Forewrod

My first job in China, 11 years ago, was as academic director and host of a language-learning podcast called ChinesePod. Each podcast contained a short, practical Chinese Dialog that helped learners communicate information crucial to daily life in China. But simply covering the vocabulary and grammar was never enough; what gave ChinesePod its charm was the way we delved into the culture behind the language, through the lens of our own individual experiences. Although we saw ourselves as language teachers, I came to discover that some of our listeners, far from being on the fast track to fluency, were listening precisely for the cultural insights. For them, it wasn't about building a massive vocabulary or achieving one hundred percent comprehension; it was about the direct human connection made possible through the language.

China Simplified: Language Empowerment is all about the experience: enabling you, the reader at any skill level, to get more benefit and pleasure from speaking Chinese. This book is not a textbook or a language course, however. Authors Stewart and Katie impart plenty of encouragement, spinning story after story about the many pitfalls of learning Mandarin, and urge you to forego the paralysis by analysis which holds back many students.

For many future language students, this book will mark the beginning of a lifelong adventure into the rich terrain of the Chinese language (or better said, family of languages) which is as unique and varied as the land it embodies. And just as you can't see every part of China on your journey, you can't expect to learn the language through books alone. Mandarin itself offers a stunning array of territory any learner can delve into, even with only a smattering of words and phrases as a starting point. And that's the key, isn't it? To get started somewhere.

No matter whether you're already serious about your Chinese studies, or simply hope to improve your cultural awareness before your next interaction with CHinese friends, China Simplified: Language Empowerment will point you in the right direction. It provides just enough knowledge for you to be dangerous, and entertains you the whole way. This is precisely how any good China adventure should begin: with a big smile on your face.

John Pasden

Founder and CEO, Allset Learning

Shanghai, September 2019