not that helpful
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It is hard to recommend this book (with CD) as after a few days I am already thinking of buying another book. I have used the Japanese version of 'Teach tourself' series and found it very well laid out and so I was very disappointed with this as there seems very little structure of building up the language. It also uses Pinyin for the translation of sound (which I will admit most books do) and as an English speaker I find this VERY frustrating as not only do you have to contend with a new language (Mandarin) you also have to learn a new written system as the way the words are written sounds completely wrong for an English speaker (clearly Pinyin wasnt written by an native English Speaker). The translations are written 1 line of chinese follwed below by the English followed below by another line of chinese, followed by its translation which makes it in very difficult to follow while listening the CD (essential for the sound). The CD itself seems very stilted by the speakers and not very flowing and the language doesnt seem very natural. Overall VERY VERY poor book and one which I would not recommend
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Brilliant, exactly what you need to get you started
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Brilliant, simply the pefect blend of grammar, usage, everyday life curiosities, bits+pieces of culture. Presented in a very light and enjoyable way, thanks to this book the delight of real learning largely outweighs the effort. This book's been with me for a few months and it really got me started with Chinese. Exactly the right thing for those who are serious about DIY Chinese learning. Be sure you find some native speaker to practise pronounciation, though!
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