Contents

A Guide for Learners of Chinese

1   Pronunciation

1.1 The Pinyin  Romanization    System

1.2 Vowels

1.3 Consonants

1.4 Tones

1.5 Syllables

2   Written Chinese

2.1 “Chinese    characters,”    a   unique  writing system

2.2 The composition of  Chinese characters: Meaningful  components

2.3 The writing of  Chinese characters

2.4 Simplified  and Traditional Characters

3   Vocabulary

3.1 Words   in  this    Dictionary

3.2 The importance  of  Chinese characters

3.3 Word-formation  methods

3.4 Definitions

3.5 Example Sentences

4   Grammar:    Main    Features

4.1 Topic+Comment   Structure

4.2 Ellipsis    of  Sentence    Elements

4.3 Word    Classes:    Flexibility,    No  Inflection

4.4 Measure Words   and Particles

4.5 Word    Classes

5   Cultural    and Usage   Notes

6   How to  Look    Up  a   Word    in  the Dictionary

6.1 By Pinyin Romanization

6.2 By  Radical

6.3 By  Number  of  Strokes

6.4 By  English Meaning