Introducing language functions in the appropriate context, explicitly linking functions to language forms, and demonstrating the cultural connotations of language forms.

Numerous interactive, student-centered and task-based communicative activities are provided in each instructional component.

Each lesson also includes short authentic listening and reading materials to help students develop coping strategies when living in a real Chinese-speaking environment.

This textbook is designed primarily for English-speaking adult learners in a college setting; but high school classes and individual learners can also tailor the program to their needs. Fully aware of the differences among Chinese programs in terms of goals, objectives, needs and the student body they serve, the lessons are structured to be highly flexible for individualized curriculum and lesson planning.

Maiheng S. Dietrich is a doctor of Chinese language and literature and a master of English language and literature from the University of Minnesota. She teaches in the Department of East Asian Languages and civilizations, University of Pennsylvania, USA, and is engaged in the teaching of Chinese language (especially basic Chinese) and modern Chinese literature. The research interests mainly involve the grammar teaching of Chinese as a second language, the relationship between language form and pragmatic function, the cultural teaching in language class, the influence of typing and handwriting on text writing, and the teaching method of specialized courses in target language. The results were published in Chinese and English journals and international conferences. Melvin Lee, Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania. Karina H. Chen, A part-time lecturer in the school of advanced international relations at Johns Hopkins University.