Publisher:
Far East Book Col, Ltd. http://www.fareast.com.tw
Description:
This textbook is part of a comprehensive language-learning program for
adults or college students. Twelve lessons are organized by broad
topics. Lessons each contain two or three sample dialogues, new
vocabulary, short cultural and grammatical notes, grammar lessons
specific to the dialogues, aural comprehension drills (using the tape
or teacher's guide), "Variety Exercises," which are designed to be
completed in class alone or with a group, "Try to Guess" segments using
new material, and "Authentic Material" reflecting signs and symbols
seen in China. Dialogues are presented in characters and pinyin, with
pinyin use gradually dropping off as lessons progress. Each lesson ends
with a full translation of the dialogues into English. Includes an
extensive review of pinyin in the first lesson, including pronunciation
drills. Available in either traditional or simplified character
formats. Also available: student workbook, character workbook, practice
audio tapes, a teacher's guide (unavailable for review), a video
(unavailable for review) and a CDROM (unavailable for review). A second
and third level are also available.
Strengths:
Well organized, reasonable topic coverage (for the goal), professional
illustrations, extensive grammatical instruction. Activities are varied
and well-designed. "Try to Guess" segments help learners stretch their
ability to comprehend spoken and written Chinese even when they don't
know all the words in use. Good integration with the cassette tapes
(sold separately). "Authentic Material" provides practical exposure to
ways language and symbols are used in Chinese-speaking countries.
Glossary/index sorted by pinyin. Group activities in every lesson.
Accompanying video and CDROM (presumably) match lessons.
Weaknesses:
Lesson topics assume the learner is living in a Chinese-speaking
country, rather than visiting (e.g. one lesson is about renting an
apartment, and there is no discussion of travel or hotels). Vocabulary
is weak: dialogues discuss ordering food in a restaurant, but few food
choices are given in the vocabulary. Grammatical instruction (in
English) does not use pinyin for examples, only characters. Some
cultural content is included, but little about Chinese history,
geography, or the arts. English translations of dialogues are separated
from the dialogues themselves, even in early lessons. No character
writing instruction is incorporated - but a separate character workbook
is available.
Recommendation:
Good text for an adult introductory or possibly intermediate Chinese
language program for English speakers who may be planning an extended
stay to a Chinese-speaking country. Business or vacation travellers may
not find the dialogues and vocabulary they need. Possible for
self-study use given the range of accompanying materials available.
(Note that exercise solutions are in the Teacher's Manual.)
Details:
Book
Name
Far East Practical Everyday Chinese
Book
Type
Textbook
Age
Range
adult
Number of
Pages
274
Number of
Lessons
12
Dialogues
yes
Vocabulary
yes
Grammar
yes
pinyin, zhuyin, or
both
pinyin
Explanations in
English
yes
Character
instruction
no (see character book)
Illustrations (color, b&w,
none)
color
Class/Group Activities (games, songs,
etc.) yes
Glossary - pinyin, zhuyin, hanzi,
English P, E, H
Index - pinyin, English,
both
pinyin
Textbook
available
yes
Workbook
available
yes
Teacher's Book
available
yes
Practice Media Available (Tape, CD, CDROM) tapes,
CDROM, Video
Cost
$31.20
Lessons:
1 - How Much? (includes pinyin review)
2 - Shopping
3 - Payment
4 - Making Phone Calls and Appointments
5 - Where Is It?
6 - Looking for a Place to Live
7 - Renting a Place
8 - How Troublesome! (Landlord problems)
9 - Making Friends
10 - Mailing
11 - What Shall We Eat?
12 - Dining at a Restaurant