Beginning Chinese Reader, Part 1

This educational resource, Beginning Chinese Reader, Part 1, is designed to facilitate learning various Chinese dialects and enhance reading skills.

The Beginning Chinese Reader, Part 1 serves as a comprehensive introduction to the various dialects of Chinese, focusing on the linguistic landscape before and after the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. This second edition builds upon the foundation laid by the first edition, emphasizing traditional usages while also addressing the simplified forms adopted in 1956. The revision enhances the contrast between variant usages and includes additional context relevant to the PRC, making it an essential resource for learners at all levels.

This text is closely linked to the author's previous works, including Beginning Chinese and its companion volume, Character Text for Beginning Chinese. The unique approach of this reader integrates the oral-aural method, allowing students to engage with material they are likely to encounter in real-life written Chinese more swiftly. The book features an extensive focus on compounds, with 1,200 combinations derived from 400 characters, resulting in a rich collection of 120,000 characters of running text.

To cater to beginners, the Beginning Chinese Reader, Part 1 introduces characters in large sizes and provides stroke sequence tables to aid formation. There are also various supplementary resources such as a pinyin index, summary charts, and exercises that include maps, book lists, and excerpts from notable writers. The material is organized into two volumes, ensuring that learners have ample resources to develop their skills effectively.