Basic Cantonese: A Grammar and Workbook (Grammar Workbooks) [Paperback]

Virginia Yip (Author), Stephen Matthews (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415193850 | ISBN-13: 978-0415193856 | Publication Date: December 2, 1999 | Edition: 1

This Grammar and Workbook is ideal for learners of Cantonese wishing to take their knowledge of the language beyond the elementary level. Its twenty-eight units highlight the key building blocks of sentence structure and comprise a structured introduction to essential grammar points. Each unit also features exercises, focusing on the communicative language, devised to perfect the students knowledge of these grammar points.
Its clear presentation and lack of jargon mean that it can be used in conjunction with a language course or for independent study. It will also prove invaluable for revision and reference.

Featuring an introduction to the language, full key to exercises and a glossary of grammatical terms, the Grammar and Workbook provides a firm foundation on which to build proficiency and confidence in speaking, reading and writing Cantonese.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Virginia Yip is Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Stephen Matthews is a Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Hong Kong. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (December 2, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415193850
• ISBN-13: 978-0415193856
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #906,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best I've seen, and I've seen a few!, November 26, 2000

By 

Pamela Guthrie (Saint Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Basic Cantonese: A Grammar and Workbook (Grammar Workbooks) (Paperback)

Virginia Yip and Stephen Matthews have done it well. This is the clearest, most useful Cantonese language book yet. Each lesson builds on the previous one, as you would expect, but the inclusion of vocabulary that actually is useful in the world, and their clear method for discribing tonal pronunciations goes far beyond what has been available to date. Yip and Matthews draw on film, radio and t.v. for many of their examples, presenting this vital language as it is currently spoken. Using this book in conjuction with their "Essential Cantonese Grammar" will move your studies ahead vigorously and easily.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent supplement or stand-alone text, May 21, 2003

By 

Leganto (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Cantonese: A Grammar and Workbook (Grammar Workbooks) (Paperback)

I first studied Cantonese in 1974, using the Yale University text of Parker P.F. Huang. In 2002 I acquired Basic Cantonese by Yip & Matthews. It was an excellent review and also clarified certain points further. In addition, it had the benefits of more recent linguistic scholarship.

Another good feature was the answer key at the back of the book, which is immensely helpful when the learner has to rely on self-study.

Also, it is helpful when the learner needs to get an informal Cantonese tutor, like a spouse or other family member. The vast majority of Cantonese speakers have no acquaintance with the Yale University spelling system used in this and other books. So one of the first steps is to teach the spelling system to the tutor. And this book does an excellent job. I recommend it without reservation.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good supplement to other Cantonese learning books, November 2, 2004

By 

JK (NYC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Basic Cantonese: A Grammar and Workbook (Grammar Workbooks) (Paperback)

This is one of the few books I've seen that uses phonetics that are
accurate to the Cantonese language, as opposed to the "Romanized" Cantonese in other books. It is definitely a good supplement to other books that teach you words by topic area (i.e. food, travel, clothing, etc.).