The Languages of China - by S Robert Ramsey (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An incredible source of information about the Chinese language and China's minority languages

In this accessible and informative book, S. Robert Ramsey lucidly explains what the Chinese language is--its social and geographical situation, its history, its range of dialects, the structure of the modern standard language, and the writing system. He goes on to describe the languages of China's national minorities, showing how they interrelate with each other and with Chinese. Readers learn about the peoples who speak the languages of China, what China is like linguistically, and the cultural and historical settings of the country's languages. For those who want more linguistic detail, Ramsey provides lists, maps, charts, and descriptions along with technical references in notes at the end of the book. Invaluable to general linguists and Sinologists alike, The Languages of China is an excellent introduction to Chinese and East Asian linguistics.

From the Back Cover

The picture of China presented here is a study not just of one language but of many. Along with a description of what we in the West conventionally call 'Chinese, ' it also contains descriptions of the dozens of other languages spoken within China's international borders, the languages of the so-called national minorities.

Review Quotes

"[The Languages of China] is a volume that provides a feeling of depth while still being accessible to the general reader: I recommend it to anyone at all interested in Chinese history or comparative linguistics."-- "Danny Reviews"

"A unique and brilliant work. . . . Ramsey integrates nearly all of the gains of modern research on the Chinese language and skillfully presents the results in a concise, interesting, and comprehensible manner."---Charles N. Li, American Anthropologist

"I find The Languages of China a pleasure in virtually all respects. It is extremely easy to read, full of useful information, and beautifully produced."---Victor H. Mair, Pacific Affairs

"In producing a book on China as a linguistic area, the ideal is a comprehensive and accurate account that places China's linguistic diversity in a meaningful historical, geographical, and social context. Ramsey has succeeded admirably in achieving this end."---Jerome L. Packard, Journal of Asian Studies

About the Author

S. Robert Ramsey is professor of East Asian linguistics at the University of Maryland. His books include (with Ki-Moon Lee) A History of the Korean Language.