Chinese Phrases For Dummies

The perfect pocket-sized guide for travelers and students who need to pick up Chinese fast Chinese is now ranked as the second most prevalent foreign language spoken in the United States and the third most common in Canada, and Chinese language and culture are increasingly appealing to people both in and out of the business world. This non-intimidating guide introduces students and travelers to the everyday Mandarin words and phrases they need to find their way around, shop, dine, make small talk, and deal with emergencies.

Author Biography

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.