Cantonese is a vibrant, fascinating language spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, southern China, Southeast Asia, and Chinese communities worldwide. If you hear a language being spoken in your city's Chinatown, it's most likely Cantonese.

This book is a lively basic introduction to Cantonese language and culture, for travelers, language students, Chinese Americans, fans of Jackie Chan movies, people who like to eat in Chinese restaurants, and just about everybody else.

Reading Chinese characters is not necessary (although Chinese characters are provided for reference), nor is memorizing tones. The focus is on getting started through normal everyday conversation and daily situations in Cantonese.

Everyone's favorite Cantonese topics -- dimsum and swearing -- are covered. Extensively. Additionally, there are guides to small talk, names, restaurant and shopping talk, gangster talk, and, of course, love and sex talk.

Cantonese is the lifeblood of Hong Kong and Chinese-speaking communities from San Francisco to Mexico City to Paris.

Cantonese on the Daily is the fun and easy way to get started on Cantonese. One hour is enough to get started, but a lifetime may not be enough to fully master the wealth of Cantonese.