The Way of Chinese Characters

For non-native speakers of Chinese, learning to write Chinese characters can be one of the most challenging aspects of the language. Learners are often asked to memorize characters by simply writing them over and over again, without a basic understanding of their meanings.

The Way of Chinese Characters offers a more holistic approach to character learning that is fun and accessible, yet firmly grounded in academic research on the origins of Chinese characters. Four hundred of the most essential Chinese characters are presented, each with a concise introduction to its classification and evolution. Illustrations of early writing forms help learners visualize the character's evolution, and cartoon drawings serve as helpful mnemonic devices.