The entry point for most potential sinophones is the Chinese language classroom. But what sort of "language" and "culture" are on offer there? And how are links drawn between the forms of the language and the situations in which they may be used? In this book Edward McDonald emphasizes the importance of the social and cultural factors in language learning and seeks to blow away many existing myths about Chinese language learning. As such, this book will be invaluable for all Chinese language students and teachers.