Author(s): Alison Matthews & Laurence Matthews

LANGUAGE

"Learning and Remembering Chinese Characters" provides a systematic study aid designed with the psychological principles to ease and bear on the daunting process of learning Chinese characters. One of the key principles is the use of visual imagery. It has a modern approach: use of simplified characters and pinyin with little emphasis on historical etymology and is learning-oriented, using visual and imaginative memorisation techniques from the psychology of learning with tips on learning habits and an introduction to concepts in gentle progression. For ease of use, characters are introduced in a logical order but prioritised by usefulness (by HSK grade and as measured by frequency of occurrence in Chinese). A practical guide, it has a concise, clear and appealing layout and is well-indexed with easy to-look-up methods. It covers the list of Chinese characters for HSK levels A and part of B. The contents include: Introduction, The nature and purpose of the book, Chinese characters (Building blocks, etc.), Visual imagery and stories, Learning strategies, How to write Chinese characters and More about Chinese characters.