dajackal Posted February 20, 2015 at 03:13 AM Report Posted February 20, 2015 at 03:13 AM Hi guys, ABC(ABT) here. I can speak basic conversational Mandarin with very limited reading/writing skills.I'm looking for a Taiwanese oriented Chinese Textbook that I can use for self-study.Would either Practical Audio Visual CHinese or Far East Everyday Chinese be suitable for self-study? My local Chinatown bookstore doesn't stock either of these textbooks so I can't assess the content. I'll likely be getting a relative in Taiwan to send me a copy.Additionally, I am also looking for an online tutor to guide me through the textbook. I couldn't find any suitable tutors on italki. Are there any other websites I can try or can anyone here introduce me to one?Cheers Quote
OneEye Posted February 20, 2015 at 03:31 AM Report Posted February 20, 2015 at 03:31 AM ABC/Ts studying in Taiwan generally use the Practical Chinese Reading and Writing 實用中文讀寫 series. The PAVC and Far East series are both aimed at zero-level learners, so they're not really suitable for people who already speak the language. You can order them here, no need to get a relative to send them. 2 Quote
dajackal Posted February 20, 2015 at 07:56 AM Author Report Posted February 20, 2015 at 07:56 AM That's excellent. My original thinking was to start from PAVC book 2 or 3, but a specific reading and writing textbook is even better. Should I start from book 1 in that case? Is it worthwhile to get the handbook aswell? Would you recommend any other materials, e.g. a grader reader, a grammar book or a book on how to learn hanzi (e.g. Heisig Method)? Cheers Quote
edelweis Posted February 20, 2015 at 08:04 AM Report Posted February 20, 2015 at 08:04 AM Is this textbook suitable for self study (does it have explanations in English?) I'm thinking that learning to read and write from scratch using a textbook that is entirely in Chinese might not be easy without a tutor. Quote
ParkeNYU Posted February 22, 2015 at 12:58 AM Report Posted February 22, 2015 at 12:58 AM I've completed PAVC books one and two, and aside from some typos, anachronisms, and other small inaccuracies, it's a great series (the accents on the compact discs are a bit strange). Please PM me if you're interested in these textbooks. Quote
oceancalligraphy Posted February 22, 2015 at 03:20 AM Report Posted February 22, 2015 at 03:20 AM Since you're looking for resources from Taiwan, take a look at the e-Learning portal set up by Taiwan's overseas council. They have ebooks with different topics. Quote
OneEye Posted February 22, 2015 at 12:07 PM Report Posted February 22, 2015 at 12:07 PM I've never used the books myself, but several of my friends who did were happy with them. You should probably start with book 1. I don't know about the handbook, sorry. I wouldn't really recommend the Heisig method, no. If I could, I'd recommend the character dictionary my company is currently working on, but I'm a bit biased and it won't be out for a while anyway. Your best bet until it comes out is zhongwen.com and the corresponding book, Chinese Characters: A Genealogy and Dictionary. Quote
dajackal Posted March 11, 2015 at 11:59 AM Author Report Posted March 11, 2015 at 11:59 AM Just checking in to say that I received Practical Chinese Reading & Writing textbook earlier this week and currently halfway through chapter 1. I'm really enjoying this textbook and really thankful to One Eye for recommending this textbook and the online book store. 2 Quote
OneEye Posted March 12, 2015 at 09:43 AM Report Posted March 12, 2015 at 09:43 AM Glad it was helpful, and thanks for the update! 加油! Quote
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