An Introduction to the Chinese Language cover

An Introduction to the Chinese Language

Rating 3.3
Word count
276K words
Chapters
55
ISBN
9787566833662

Tags

Summary

This textbook is designed for international graduate students with some foundation in Chinese. Drawing on the latest linguistic theories and research findings on contemporary Chinese, it aims to meet the needs of international graduate students learning Chinese by systematically introducing the fundamental theories and basic knowledge of the language, while also enhancing their overall proficiency in using Chinese. Its main features lie in its targeted and academic orientation, as well as its systematic and practical approach.

Editor's review

Compiled by Professor Ji Xiusheng of Jinan University, An Introduction to Chinese is a foundational theoretical work for students of linguistics and enthusiasts of the Chinese language, valued for constructing a clear and systematic framework of modern Chinese knowledge. It is not a mere language textbook but a theoretical survey of Chinese phonetics, vocabulary, grammar, script and cultural connotations, reflecting the editor's intent to combine scholarship with accessibility.

In structure the book is logically rigorous, extending from the intrinsic features of Chinese to its social and cultural applications, offering precise description of linguistic phenomena alongside the editor's reflections on the laws of Chinese development. Compared with similar introductions, it maintains academic rigor while keeping its language relatively plain, lowering the theoretical threshold. Particularly noteworthy is its exposition of the relationship between Chinese and Chinese culture, which offers readers a window into the national thought behind the language.

For non-specialist readers it serves as a reliable introductory guide to a systematic understanding of Chinese; for specialist learners it helps consolidate foundational theory and form a macro-level grasp. Rich examples and appropriate diagrams enhance readability. Overall, this is a solid, clear and illuminating introduction to Chinese knowledge, valuable not only for imparting knowledge but for cultivating the reader's ability to observe and analyze linguistic phenomena scientifically.

Who it's for

A good fit for

  • Students of Chinese, linguistics and related fields at universities, as reference or supplementary reading for foundational courses
  • Enthusiasts seeking a systematic understanding of Chinese linguistic structure, historical development and cultural connotations
  • Teachers engaged in teaching Chinese as a foreign language or related work, for consolidating their own linguistic theory
  • Researchers who need a macro-level grasp of Chinese characteristics for cross-linguistic or comparative study

Not a good fit for

  • Practical learners seeking only quick mastery of everyday spoken communication or exam-taking skills
  • Casual readers expecting abundant entertaining stories or light, conversational language writing

Reading tips

  1. Reading in chapter order is recommended: first establish the basic framework of phonetics, vocabulary and grammar, then explore the sections on culture and application
  2. Reflect on everyday language phenomena while reading, and try to explain Chinese examples you encounter using the book's theories
  3. For more theoretical chapters, do not insist on full comprehension at first; revisit them and cross-check with later content

About the publisher

Jinan University Press China · Founded in 1989

Jinan University Press is a comprehensive university press known for publishing in language and writing, history and culture, and medicine. Judging from the 2,481 titles in the database, its publishing focuses on language and writing research, the compilation of unearthed documents, Chinese culture and Eastern philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine, and grassroots medical standards. Representative books include the Chinese Dictionary (Second Edition), the series on the collected interpretation and modern translation of Warring States documents from the Language Services Series and the series on the language of unearthed documents, Chinese Cultural Psychology (6th Edition), Illustrated Compendium of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Techniques, and Construction and Technical Standards for Standardized Bronchoscopy Rooms in Primary-Level Pediatrics. In terms of authors, scholars such as Zhu Cheng, Zhang Yujin, Wang Fengyan, Zheng Hong, Cao Hui and Ma Zhiguo form its author base in language and documents, cultural psychology, and traditional Chinese medicine. In terms of publishing characteristics, the press emphasizes the collected interpretation and modern translation of unearthed documents and language service research, while also systematically organizing cultural psychology and medical techniques. Public information on specific matters such as overseas Chinese-language education is limited and is therefore not elaborated here.

Contents

  1. 版权信息
  2. 编委会
  3. 第一章 导论
  4. 第一节 语言
  5. 第二节 汉语概述
  6. 第三节 汉语的特点
  7. 第二章 汉语的听觉形式——语音
  8. 第一节 语音概述
  9. 第二节 汉语的元音和辅音
  10. 第三节 汉语的声母和韵母
  11. 第四节 汉语的声调
  12. 第五节 汉语的音节
  13. 第六节 汉语的音位
  14. 第七节 汉语的音变
  15. 第八节 汉语的韵律
  16. 第九节 汉语语音的类型特征
  17. 第三章 汉语的构成材料——词汇
  18. 第一节 汉语词汇概说
  19. 第二节 汉语词汇的系统与组成
  20. 第三节 汉语词的构造
  21. 第四节 汉语词的意义
  22. 第五节 汉语的熟语
  23. 第四章 汉语的组织规则——语法
  24. 第一节 语法概述
  25. 第二节 汉语的语法单位
  26. 第三节 汉语的句法成分
  27. 第四节 汉语的词类
  28. 第五节 汉语短语的类型
  29. 第六节 汉语的句型
  30. 第七节 汉语的句式
  31. 第八节 汉语的句类
  32. 第九节 汉语的复句
  33. 第十节 汉语的句法分析
  34. 第十一节 汉语句法结构中的语义分析
  35. 第十二节 汉语的歧义结构
  36. 第十三节 汉语语法中的语义范畴
  37. 第十四节 汉语语法的研究方法
  38. 第五章 汉语的视觉形式——汉字
  39. 第一节 汉字的起源和发展演变
  40. 第二节 汉字的性质和特点
  41. 第三节 汉字的结构和理据
  42. 第四节 汉字的内涵和文化
  43. 第五节 汉字的优势和前景
  44. 第六章 汉语的人文内涵——语言文化
  45. 第一节 语言和文化
  46. 第二节 汉语词汇和文化
  47. 第三节 汉语语音和文化
  48. 第四节 汉语语法和文化
  49. 第七章 汉语的综合运用——话语表达和理解
  50. 第一节 话语及其表现形式
  51. 第二节 话语交际的基本原则与策略
  52. 第三节 语境的利用
  53. 第四节 话语表达的技巧
  54. 参考文献
  55. 后记

FAQ

How does this book differ from a Modern Chinese textbook?
This book focuses on an "introduction," aiming to systematically present the overall picture, basic theories and key characteristics of Chinese from a broader perspective, covering both the language itself and cultural and social factors; a typical Modern Chinese textbook usually focuses more on detailed description and rule analysis of the subsystems of modern Chinese phonetics, vocabulary, grammar and rhetoric, with a stronger teaching and exercise orientation. The two can complement each other.
Can I understand this book without a linguistics background?
Yes. As an introductory work, it was written with beginning readers in mind, explains core concepts clearly and supports them with abundant examples. Readers are advised to be patient, reading definitions and contextual examples closely when encountering technical terms, and to build up the knowledge system gradually.
Does this book help with learning to write or improving one's writing style?
It helps, but indirectly and at a deep level. The book mainly helps you understand the construction rules, expressive characteristics and cultural foundations of Chinese in principle; this rational understanding enables you to follow linguistic laws more consciously in writing and choose words and structures more precisely, thereby laying a solid linguistic foundation for improving your writing.

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About the author

纪秀生 Author

Ji Xiusheng: publicly available information is limited. The only known work in the collection is An Introduction to Chinese (Hanyu Gailun), commonly classified under culture. Based on the available information, the writing centers on the Chinese language and appears to be a general, introductory or overview work that surveys the language as a whole rather than a narrowly focused study. Such works typically balance basic linguistic knowledge with readability, presenting phonetics, vocabulary, grammar and cultural background in a clear and accessible way for general readers. Since no reliable records of the author's life, academic background or positions are available, no speculation is made here. Judging from the existing work, Ji Xiusheng's contribution lies mainly in offering an overview that helps readers build a general understanding of Chinese, suitable as an introductory reference.

胡培安 Author

Hu Peian is an author about whom limited public information is available. His one confirmed work in the library collection is An Introduction to Chinese (Hanyu Gailun), classified under culture. Judging from the title and category, the book appears to offer an overview of the Chinese language, likely covering its structure, its historical and cultural background, or its role as a carrier of culture, and is aimed at general readers who wish to gain a systematic understanding of Chinese. Because information on the author's life, academic training, and nationality is unavailable, a detailed account of his background and writing career cannot be given. Even so, this single work shows a concern for and organization of the subject of Chinese. Readers may treat An Introduction to Chinese as an introductory overview that provides basic knowledge of the language, while a fuller profile of the author awaits additional public information.