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      • Teaching, Language & Reference

        Easy-to-Read Chinese Short Stories, Book 1

        by April Zhang and Jeff Pepper

        This is the first book in the series that is for Chinese learners and by Chinese learners.   Early in 2021, Chinese learners worldwide were invited to participate in the first MSL Master Chinese Writing contest. Entries were limited to using 320 unique Chinese characters. Out of 82 submissions, 17 of them were ranked the highest in a public vote on Twitter. These top-ranked works are included in this book, a wonderful collection of very short stories, poems and a mini play.   The 17 authors were from eight different regions and countries. Some were younger; some older. Some were still studying in schools; some were working professionals. Some had not studied Chinese for long; Some had put in many years of time and effort. Most of them were learning Chinese in a non-Chinese speaking environment. Most of them were learning Chinese as a second or a third language. Despite all their differences, they shared the passion for Chinese and they were brought together in this Chinese Writing Contest. Together, they had created worlds that were full of love, desire and ambition.   From these entries, you’ll see that their Chinese language skills are varied. In their hands, the 320 characters were like a sheet of loose sand, some made a cute figurine; some made a magnificent castle; some made a powerful computer chip. Some writings were lyrical and simple, easy to understand; some used more literary language to present a complex picture. This unevenness, this natural spectrum often found in any Chinese classes, demonstrates necessary stages in learning progress. As a result, this book can be appreciated by both beginner students and advanced students.   Don’t consider this book as a magnum opus. Instead, appreciate the sparkling minds and original thoughts from all these burgeoning authors. Their writing careers did not stop at 320 Chinese characters. Some of them may shine in the literary world in the future. We’ll be glad to claim the credit that we have had the first glimpse.   Also, you may not like all 17 of them. That’s the way it is for everything. It’s like listening to radio. Different people prefer different songs. If you can be inspired by some, this book serves its purpose.   A sample story and a free audio book are available here:  https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/chinese-textbooks/easy-to-read-series

      • Teaching, Language & Reference
        November 2022

        Easy-to-Read Chinese Short Stories, Book 2

        by April Zhang and Carlton Cash

        This is the second book in the series that is for Chinese learners and by Chinese learners.   Since 2021, MSL Master has invited Chinese language learners worldwide to participate in an annual event, Chinese Writing Contest. Entries are limited to using 320 Chinese characters only.   In 2022, 58 entries were received. After a public vote on Twitter, the best 14 were included in this book.   These are interesting stories and moving poems. Family, friendship and love are the main themes. The presence of nature is prominent. An element of inexplicable phenomena is also felt.   The authors were from seven countries, Malaysia, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. The oldest one was 70 years old, while the youngest one only 13. They shared a passion for the Chinese language and the love of a good challenge!   Their abilities of moulding these 320 characters were varied. While some were skilful, others were still feeling their ways and trying inventive combinations. While some relied on literary language, others preferred using simple expressions to express deep meanings.   Because of its unique mixture of texts, this book has something for evereyone, regardless whether you are beginners or advanced Chinese language learners.   Free audio and a sample story are available here: https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/chinese-textbooks/easy-to-read-series

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