Introduction to Literary Chinese: Part II

Abstract

Part II of this primer in wenyanwen (Literary Chinese) consistes of twelve lessons, each taking an authentic passage as its primary text, generally reproduced from a traditional edition. Texts are generally unpuntuated, but an appendix of punctuated versions is provided (teachers using the materials may delete this section, if they choose). Vocabulary is fully glossed and texts, which are generally considerably longer and more challenging than in Part I, are introduced by background information and accompanied by English-language annotations. Part II is meant to introduce students both to a wider range of literary texts and to certain types of advanced technical challenges.