Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar provides an innovative reference guide
to Mandarin Chinese, combining traditional and function-based grammar in
a single volume.
The Grammar is divided into two parts. Part A covers traditional
grammatical categories such as phrase order, nouns, verbs and
specifiers. Part B is carefully organized around language functions and
notions such as:
- Communication strategies
- Making comparisons
- Giving and seeking information
- Expressing apologies, regrets and sympathies
The two parts of the Grammar are closely linked by extensive
cross-references, providing a grammatical and functional perspective on
many patterns. All grammar points and functions are richly illustrated
with examples, with a strong focus on contemporary usage.
Main features of the grammar include:
- Examples given in simplified characters, traditional characters and
romanization (pinyin)
- Clear explanations and accessible descriptions
- Particular attention to areas of particular difficulty for learners of
Mandarin Chinese
Implementing feedback from users of the first edition of the Grammar,
this second edition has been revised throughout to offer expanded
explanations, examples, cross-referencing, and indexing and brand new
chapters on aspect, resultative verbs, directional verbs and "ba"
sentences.
This is the ideal reference grammar for learners of Mandarin Chinese at
all levels, from elementary to advanced. No prior knowledge of
grammatical terminology is assumed and a glossary of grammatical terms
is provided. This Grammar is accompanied by the *Modern Mandarin
Chinese Grammar Workbook (*978-0-415-83488-9; available for separate
purchase) which features related exercises and activities.
