page break

Preface.

The object of the author in publishing this little volume, is to enable all classes of citizens to acquire an elementary and practical knowledge of the spoken language of the Cantonese dialect.

This is the dialect most generally understood by all classes of Chinese immigrants on the Pacific coast and elsewhere, as nearly all such immigrants are from the Canton district; the comparatively few who come from other districts soon become, through a necessary and continual intercourse with the Cantonese, familiarized with the accent and pronunciation of the latter. So that a man well versed in this dialect may be readily understood by all the Chinese; as the Chinese almost without exception read their language, the indication of the proper sentence will readily be understood by them.

It will also be found sufficient in communicating with the merchants and educated classes of Japan, as they understand the Chinese characters.

The author has been induced to undertake this publication by what seemed to him a daily increasing necessity, consequent upon the extended employment of Chinese, and the now established regular line of communication with China and Japan.

The work is adapted to practical use in business and social life, and as such is respectfully submitted to the public.

page break