Reviewer Notes on the 4th Edition
As a life long student of languages, and of Mandarin in particular, I was excited to be asked to provide a review on Professor Tang’s fourth edition of her truly outstanding Mandarin Chinese textbook Let’s Speak Chinese.
There are two very good reasons that I am such a strong advocate of Let’s Speak Chinese.
The first is Professor Tang’s approach to learning Mandarin.
The initial challenge in learning a new language is to form your own personal strategy for learning. There are countless approaches to language study; from rote memorization, and the study of grammar patterns, to building “memory castles” of individual characters. However the effectiveness of each approach will depend upon both how that individual learns, and where they are in that journey.
As a beginner in the study of Mandarin I struggled with most of these approaches with various degrees of success. Upon being introduced to Let’s Speak Chinese, I was amazed to find an approach that would allow a student to immediately start speaking.
Let’s Speak Chinese provides a strategy that allows a student to immediately start speaking, and provides that student with the real life challenge of attempting to be understood and in return having to understand others’ responses. While this sounds deceptively simple, in the universe of currently popular Mandarin learning programs, it is a novel and refreshing approach.
The second reason for my advocacy of this program lies in the way that the information is provided.
In my language speaking journey, I was forced to ask myself a) what situations would I commonly be in and b) how would I need to ask/respond in these situations. Then I had to narrow those responses down to the most basic consumable units that could mentally digest.
I created template for myself. But upon reading Professor Tang’s textbook, I discovered that she had done all of this in a simpler, more concise, and infinitely more elegant manner that I could have ever done.
That is, Professor Tang has anticipated the needs of a novice Mandarin learner and provided a road map to everyday situations in basic Mandarin that allows a student to learn from context and to build upon that learning in a steady progressive process.
If I had to sum up these two reasons for liking Professor Tang’s work in one word, it would be that “Let’s Speak Chinese” provides a learning experience that is PRACTICAL.
Practical in pedagogy/learning. Practical in application. And practical in establishing the basis for future learning.
Michael E. Lem, B.Comm. (Hons.), FCPA, FCMA, CFP, CPCA, A.C.C., C.Dir., Fellow of FPSC™
I had the honor of working with Professor Tang at SUNY Geneseo, and publishing the first edition of Let’s Speak Chinese! in 2013. It was our first open textbook published by Milne Library. Reviewing the 4th edition, I am reminded of Professor Tang’s enthusiasm for engaging students, colleagues, and readers, and encouraging global engagement. These can be seen by readers in the thoughtful design of Let’s Speak Chinese! selection practical vocabulary and dialogue as a key feature cultivating learning Chinese and connecting cultures. Professor Tang is the ideal author of this open textbook, the recipient of many awards, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching in 2015, as well as the CLERC Award of Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion of Chinese Language Education, 2012.
This edition has brilliant tips, and the recursive and reflective activities make this edition a powerful launchpad for learning a language and glimpsing some of Professor Tang’s travels. The eight chapters are organized by practical activities; conversation, family & relationships, in the classroom, time & seasons, food & drink, asking for help, travel, and shopping. Readers will find the appendices incredibly useful for understanding tone, radicals, writing, and so much more.
Gōngxǐ Professor Tang!
Thank you for sharing your work online free, and affordably in print, that makes your textbook invaluable to so many around the world, including congratulations on the March 2014 letter from former President Barack Obama thanking you for sharing your work. I admire and appreciate the way you connect everyone, and share insights and language to be globally engaged.
Cyril Oberlander, Dean, Cal Poly Humboldt Library
Professor Jasmine Tang’s exceptional teaching methods are the cornerstone of Let’s Speak Chinese. Her passion and dedication make learning both engaging and effective. The book reflects her innovative approach and commitment to student success, offering valuable content that enhances understanding. This edition is a testament to her incredible ability to inspire and educate, making it a highly recommended resource for anyone interested in learning Chinese.
David Hughes, ’07
