content
learn to write, step by step
understand the script in different contexts
get a headstart in learning the language

Teach Yourself Beginner's Chinese Script starts from scratch, explaining the origins of the language and how characters have evolved. It teaches you how to write characters correctly from the beginning and, through a series of carefully graded exercises, how to understand enough from signs, directions, instructions and menus to be able to get by.

The book is divided into two main parts. Units 1-4 introduce you to the origins of the Chinese script, explain how characters and words are formed and the basic rules in writing them. Unit 4 ends with a mini test to enable you to check your progress so far. Units 5-9 introduce you to real-life situations such as reading signs, maps, notices and even menus. You will be able to write numbers, dates, tell the time, and fill out simple forms. There is a comprehensive test at the end of Unit 9. Unit 10 explains how to use a Chinese-English dictionary and Chinese word-processing packages with concrete examples. There is also a brief introduction to Chinese idioms.

Elizabeth Scurfield, co-author, was until recently Chair of the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Westminster in London where she was a founder member of the Chinese section.

Song Lianyi, co-author, grew up and was educated in Beijing. He has taught Chinese as a foreign language for more than 13 years. He is at present Lecturer in Chinese at SOAS. He completed his PhD in language teaching techniques at the Institute of Education, University of London.