One should first hear, then speak, then read, then write
One should first hear, then speak, then read, then write. To reverse the order makes the acquisition of the language more difficult, and will usually lead to the formation of habits which must later be broken. In other words, one should never speak what one has not heard, and until one has a good command of the language, being able to speak with a good rhythm and accurate pronunciation, sentences, phrases, and words should be acquired first by the ear-not by the eye. Furthermore, it saves time and requires less effort to have the reading of any material precede the writing of the same.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE
Study of the Chinese Language
PREPARED BY
Mr. W. B. PETTUS
SHANGHAI
AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN MISSION PRESS
1915