Developing Chinese (2nd Edition) is a set of nationally planned textbooks for higher education during the Eleventh Five-Year. Based on the well-designed structure of the first edition, this edition adds more elements in tune with the times.
It includes 28 volumes with altogether 34 books. Combining the cultivation of integrated language skills with the training of specific language skills in its compilation, this set of textbooks can be divided into three levels (elementary, intermediate and advanced) and five series (comprehensive, listening, speaking, reading and writing), among which the comprehensive series is the bulk and the others are the supportive series. The overall purpose is to develop and improve the students Chinese language skills, Chinese communication skills, integrated Chinese capabilities as well as enhance their interest and ability in learning Chinese.
Once again two years late to writing a textbook review, but I really love rating textbooks so I’m giving it another go. To summarise, I used this textbook for an intensive Chinese class as part of a summer school with Renmin University. This remarkable textbook is tailored for Chinese language learners, particularly focusing on reading and writing skills at the elementary level, preparing a solid foundation for advancing your Chinese skills to a more intermediate level.
This textbook, as well as the others in the series, have an alignment with national education standards, ensuring that it meets the requirements of higher education institutions and provides students with a solid foundation in reading and writing Chinese characters. It’s mostly angled towards university students, however I think anyone could benefit from using this textbook.
What is great about this textbook is its emphasis on systematic learning, guiding students through the complexities of Chinese characters with clear explanations, stroke order diagrams, and a wide variety of practice exercises. The gradual progression from simple characters to more complex ones facilitates a smooth learning curve, enabling learners to build confidence in their reading and writing abilities without getting burned out or giving up (the way the textbook progresses is great, it doesn’t make you feel stupid by suddenly adding a bunch of unexplained grammar and vocabulary).
The inclusion of culturally relevant reading passages and writing tasks not only enhances language proficiency but also deepens your understanding of Chinese culture and society. By integrating language learning with cultural insights, the textbook offers a holistic learning experience that goes beyond mere language acquisition.
The multimedia resources caters to diverse learning styles, making it suitable for both classroom instruction and independent study. With its comprehensive coverage of reading and writing skills, I’d totally recommend this book to learners seeking to master the intricacies of reading and writing Chinese characters.