The first in a new series called READ ABOUT CHINA emphasizing cultural understanding along with language learning. Chinese characters and symbols reflect the philosophy behind a culture crucial to the understanding of the language. Designed for self-learners as well as classroom use, this book features Chinese dialogues and vocabulary introducing the meaning of 12 key Chinese cultural symbols and characters: the animals of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon, the phoenix, taijiquan, bagua (eight trigrams), double happiness, good fortune, longevity, Chinese knotcraft, door gods, lions and jade. Readers interested in learning Chinese will gain important cultural knowledge along with an improvement in overall comprehension and understanding.
The language content of this book is designed around the HSK standard (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), the only official Chinese language standard recognized by the Chinese government. It is equivalent to the HSK Intermediate level and is suitable for those preparing for the Advanced Placement (AP) Chinese examination. The book also features cultural sidebars, questions, expansion reading (for further review), and glossary. Features simplified Chinese characters, English, and Hanyu Pinyin Romanization. Contains black and white and color photographs and illustrations.
本书选取了十二个外国人常会接触或有所闻的中国图符为主题，包括：十二生肖、龙、凤、太极图、八卦、红双囍、福、寿、中国结、门神、狮子和玉。每主题下有三篇短小的中文文章从不同角度介绍主题，让汉语学习者在锻练阅读能力之余下了解这些图符与中国人生活和文化的关系。详细内容请参阅中文目录。
Paperback, Simplified Chinese characters, Pinyin and English, 125 pages, 8.25"x5.5"
