Useful Phrases in the Shanghai Dialect

"Useful Phrases in the Shanghai Dialect" by Gilbert McIntosh is a helpful manual from the early 1900s, providing common sayings and words in the Shanghai language for tourists, people living there, and pupils. This text provides translations of imperative expressions and includes common situations like introductions, buying items, and traveling. The start introduces the plan for the book, formed by requests from those that don't have time that seek a short phrasebook. The writer stresses learning important phrases and recommends other readings for further learning. As well, the beginning shows a summary of the lettering system used in the dialect, helping those that speak English with sounding out words and understanding.