Chinese

by Yip, Po-Ching; Rimmington, Don; Po-Ching, Yip

• ISBN13: 9780415135351
• ISBN10: 0415135354
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-01-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This new edition of Chinese: An Essential Grammar is an up-to-date, concise reference guide to the grammar of modern Chinese (Mandarin) - the most widely spoken language in the world.Refreshingly jargon free, it presents an accessible description of the language, focusing on the real patterns of use today. A reference source for the learner and user of Chinese, irrespective of level, it sets out the complexities of the language in short, readable sections.Features include:* a new chapter on paragraph development* Chinese characters, as well as the pinyin romanization, alongside all examples* literal and colloquial translations in English to illustrate language points* detailed contents list and index for easy access to information* a glossary of grammatical terms.A unique resource at this level, Chinese: An Essential Grammar is ideal either for independent study or for students in schools, colleges, universities and adult education classes of all types.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Introduction	1	(6)
I Nouns	7	(22)
Introduction	7	(1)
Nouns	8	(3)
Numerals and nouns	11	(4)
Measures for nouns	15	(4)
Pronouns: personal, demonstrative and interrogative	19	(5)
Adjectives and attributives	24	(5)
II Verbs	29	(64)
Introduction	29	(1)
Adjectival and nominal predicates; the verb shi	30	(5)
The verb you; comparisons	35	(5)
Verbs and aspect markers	40	(8)
Motion verbs and direction indicators	48	(5)
Verbs and time	53	(5)
Verbs and location	58	(7)
Verbs: duration and frequency	65	(4)
Verbs and complements	69	(8)
Verbs and adverbials	77	(8)
Modal and similar verbs	85	(8)
III Sentences	93	(64)
Introduction	93	(1)
Statements and the sentence particle le	94	(5)
Questions	99	(10)
Subject and predicate; topic and comment	109	(5)
Prepositions and coverbs	114	(5)
Ba and bei constructions	119	(6)
Serial constructions	125	(6)
Emphasis and the intensifier shi	131	(6)
Abbreviation and omission	137	(5)
Composite sentences: conjunctions and conjunctives	142	(10)
Exclamations and interjections; appositions; and apostrophes	152	(5)
Glossary of Grammatical Terms	157	(4)
Glossary of Chinese Characters	161	(63)
Further Reading	224	(1)
Index	225