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Living Language Chinese, Essential Edition: Beginner course, including coursebook, 3 audio CDs, Chinese character guide, and free onine learning
The Essential package is a unique multimedia introduction to Mandarin Chinese.
At the core of Essential Chinese is the Living Language Method™, based on linguistic science, proven techniques, and over 65 years of experience. Our method teaches you the whole language, so you can express yourself, not just recite memorized words or scripts.
Millions have learned with Living Language®. Now it’s your turn.
• 2 Books: 10 lessons, additional review exercises and dialogues, an extensive glossary, and a grammar summary—plus a complete guide to Chinese characters
• 3 Audio CDs: Vocabulary, dialogues, audio exercises, and more—listen while using the books or use for review on the go
• Free Online Learning: Flashcards, games, and interactive quizzes for each lesson at www.livinglanguage.com/languagelab
To learn more visit livinglanguage.com.
The Living Language Method™
Build a Foundation
Start speaking Chinese immediately using essential words and phrases.
Progress with Confidence
Build on each lesson as you advance to full sentences, then actual conversations.
Retain what You’ve Learned
Special recall exercises move your new language from short-term to long-term memory.
Achieve Your Goals
Don’t just mimic or memorize. Develop practical language skills to speak in any situation.
At the core of Essential Chinese is the Living Language Method™, based on linguistic science, proven techniques, and over 65 years of experience. Our method teaches you the whole language, so you can express yourself, not just recite memorized words or scripts.
Millions have learned with Living Language®. Now it’s your turn.
• 2 Books: 10 lessons, additional review exercises and dialogues, an extensive glossary, and a grammar summary—plus a complete guide to Chinese characters
• 3 Audio CDs: Vocabulary, dialogues, audio exercises, and more—listen while using the books or use for review on the go
• Free Online Learning: Flashcards, games, and interactive quizzes for each lesson at www.livinglanguage.com/languagelab
To learn more visit livinglanguage.com.
The Living Language Method™
Build a Foundation
Start speaking Chinese immediately using essential words and phrases.
Progress with Confidence
Build on each lesson as you advance to full sentences, then actual conversations.
Retain what You’ve Learned
Special recall exercises move your new language from short-term to long-term memory.
Achieve Your Goals
Don’t just mimic or memorize. Develop practical language skills to speak in any situation.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2011
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 9, 2017
I have tried several different Chinese language learning books. This is by far the best; amazing value for the price. I found the dedicated practice areas and quizzes very helpful. I purchased the Complete Edition which comes with Essential, Intermediate, and Advanced editions which I recommend. On to the Intermediate Edition!
November 6, 2018
This is the first Chinese instructional book that I finished. This is also one of the four books in Living Language Mandarin Chinese, Complete Edition. I suggest that you purchase the Complete Edition instead of this if you are more serious about learning the language.
So, what did I learn from this book? I can now, albeit in short sentences: count, make small talk, talk about myself, talk about family, order in a restaurant, talk about hobbies and work etc.
I have a small notebook where I write down the new vocabulary in characters and pinyin. I memorize it faster that way. It is also really helpful to keep repeating the audio whenever you can: I managed to internalize the four tones without obsessing over them. I glance over my notes while listening to the audio, to associate the characters, pinyin and the sound of the words in my head.
As for writing Chinese, the Character guide included in the Complete Edition has been really helpful. Chinese characters are written with specific stroke orders. If you want to learn how to write in Chinese, I suggest installing apps on your phone that illustrate stroke orders as the Character guide in the Complete Edition only illustrates them more generally.
The best part of this book however, is the grammar summary at the end of the book. Although I finished all the ten lessons, I refer to the grammar summary whenever I want to construct my own sentences. The Living Language series is a good value for money.
So, what did I learn from this book? I can now, albeit in short sentences: count, make small talk, talk about myself, talk about family, order in a restaurant, talk about hobbies and work etc.
I have a small notebook where I write down the new vocabulary in characters and pinyin. I memorize it faster that way. It is also really helpful to keep repeating the audio whenever you can: I managed to internalize the four tones without obsessing over them. I glance over my notes while listening to the audio, to associate the characters, pinyin and the sound of the words in my head.
As for writing Chinese, the Character guide included in the Complete Edition has been really helpful. Chinese characters are written with specific stroke orders. If you want to learn how to write in Chinese, I suggest installing apps on your phone that illustrate stroke orders as the Character guide in the Complete Edition only illustrates them more generally.
The best part of this book however, is the grammar summary at the end of the book. Although I finished all the ten lessons, I refer to the grammar summary whenever I want to construct my own sentences. The Living Language series is a good value for money.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews