Lessons in the Shanghai Dialect

At a time when Mandarin was being promoted as a national language, this 1924 manual offers a focused look at the Shanghai dialect, the living speech of millions in the bustling port city. Written for missionaries and expatriates, it argues that mastering the local tongue is essential for genuine communication and effective work in the region. The preface sets a clear purpose: to give learners a practical shortcut to spoken fluency without demanding immediate mastery of Chinese characters.

The lessons use a straightforward Romanization system adopted by missionaries, pairing each sound with its Chinese character for the benefit of a native‑speaking guide. Topics range from basic adjectives and numbers to polite expressions, compound verbs, and everyday idioms, all organized in easy‑to‑follow tables. While the book encourages independent practice, it stresses the value of a teacher who can confirm pronunciation, making it a useful companion for anyone hoping to converse confidently on Shanghai’s streets or in its markets.