Teach Yourself Cantonese Complete Course Audiopack

Rating:
Summary: Great program for learning Cantonese
Review: Among the few books and courses available for learning Cantonese, this one is will help you to develop a solid foundation of the language.

If you are absolute beginner, you may want to get Pimsleur's Cantonese I and work with it before moving on to Teach Yourself Cantonese.

This program does contain 2 tapes, but you'll find it easier to step into the waters of speaking Cantonese with confidence if you begin with Pimsleur's program. Learning Cantonese will be million times more easier and more fun, and then you'll find working with Teach Yourself Cantonese much more productive.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book - latest edition with Yale pronunciation
Review: I have bought most of the books for learning cantonese in the market including the ones with audio input since arriving in Hong Kong. First of all there is no simple or easy way for a foreigner with a language base such as English. One of the main frustration is learning and understanding the various tones. I feel that this is one of the best with a simple to learn and effective pronunciation system (Yale pronunciation)- which can be self taught. However, the input from a native speaker especially with tones is essentialin the beginning.
The chapters are well laid out with new words and phrases as well as a gradual introduction to grammar and language quirks.
The chapters relate to everday situations and are easy to refer back for revisions.
Furthermore once you have mastered the book another chapter on advise in the end does point you the road ahead.

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant book - if you have a Cantonese speaking friend
Review: If you don't have a friend who can speak Cantonese, then don't buy this book - but do buy the Book + Audio Cassette version instead.

Used on its own, i.e. without the cassette, it provides a good lesson structure which you can follow with the help of a Cantonese speaking friend. I think that knowing a native speaker is pretty much a requirement to learn such a precise language anyway, as a small change in pronounciation makes a whole load of difference to the meaning.

The book uses funny dialogs and cartoons to help you learn, and also has exercises in each chapter to make certain you have understood everything that was taught. For example, making a meaningful sentance out of a 'jubbled up' one. To further check your progress there are revision chapters throughout the book, which are there to consolidate all of what you have been taught so far.

In summary, this book will not do a brilliant job of teaching you to speak Cantonese IF you intend to use it on its own. BUT like I've said, if you have a Cantonese speaking friend to teach you pronounciation then it provides a very good lesson plan for you to work from.

Highly Recommended.