Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners

by Bryan W. Van Norden

Overview

In just thirteen brief, accessible chapters, this engaging little book takes "absolute beginners" from the most basic questions about the language (e.g., what does a classical Chinese character look like?) to reading and understanding selections from classical Chinese philosophical texts and Tang dynasty poetry.

"An outstanding introduction to reading classical Chinese. Van Norden does a wonderful job of clearly explaining the basics of classical Chinese, and he carefully takes the reader through beautifully chosen examples from the textual tradition. An invaluable work." —Michael Puett, Harvard University

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781624668210
Publisher:	Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Publication date:	10/02/2019
Edition description:	Bilingual
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Language:	Chinese
Age Range:	3 Months to 18 Years

About the Author

Bryan W. Van Norden is Professor in the Philosophy Department, and in the department of Chinese and Japanese, at Vassar College.

Editorial Reviews

"Van Norden has pulled off the seemingly impossible. With his direction, a serious student could make real headway in learning classical Chinese—while learning a great deal about early Chinese thought as well."
—Robert E. Hegel, Washington University in St. Louis

"For most people, learning Classical Chinese is a daunting task, but for those who are fortunate enough to begin with Van Norden's intelligently written and wittily designed Guide, it is far easier and, dare I say, much more fun than one might have thought."
—Victor H. Mair, University of Pennsylvania

"Classical Chinese for Everyone is great! Even if you don't want to learn classical Chinese, it is very philosophically interesting on the topic of how language affects thought. It is a corrective to Orientalist errors, and it is entertaining!"
—Eric Kaplan, Emmy-winning writer and producer of Futurama, The Simpsons, and The Big Bang Theory

"This is a book for anyone who would like to learn a bit of Classical Chinese. . . . If you, or one of your students, or someone on your holiday gift list are interested in a career as a Sinologist, or would like to learn just enough Classical Chinese to say you know a bit, or just like learning interesting things from a good teacher you should get this book. It is by far the most fun language textbook I have ever read."
—Alan Baulmer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, from a review on the Frog in a Well blog

"I truly believe Van Norden’s textbook on classical Chinese is one of the best! Pros:
1) It’s very affordable and can be taught in a term.
2) It offers short lessons across a diverse scope of genres and readings, including poetry.
3) It’s self-contained and does not need to be supplemented with additional readings or glosses.
4) By adding related texts in classical Chinese or even in translation, instructors can enhance this textbook to make it more advanced.
5) The introductory section is a perfect introduction to the Chinese writing system.
This is the textbook most of us have been waiting for!"
—Chiu-Mi Lai, The University of Texas at Austin

"[T]his book provides an excellent pedagogical tool for either teaching or self-study. The chapters are very short with very clear learning points presented in concise natural language so the reader never feels overwhelmed and gains a sense of mastery over each point. The size of the book is very manageable. Someone with (even very little) background in Chinese (either classical or modern) could easily work through the book in a couple of weeks. . . . Interested teenagers and adults without a formal background in philosophy, foreign languages, or grammar will be able to read and enjoy playing with translating the passages. It would be an ideal addition to any Introduction to Chinese Philosophy course."
—Mog Stapleton, East China Normal University, in Teaching Philosophy

"[A] terrific little book, one that fills a niche. Van Norden is a gifted writer when it comes to material geared to students, and the book is very lucid, engaging, and funny all at once. It is a pleasure to read."
–Hagop Sarkissian, The City University of New York, Graduate Center, and Baruch College

"Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners is a unique and valuable introduction for novice learners of Classical Chinese. Its uniqueness lies in the author’s extraordinarily detailed and thorough explanations of the selected texts that serve to significantly minimize the intimidation factor that beginning Classical Chinese learners may anticipate. Learners are provided with easily accessible, step-by-step guidance through clear and concise explanations of the readings, as well as through the detailed commentaries that expound upon the circumstances in which they were written. This book should also stimulate language learner interest in furthering their understanding of Classical Chinese and Chinese literature, as well as motivate them to become serious students of Chinese language, culture, and history."
—Haning Z. Hughes, Professor of Chinese, United States Air Force Academy, in the NECTFL Review

From the Publisher