Lessons in the Shanghai Dialect

"Lessons in the Shanghai Dialect" by F. L. Hawks Pott is a language learning guide written in the early 20th century. This instructional text aims to teach readers the Shanghai dialect of Chinese, a local dialect that remains significant despite the push for a uniform Mandarin language throughout China. The book emphasizes practical speaking skills alongside an understanding of basic grammar and vocabulary needed for effective communication in Shanghai. The opening of the work establishes the context for learning the Shanghai dialect, highlighting the enduring value of local dialects as opposed to the proposed uniform language of Mandarin. The author expresses the necessity of understanding the dialect for missionaries and foreigners working in the area, stressing that speaking the native language is vital for effective interaction with local people. Following this introduction, the text outlines a structured approach to learning the dialect through a series of lessons that incorporate grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation guidance, ultimately equipping learners with the skills to converse in Shanghai dialect. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Francis Lister Hawks Pott was an American Episcopal missionary and educator in China. He served as President of St. John's College, one of China's oldest and most prestigious universities, from 1888 until 1941. With the outbreak of the Pacific War in 1941 and the Japanese occupation of the Shanghai International Settlement, he left for the United States. After World War II, he returned to Shanghai.