<DIV><i>The Chinese Language</i> is a brief introduction to the main characteristics of Chinese, written to be accessible to beginning students as well as anyone with a general interest in Chinese language and culture. Not a language-learning title as such, <i>The Chinese Language</i> provides a demystifying overview of Chinese from a linguistic, historical and social perspective. Providing basic information such as where Chinese is spoken, the history and earliest written records, regional variations, and a description of the writing system, <i>The Chinese Language</i> provides an excellent starting point for anyone intrigued by the history and basics of Chinese language.</div>