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Many Mandarin learning materials gloss over the subject of Mandarin Grammar. If you are looking for a thorough introduction to Chinese grammar, the Schaum's Outlines Chinese Grammar provides a excellent introduction to the subject. Each grammar point is illustrated with many examples, and each section includes practice exercises that are suitable for self-study.

The Value Of Grammar

Some people claim that there is no such thing as Chinese grammar.

If there remains any doubt, a book such as Schaum's Outlines Chinese Grammar refutes the claim. Although much simpler (in many ways) than the grammar of European languages, there is most definitely a grammar of Mandarin Chinese.

The Schaum's Outlines Chinese Grammar is written by Claudia Ross, a professor of Chinese at Massachusetts College of the Holy Cross.

The book is well laid out, beginning with the most basic Mandarin grammar and progressing to more advanced topics. Each grammar point is illustrated by several examples in both simplified and traditional characters as well as Pinyin. Erroneous examples are also given where common errors occur.

Drawbacks

I don't know of any other Mandarin grammar book that covers the subject as clearly as Schaum's Outlines Chinese Grammar. However, it is sometimes difficult to locate particular topics, this despite a fairly comprehensive index and table of contents. And the use of linguistic terms, which are helpful for advanced students, can make the topic of Mandarin grammar seem more obscure than it actually is.

This is not really a book for beginners. Those who have mastered the basics of Mandarin Chinese will benefit most from Schaum's Outlines Chinese Grammar, as it clarifies language points that the student most likely has already used or studied.

Is This Book For Me?

If you are serious about learning Mandarin Chinese, Schaum's Outlines Chinese Grammar will be a valuable addition to your textbook library. It can be used by self-learners, as the many exercises have an answer key in the back. It can also be very useful in a classroom setting, where each grammar point can be explained and practiced in depth.

If your interest in Mandarin Chinese is primarily recreational, however, you can probably pass this one by. Those who want to learn a few Mandarin phrases for a trip to China have little need for the intricacies of Mandarin grammar.