Beginner's Chinese * Elizabeth Scurfield, Song Lianyi

An Easy Introduction. This highly structured language coursebook strips away the intimidation of learning Mandarin Chinese, delivering a practical, step-by-step introduction to everyday speaking, listening, reading, and writing for absolute beginners.

The Story: Written by prominent language scholars and university lecturers Elizabeth Scurfield and Song Lianyi, this 2003 educational guide stands as a trusted cornerstone of the world-famous Teach Yourself series. The authors completely move past overly dry, abstract linguistic equations and overwhelming character lists. Instead, it's conversation-focused showing that mastering a new tongue relies on immediate immersion in real-world scenarios, phonetic clarity via the Pinyin romanization system, and a deep understanding of contemporary Chinese social customs.

The book takes students, business professionals, and travelers through a versatile cultural landscape across its practical chapters. The layout organizes your learning path into self-contained, theme-based lessons detailing the ordering food, navigating public transit, booking hotels, and conducting professional greetings. The text combines clear grammar tables, vocabulary keys, and interactive exercises to build linguistic confidence, tracking foundational Mandarin sentence structures while introducing core Chinese characters in an uncomplicated manner.

Rather than operating like a rigid or clinical laboratory blueprint, the volume functions as a warm, encouraging companion for personal and professional growth. Scurfield and Lianyi pair their language science with practical cultural insights, teaching readers the traditional etiquette required for smooth communication and lifelong curiosity. This highly cited reference work remains a vital showpiece for global language, education, and travel preservation shelves worldwide.

Perfect For: Language students, independent self-studiers, and cross-cultural travelers looking for an uncomplicated, highly detailed text to master basic Mandarin; fans of structured, step-by-step coursebooks; and libraries looking to maintain a comprehensive global education section.

First published 1996; this edition 2002. Includes 1 book and 2 tapes - note that the tapes have not been tested.

Language Studies & Instruction / Mandarin Chinese / Linguistics / Travel Language Reference / Educational Coursebooks