Mandarin Companion creates books you can read! This series offers Chinese learners enjoyable and interesting reading materials to accelerate language learning. Each book uses characters, words, and grammar that a learner is most likely to know at each level based on in-depth analysis of textbooks, education programs, and natural Chinese language. Every story is written in a style that is easy for a learner to understand and enjoyable to read.
Mandarin Companion Level 1
Level One is intended for Chinese learners who have obtained an elementary level of Chinese. Most students will be able to approach this book after one to two years of traditional formal study, depending on the learner and program. In creating this story we have carefully balanced the need for level-appropriate simplicity against the needs of the story's plot.
When writing a story in Chinese, close attention must be paid to both Chinese characters and vocabulary words. The level is designed around Mandarin Companion's core set of 300 basic characters ensuring that most vocabulary will be simple, everyday words, composed of characters that the learner is most likely to know. This book contains approximately 400 unique words, a figure similar to low-level graded readers for English learners. New words and characters may be added as the plot requires but are strictly limited to fall within the principles of extensive reading. Corresponding pinyin readings and English definitions are provided at each occurrence.
Key words are added gradually over the course of the story. A numbered footnote indicates the first time a new word or character is introduced and the corresponding hyperlink references the glossary with pinyin and an English definition. Each additional instance of a new word is indicated by a hyperlink. All proper nouns have been underlined to help the reader distinguish between names and words.
What level is right for me?
If you are able to read this book with a high level of comprehension, then this book is likely at your level. It is ideal to have at most only one unknown word or character for every 40-50 words or characters that are read.
Once you are able to read fluidly and quickly without interruption you are ready for the next level. Even if you are able to understand all of the words in the book, we recommend that readers build fluidity and reading speed before moving to higher levels.
How will this help my Chinese?
Reading extensively in a language you are learning is one of the most effective ways to build fluency. However, the key is to read at a high level of comprehension. Reading at the appropriate level in Chinese will increase the speed of character recognition, help acquire vocabulary faster, allow readers to naturally learn grammar, and train the brain to think in Chinese. It also makes learning Chinese more fun and enjoyable. Readers will experience the sense of accomplishment and confidence that only comes from reading entire books in Chinese.
For more information, please see Extensive Reading and Graded Readers