The quest to learn a new language can be a daunting task. This becomes particularly so when it comes to a language as complex as Chinese, with its distinctive logographic script and tonal phonetics. Yet, there’s a certain allure to it, isn’t there?
So, if you are embarking on your journey to learn Chinese, or if you have already begun but feel like you’re treading water, you are not alone. In fact, you’ve taken the first crucial step in the right direction. Learning a language goes beyond just grasping the grammatical rules; it also involves immersing oneself in the culture, customs, and even the literature of that particular region. To that end, this article aims to guide you through a collection of Chinese books that will prove instrumental in your linguistic journey from beginner to intermediate level.
Let’s dive into a world rich in history, culture, and captivating storytelling.
1. ‘My First Chinese Storybooks’ series
Level: Beginner
This series, though primarily designed for children, is an excellent resource for adult beginners too. It’s an array of colorful, illustrated books with simple narratives that introduce basic Chinese vocabulary and sentence structure. The stories cover various themes, ranging from Chinese festivals to daily life situations, allowing you to understand Chinese cultural nuances while building your vocabulary.
The beauty of these books lies in their simplicity and the repetitive structure of sentences, making them ideal for beginners to learn new words and reinforce their knowledge.
2. ‘Chinese Breeze’ series
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
The ‘Chinese Breeze’ series is a comprehensive collection of graded readers. The series starts with books using only 300 unique Chinese characters and progressively increases the complexity as you advance through the levels.
The stories are engaging, and the vocabulary is repeated often, enabling you to pick up new words, phrases, and grammatical structures quickly. Each book also comes with exercises and a mini Chinese-English dictionary for quick reference.
3. ‘The Little Prince’ (‘小王子’ – Xiǎo Wángzǐ) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
‘The Little Prince’, originally written in French, is one of the most translated books in the world. The Chinese version of this classic is an excellent choice for language learners due to its universal themes, metaphors, and the simplicity of the language used.
It’s an engaging story that will not only aid you in your linguistic journey but will also introduce you to the philosophical musings and emotional depth characteristic of Chinese literature.
4. ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (‘福尔摩斯探案全集’ – Fúěrmósī Tàn Àn Quánjí) by Arthur Conan Doyle
Level: Intermediate
If you’re a fan of mystery and detective stories, then the Chinese version of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ is perfect for you. While the language can be a bit challenging for beginners, it’s a great choice for intermediate learners.
Not only will you be reinforcing your Chinese reading skills, but you’ll also be enjoying one of the greatest detective stories of all time. The contextual clues within the mysteries can help you decipher new words and phrases, making this an engaging way to learn.
5. ‘Frog’ (‘蛙’ – Wā) by Mo Yan
Level: Intermediate
This is a novel by the Nobel laureate Mo Yan. It’s a deeply moving and starkly realistic narrative of modern China’s one-child policy, viewed through the lens of a rural midwife.
While the subject matter is heavy, the language used is relatively straightforward. The plot’s complexity will keep you engaged while expanding your vocabulary and giving you insight into Chinese society’s recent historical events.
6. ‘To Live’ (‘活着’ – Huózhe) by Yu Hua
Level: Intermediate
‘To Live’ is a powerful narrative that tells a moving tale of a peasant’s journey through the trials and tribulations of life in 20th-century China. The language is straightforward, the themes universal, and the characterization gripping.
This novel provides an excellent way to improve your reading skills while getting a profound understanding of Chinese culture, history, and societal changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while learning Chinese can be a daunting task, it’s not an impossible one. Books provide a unique way to immerse yourself in the language. The literature mentioned above does a fantastic job of guiding you through your journey, providing not just linguistic knowledge but also a rich cultural understanding.
Remember, language learning is not a race. Go at your own pace, enjoy the stories, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Learning Chinese through literature can be a journey just as beautiful and enchanting as the stories themselves. Happy reading!
