Chinese Phrases For Dummies

Wendy Abraham is the Associate Director of the Stanford Center for Buddhist Studies and the Asian Religions & Cultures Initiative. She has taught courses on Chinese language, Chinese literature, and Asian cultures at Hunter College, Georgetown University, New York University, and Stanford University, where she’s currently pursuing her second doctorate in modern Chinese literature. She spent a year researching Shang Dynasty oracle bones in Taiwan, which sparked her deep interest in the development of China’s written language. Wendy has directed Chinese language programs for American students in Beijing and Shanghai and has interpreted for high-level arts delegations from China. Her first doctoral dissertation from Teachers College (Columbia University) was on the Chinese Jews of Kaifeng, a subject about which she has written widely and continues to lecture frequently throughout the United States. She also created Jewish Historical Tours of China, bringing people to visit Shanghai and Kaifeng on educational trips. Her interest in all things Chinese continues unabated.

• Introduction. Chapter 1: I Say It How? Speaking Chinese.Chapter 2: Grammar on a Diet: Just the Basics.Chapter 3: Numerical Gumbo: Counting of All Kinds.Chapter 4: Making New Friends and Enjoying Small Talk.Chapter 5: Enjoying a Drink and a Snack (or Meal!).Chapter 6: Shop ‘til You Drop!Chapter 7: Making Leisure a Top Priority.Chapter 8: When You Gotta Work.Chapter 9: I Get Around: Transportation.Chapter 10: Finding a Place to Lay Your Weary Head.Chapter 11: Dealing with Emergencies.Chapter 12: Ten Favorite Chinese Expressions.Chapter 13: Ten Phrases That Make You Sound Like a Local.Index.