This book provides a research-based account of how to teach and learn Chinese as a foreign language. Specially written for Chinese language teachers, student teachers, and applied linguists, this is the first book written in English that systematically addresses all major aspects involved in teaching and learning Chinese as a foreign language. It identifies five key areas: pronunciation (tones and pinyin), characters and words, sentences, discourse and pragmatic competence, and cultural competence. It covers all the fundamental grammar elements in Chinese, explains their functions in discourse and communication, and explores different strategies for teaching and engaging students in learning the language.