Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Hey,
I'm wondering if anyone has any good suggestions for childrens' books in Japanese. Preferably with some kanji (probly only up through 4kyuu level). I've been learning kanji (and of course I know all the kana) and I'm looking for some reading practice. Te stories don't have to be great, just for the practice. I tried searching for kid books on http://www.yesasia.com, but they don't let you see what's inside or give very good discriptions. So...any title suggestions? Thanks so much.
I'm wondering if anyone has any good suggestions for childrens' books in Japanese. Preferably with some kanji (probly only up through 4kyuu level). I've been learning kanji (and of course I know all the kana) and I'm looking for some reading practice. Te stories don't have to be great, just for the practice. I tried searching for kid books on http://www.yesasia.com, but they don't let you see what's inside or give very good discriptions. So...any title suggestions? Thanks so much.
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
やっぱりおおかみ is one book I'm keeping my eye out for. It's really cute, from what I can see on the cover, and I bet it has an interesting story. Good luck finding it, tho'. I wanna know where I can get children's books, too!!!
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Why not order it?
http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4834005208
http://www.ehonnavi.net/ehon00.asp?No=2251
The ISBN number is there. That's all you need to order it at your local bookstore.
ISBN: 4834005208
http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4834005208
http://www.ehonnavi.net/ehon00.asp?No=2251
The ISBN number is there. That's all you need to order it at your local bookstore.
ISBN: 4834005208
Last edited by lemonaid on Tue 10.24.2006 2:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
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RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
I think it would be a good idea to finish working through your textbook before trying to read books. Otherwise there will just be too many grammatical constructions that you can't recognise.
天気がいいから、散歩しましょう。
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Oh, let him be the 10 millionth person to independently figure out that children's books are crap as beginner learning material.
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RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Why are they crap? I thought it would be a good way to consolidate learnt vocab and grammar. And there is always the motivational factor that you can now read a book completely in Japanese and understand it.
Surely, the books are designed for children to learn as well. I knicked this from another thread but you know what i mean..
Surely, the books are designed for children to learn as well. I knicked this from another thread but you know what i mean..
two_heads_talking wrote:
sometimes the endevor to accomplish something is greater than the accomplishment.
story of my life...tanuki wrote:
How about:
外人: これはすしです。すしが好きです。
日本人: おお!日本語が上手ですね。
外人: Erm....what?
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Children's books use a lot more vocabulary than you'd expect and they're also likely to use vocabulary and grammar for kids. In other words you run the risk of ending up calling trains choo-choos.WacKostRacKo wrote:
Why are they crap? I thought it would be a good way to consolidate learnt vocab and grammar. And there is always the motivational factor that you can now read a book completely in Japanese and understand it.
Surely, the books are designed for children to learn as well.
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Conversely, many learners assume that Japanese kids learn Japanese grammar in some linear fashion just as we do and that due to their youth, their books will only contain simple grammar. Such is not the case.paul_b wrote:My kid needs a trike.... Maybe something like this?WacKostRacKo wrote:
Why are they crap? I thought it would be a good way to consolidate learnt vocab and grammar. And there is always the motivational factor that you can now read a book completely in Japanese and understand it.
Surely, the books are designed for children to learn as well.
Children's books use a lot more vocabulary than you'd expect and they're also likely to use vocabulary and grammar for kids. In other words you run the risk of ending up calling trains choo-choos.
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
ok, well if childrens books are a bad idea, what other ways do you suggest for reading practice? even if i don't know all the vocab & grammer i am willing to look up a few things as i go.
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RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Preach it, brah.Oh, let him be the 10 millionth person to independently figure out that children's books are crap as beginner learning material.
I say the same thing about manga, but no one ever listens.
If someone *really* has a decent grasp on grammatical basics, and knows where to go to get the answers to things they may encounter and not grok, regular literature should be fine. Lots of new vocabulary, sure, but isn't that *why* one reads?
Tony
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
On the other hand, it's obvious to me that many adult Americans want to learn to speak like a manga schoolgirl, while others wouldn't mind talking like a Japanese 4-year-old. A strange phenomenon, sure, but you've seen what passes for style in the English language these days.
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
Yeah, but I still understand Rumiko Takahashi's manga much better than say, the more polished and modern manga which include more tricky dialogue. By the way, I AM recommending you shop for some Japanese Ranma 1/2 manga, Hikari! It's got a great story that's easy to pick up, and relatively simple dialogue.Conversely, many learners assume that Japanese kids learn Japanese grammar in some linear fashion just as we do and that due to their youth, their books will only contain simple grammar. Such is not the case.
You definitely have a good point, tho', Mike.
Last edited by Fukumori on Tue 10.24.2006 1:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
If you want something entertaining and easy to understand for a beginner, get the Yotsuba& manga series. Just don't try to talk like any of the characters in the book.
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RE: Japanese childrens' books to practice reading?
I agree, I have Yotsubato volume 1 in japanese and found it very easy to read, and I can't read very much at all. I'm thinking about buying volume 2 now.
I know you believe you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.