meal at a restaurantUnderstand Japanese parts of speechForm complete sentences and converse in Japanese

If you're ready to start speaking Japanese, "Japanese For Dummies Audio Set" is the most effective, convenient, and friendliest tool you can use.

Access is the major new language series designed with the needs of today's generation of students firmly in mind. Whether learning for leisure or business purposes or working towards a curriculum qualification, Access French is specially designed for adults of all ages and gives students a thorough grounding in all the skills required to understand, speak, read and write contemporary French from scratch. The coursebook consists of 10 units covering different topic areas, each of which includes Language Focus panels explaining the structures covered and a comprehensive glossary. Learning tips and assessment checklists help students to achieve a sense of autonomy while at the end of each unit, a DA (c)couverte de la Francophonie section presents short texts of cultural interest. Numerous references to web-based activities, which will be an invaluable support to students' learning, add significantly to the course. The accompanying free Website gives direct access to additional internet-based activities for students, plus teacher support and guidance.

Do you want to communicate easily and freely in Italian? Master Italian grammar and broaden your vocabulary with your very own Italian Tutor. This contemporary interactive workbook features 200 activities across a range of grammar and vocabulary points with clear goals, concise explanations, and real-world tasks. By studying and practicing Italian grammar you'll understand how the language really works and be able to speak Italian with clarity and ease. What will I learn? The Italian Tutor: Grammar and Vocabulary Workbook covers a comprehensive range of the most useful and frequent grammar and vocabulary in Italian. You can follow along unit by unit, or dip in and dip out to address your weak areas. As you progress, you will be introduced to new vocabulary and combine it with the grammar to complete extensive exercises. You will then practice the language through authentic reading and writing practice. You will achieve a solid upper intermediate level* of Italian grammar. Is this course for me? The Italian Tutor: Grammar and Vocabulary Workbook can be used as a standalone course or as a complement to any other Italian course. It offers extensive practice and review of essential grammar points and vocabulary and skills building. The personal tutor element points out exceptions and gives tips to really help you perfect your Italian. What do I get? This Italian workbook offers a range of clear and effective learning features: -200 activities across a range of grammar and vocabulary points -Unique visuals and infographics for extra context and practice -Personal tutor hints and tips to help you to understand language rules and culture points -Learn to learn section offers tips and advice on how to be a good language learner 22 short learning units each contain: -communication goals to guide your studies -grammar explanations with extensive exercises -vocabulary presentations and activities -reading and writing sections to consolidate your learning *This workbook maps from Novice High to Advanced Mid level proficiency of ACTFL (American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages) and from A2 Beginner to B2 Upper Intermediate level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) guidelines. What other courses are available? For further study and practice, see Get Started in Italian (ISBN 9781444174717) and Complete Italian: Teach Yourself (ISBN 9781444177343). Rely on Teach Yourself, trusted by language learners for over 75 years.