A Student Grammar of Chinese

An accessible introduction to Chinese grammar that focuses on patterns and rules, and their similarities and differences with English.

Yongping Zhu (Author), Chu-Ren Huang (Author)

9781009233491, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 May 2023

329 pages
24.3 x 16.9 x 2.7 cm, 0.9 kg

Written for beginning learners of the language, this concise introduction to Chinese grammar assumes only a basic knowledge of Chinese, and no knowledge of grammatical terminology and practices. Comparing Chinese grammar patterns and rules with those of English, and illustrated with a wealth of real-life examples, it allows learners to understand the similarities and differences between the two languages. Using engaging and accessible language, it examines the Chinese sound system, writing system, word formation rules, parts of speech, and simple and complex sentences, as well as explaining special constructions that are typically challenging to second language learners. Each chapter begins with clear learning goals and ends with a useful summary highlighting the chapter's main points. To call attention to specific issues, sidebars are interspersed throughout the text, and exercises within the book and online answer keys help students to reinforce learned material and assist with self-study.

Preface
Glossary of grammar terms and abbreviations
The meanings of special symbols
Unit I. Introduction: 1. Chinese and Mandarin
2. Chinese grammar
3. Sound system
4. Words and Chinese characters
Unit II. Parts of Speech: 5. Introduction of parts of speech in Chinese
6. Nouns
7. Numbers
8. Measure words (Classifiers)
9. Pronouns
10. Verbs
11. Modal verbs
12. Adjectives
13. Adverbs
14. Prepositions
15. Conjunctions
16. Particles
Unit III. Simple Sentences: 17. Introduction to simple sentences
18. Elements of a sentence (1): subject and predicate
19. Elements of a sentence (2): object
20. Elements of a sentence (3): Complement
21. Elements of a sentence (4): Attributive and adverbial
Unit IV. Special Sentences: 22. The ? b? construction
23. The? bèi construction
24. Questions
25. Comparisons
26. Existential sentences
27. Emphatic sentences
Unit V. Complicated Sentences: 28. Compound sentences
29. Complex sentences
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Grammar, syntax & morphology [CFK]