The need for a modern text to teach Chinese to English-speaking studentshas long been recognized. Even today Chinese tends to be taught by rote rather thanconcept for the want of pedagogically sophisticated course materials. Jennifer Liuand Margaret Yan, two Indiana University professors, have now produced a cognitivelybased first year course for learning Chinese. The innovative features of their textsinclude.
* An introduction to the cultural and social contexts ofChinese
* A presentation of Chinese calligraphy
* Lessons withreal-life situations and lively dialogue
* Explanations of Chinesepronunciation and grammar
* Illustrations including cartoons
*Chinese characters with mnemonic visuals
* Criteria-groupedvocabulary
* An instructor's manual
* Student workbook