滬語開路 = Conversational Exercises in the Shanghai Dialect

A practical companion to a classic Shanghai‑dialect textbook, this volume offers a series of spoken drills that let learners move from isolated words to flowing conversation. Each exercise draws exclusively from the vocabulary introduced in the primary lessons, encouraging students to internalise sounds and patterns by ear rather than by reading.

The dialogues depict everyday situations that foreign residents of early‑twentieth‑century Shanghai might face—hiring a carpenter, arranging a meal, or negotiating a purchase. Designed for municipal staff and missionary students, the scenarios are intentionally realistic, prompting listeners to repeat, respond, and gradually build confidence without relying on full translations.

Beyond language practice, the book captures a slice of Shanghai life from a bygone era, giving modern listeners a vivid auditory glimpse of the city’s bustling streets and multicultural interactions. It remains a useful tool for anyone eager to hear and speak the Shanghai dialect with authenticity.