STEPHEN MATTHEWS

While a number of grammars of Mandarin Chinese are available, no reference grammar of Cantonese has appeared in English since 1959. Developments since then, in the language as well as in linguistic description, have been far-reaching. This is the first truly comprehensive reference guide to current Cantonese as used by native speakers. It presents a fresh and accessible description of the language, concentrating on the patterns of use in today's Cantonese.

This Grammar and Workbook should be suitable for learners of Cantonese wishing to take their knowledge of the language beyond the elementary level. Its 28 units highlight the key building blocks of sentence structure and comprise a structured introduction to essential grammar points. Each unit also features exercises, focusing on the communicative language, devised to aid the student's knowledge of these grammar points. Its clear presentation and lack of jargon mean that it can be used in conjunction with a language course or for independent study. It should also prove valuable for revision and reference. Featuring an introduction to the language, key to exercises and a glossary of grammatical terms, the Grammar and Workbook should provide a firm foundation on which to build proficiency and confidence in speaking, reading and writing Cantonese.

This work is designed for learners who have achieved basic proficiency and wish to progress to more complex language. Each of the 25 units combines clear, concise grammar explanations with communicatively oriented exercises to help build confidence and fluency. It is suitable for independent learners and students on taught courses and includes many authentic examples from contemporary media, including films, advertising, songs and soap operas. It gives a clear distinction between colloquial and more formal speech registers and teaches contemporary Cantonese as spoken in Hong Kong.