Selecting a Japanese Textbook - Revision history

Phreadom: fixed the other TJS links.

Phreadom — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 07:40:32 GMT

fixed the other TJS links.

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:40, 4 December 2010
Line 57:		Line 57:
	:''An Introduction to Modern Japanese'' (Bowring & Laurie). This is an extremely detailed 52 Lesson course that has the stated goal of enabling the student to read--with only a dictionary for reference-- short stories by the half-way point and newspapers by the end. It comes with a workbook, essential for taking full advantage of this course, and emphasizes the subtleties of _written_ Japanese. Thus, making this course best for the student with the primary goal of Japanese literacy over spoken fluency. It covers more Kanji than any other known course and gives detailed explanations of each grammar point.		:''An Introduction to Modern Japanese'' (Bowring & Laurie). This is an extremely detailed 52 Lesson course that has the stated goal of enabling the student to read--with only a dictionary for reference-- short stories by the half-way point and newspapers by the end. It comes with a workbook, essential for taking full advantage of this course, and emphasizes the subtleties of _written_ Japanese. Thus, making this course best for the student with the primary goal of Japanese literacy over spoken fluency. It covers more Kanji than any other known course and gives detailed explanations of each grammar point.

-	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/~~product.php?productid=16236&cat=70&page=1~~ Japanese in Mangaland]'' With the addition of workbooks this book series graduates from a gimmicky grammar book into a legitimate Japanese course more dedicated towards the student that wants to read manga. Has good explanations, mini exercises and more specifically targeted vocabulary. For example, onomatopoeia and sound effects are taught from the very beginning. Currently 3 textbooks and 1 workbook; workbooks 2 and 3 may be in the works. There only seems to be one workbook at this time, so utility for using this course may fall off quickly after the first book.	+	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/b/2376014011 Japanese in Mangaland]'' With the addition of workbooks this book series graduates from a gimmicky grammar book into a legitimate Japanese course more dedicated towards the student that wants to read manga. Has good explanations, mini exercises and more specifically targeted vocabulary. For example, onomatopoeia and sound effects are taught from the very beginning. Currently 3 textbooks and 1 workbook; workbooks 2 and 3 may be in the works. There only seems to be one workbook at this time, so utility for using this course may fall off quickly after the first book.

	====Spoken and Written====		====Spoken and Written====

-	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/~~product.php?productid=16153&cat=270&page=1~~ Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese]''. This is a 2-book course with a strong following. Each book has an accompanying workbook and audio. It is one of the more expensive courses but worth the money. However, this is not so much better than ''Nakama'' that you should ignore a good deal if you find it.	+	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/Genki-Textbook-Integrated-Elementary-Japanese/dp/B003TU46O4 Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese]''. This is a 2-book course with a strong following. Each book has an accompanying workbook and audio. It is one of the more expensive courses but worth the money. However, this is not so much better than ''Nakama'' that you should ignore a good deal if you find it.

	:''Nakama''. Nakama consists of two volumes, each consisting of a textbook, workbook, and listening. The text is targeted towards college students, but is also excellent for independent study. Kana is used from the beginning and kanji is introduced starting half way through volume 1. Nakama is a solid choice if you're willing to a pay college textbook price.		:''Nakama''. Nakama consists of two volumes, each consisting of a textbook, workbook, and listening. The text is targeted towards college students, but is also excellent for independent study. Kana is used from the beginning and kanji is introduced starting half way through volume 1. Nakama is a solid choice if you're willing to a pay college textbook price.
Line 67:		Line 67:
	:''Elementary Japanese''. Also a two book series, it has the advantage of an audio CD that does not need to be ordered separately and has lots of exercises, although it does not have an accompanying workbook at this time, rather exercises are all within the book, making this a bit thicker than many other textbooks.		:''Elementary Japanese''. Also a two book series, it has the advantage of an audio CD that does not need to be ordered separately and has lots of exercises, although it does not have an accompanying workbook at this time, rather exercises are all within the book, making this a bit thicker than many other textbooks.

-	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/~~product.php?productid=16729&cat=70&page=1~~ Japanese for Everyone]'' is equally good, maybe better, but I rank it lower because it teaches at a faster pace to make up for it's 1 book length and the audio must be purchased separately--and seems difficult to acquire and there is not many exercises. This faster pace can be too much for many people, although the pace did not seem to be extraordinarily fast. I'm sure many will find the pace perfect.	+	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/Japanese-Everyone-Textbook-Revised/dp/B003VKO4LM Japanese for Everyone]'' is equally good, maybe better, but I rank it lower because it teaches at a faster pace to make up for it's 1 book length and the audio must be purchased separately--and seems difficult to acquire and there is not many exercises. This faster pace can be too much for many people, although the pace did not seem to be extraordinarily fast. I'm sure many will find the pace perfect.

-	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/~~home.php?cat=271~~ Japanese for Busy People 3rd Edition]'' by the Association For Japanese-Language Teaching (Ajalt). The 3rd edition has been heavily revised to make this series much better where before it had some major problems. Now it deserves a place near the top. The three primary books in this series are rather cheap--the first textbook can be bought for under $20 and includes audio although the workbook must be bought separately.	+	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/Japanese-for-Busy-People-Japanese-Textbooks-Japanese-Bookstore-Products/b/2359181011 Japanese for Busy People 3rd Edition]'' by the Association For Japanese-Language Teaching (Ajalt). The 3rd edition has been heavily revised to make this series much better where before it had some major problems. Now it deserves a place near the top. The three primary books in this series are rather cheap--the first textbook can be bought for under $20 and includes audio although the workbook must be bought separately.

	:''YesJapan.com'' This nice website has a lot of advantages for the self-study to make it well worth the monthly fee. It has 24 hour teacher access, you can adjust the level of writing instruction with a simple mouse click, there are instructional videos, games, sound files, and a forum to share experiences with other students. Of course, any question can be answered at our own forum, but it's nice to share with other people taking the same course.		:''YesJapan.com'' This nice website has a lot of advantages for the self-study to make it well worth the monthly fee. It has 24 hour teacher access, you can adjust the level of writing instruction with a simple mouse click, there are instructional videos, games, sound files, and a forum to share experiences with other students. Of course, any question can be answered at our own forum, but it's nice to share with other people taking the same course.

Phreadom: fix link to TJS

Phreadom — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 07:25:28 GMT

fix link to TJS

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:25, 4 December 2010
Line 74:		Line 74:

	== Related Pages ==		== Related Pages ==
-	[http://www.thejapanshop.com/~~home.php?~~ The Japan Shop.com] Clay sells textbooks too! Every book he sells he reviewed and rated. <br>	+	[http://www.thejapanshop.com/ The Japan Shop.com] Clay sells textbooks too! Every book he sells he reviewed and rated. <br>
	[[Japanese_Textbook_List]] For more more complete list of textbooks and in-depth reviews for each title. Very much a work in progress. <br>		[[Japanese_Textbook_List]] For more more complete list of textbooks and in-depth reviews for each title. Very much a work in progress. <br>
	[[Reading Material]] This page is mainly for people looking for Japanese reading sources.<br>		[[Reading Material]] This page is mainly for people looking for Japanese reading sources.<br>

Infidel: /* Spoken and Written */

Infidel — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:04:19 GMT

Spoken and Written

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:04, 11 December 2007
Line 69:		Line 69:
	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/product.php?productid=16729&cat=70&page=1 Japanese for Everyone]'' is equally good, maybe better, but I rank it lower because it teaches at a faster pace to make up for it's 1 book length and the audio must be purchased separately--and seems difficult to acquire and there is not many exercises. This faster pace can be too much for many people, although the pace did not seem to be extraordinarily fast. I'm sure many will find the pace perfect.		:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/product.php?productid=16729&cat=70&page=1 Japanese for Everyone]'' is equally good, maybe better, but I rank it lower because it teaches at a faster pace to make up for it's 1 book length and the audio must be purchased separately--and seems difficult to acquire and there is not many exercises. This faster pace can be too much for many people, although the pace did not seem to be extraordinarily fast. I'm sure many will find the pace perfect.

-	:''Japanese for Busy People 3rd Edition'' by the Association For Japanese-Language Teaching (Ajalt). The 3rd edition has been heavily revised to make this series much better where before it had some major problems. Now it deserves a place near the top. The three primary books in this series are rather cheap--the first textbook can be bought for under $20 and includes audio although the workbook must be bought separately.	+	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/home.php?cat=271 Japanese for Busy People 3rd Edition]'' by the Association For Japanese-Language Teaching (Ajalt). The 3rd edition has been heavily revised to make this series much better where before it had some major problems. Now it deserves a place near the top. The three primary books in this series are rather cheap--the first textbook can be bought for under $20 and includes audio although the workbook must be bought separately.

	:''YesJapan.com'' This nice website has a lot of advantages for the self-study to make it well worth the monthly fee. It has 24 hour teacher access, you can adjust the level of writing instruction with a simple mouse click, there are instructional videos, games, sound files, and a forum to share experiences with other students. Of course, any question can be answered at our own forum, but it's nice to share with other people taking the same course.		:''YesJapan.com'' This nice website has a lot of advantages for the self-study to make it well worth the monthly fee. It has 24 hour teacher access, you can adjust the level of writing instruction with a simple mouse click, there are instructional videos, games, sound files, and a forum to share experiences with other students. Of course, any question can be answered at our own forum, but it's nice to share with other people taking the same course.

Infidel: /* Best Highlights */

Infidel — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:57:57 GMT

Best Highlights

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:57, 10 December 2007
Line 34:		Line 34:
	===Best Highlights===		===Best Highlights===

-	To save some trouble this list is for those who want a quick answer, there is a short list here. The full list of known textbooks is also available ot the [[Japanese_Textbook_List]]. Most courses are rated on quality not speed. I do plan to make a note of any courses that seem to emphasize speed. Better courses are listed above weaker courses, but to be listed at all in the "Best" list is a good sign. Please realize that these "Best" courses are rated extremely subjectively. '''If a book is not listed here that doesn't mean it is bad, these are just the best of the titles we've been able to review in-depth.''' If you look at the full list, you will see that there are many books still to be reviewed, so don't be discouraged if a book you already have or desire is not listed in the "Best of" list below. Hopefully, after reading this page, will know enough to judge ~~whether~~ a given course fills your needs ~~by yourself~~. Usually I will try to give a reason one title is listed over another. If you don't see the book you want here, check out the complete [[Japanese Textbook List]]. If Clay is selling a recommended book, I'll point the link to his store in thanks for hosting the site.	+	To save some trouble this list is for those who want a quick answer, there is a short list here. The full list of known textbooks is also available ot the [[Japanese_Textbook_List]]. Most courses are rated on quality not speed. I do plan to make a note of any courses that seem to emphasize speed. Better courses are listed above weaker courses, but to be listed at all in the "Best" list is a good sign. Please realize that these "Best" courses are rated extremely subjectively. '''If a book is not listed here that doesn't mean it is bad, these are just the best of the titles we've been able to review in-depth.''' If you look at the full list, you will see that there are many books still to be reviewed, so don't be discouraged if a book you already have or desire is not listed in the "Best of" list below. Hopefully, after reading this page, you will know enough to judge for yourself if a given course fills your needs. Usually I will try to give a reason one title is listed over another. If you don't see the book you want here, check out the complete [[Japanese Textbook List]]. If Clay is selling a recommended book, I'll point the link to his store in thanks for hosting the site.

	====Travel Guides====		====Travel Guides====

Infidel: /* Best Highlights */

Infidel — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:07:44 GMT

Best Highlights

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:07, 7 December 2007
Line 34:		Line 34:
	===Best Highlights===		===Best Highlights===

-	To save some trouble this list is for those who want a quick answer, there is a short list here. The full list of known textbooks is also available [[Japanese_Textbook_List ~~here~~]]. Most courses are rated on quality not speed. I do plan to make a note of any courses that seem to emphasize speed. Better courses are listed above weaker courses, but to be listed at all in the "Best" list is a good sign. Please realize that these "Best" courses are rated extremely subjectively. '''If a book is not listed here that doesn't mean it is bad, these are just the best of the titles we've been able to review in-depth.''' If you look at the full list, you will see that there are many books still to be reviewed, so don't be discouraged if a book you already have or desire is not listed in the "Best of" list below. Hopefully, after reading this page, will know enough to judge whether a given course fills your needs by yourself. Usually I will try to give a reason one title is listed over another. If you don't see the book you want here, check out the complete [[Japanese Textbook List]]. If Clay is selling a recommended book, I'll point the link to his store in thanks for hosting the site.	+	To save some trouble this list is for those who want a quick answer, there is a short list here. The full list of known textbooks is also available ot the [[Japanese_Textbook_List]]. Most courses are rated on quality not speed. I do plan to make a note of any courses that seem to emphasize speed. Better courses are listed above weaker courses, but to be listed at all in the "Best" list is a good sign. Please realize that these "Best" courses are rated extremely subjectively. '''If a book is not listed here that doesn't mean it is bad, these are just the best of the titles we've been able to review in-depth.''' If you look at the full list, you will see that there are many books still to be reviewed, so don't be discouraged if a book you already have or desire is not listed in the "Best of" list below. Hopefully, after reading this page, will know enough to judge whether a given course fills your needs by yourself. Usually I will try to give a reason one title is listed over another. If you don't see the book you want here, check out the complete [[Japanese Textbook List]]. If Clay is selling a recommended book, I'll point the link to his store in thanks for hosting the site.

	====Travel Guides====		====Travel Guides====

Infidel: /* Best Highlights */

Infidel — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:07:16 GMT

Best Highlights

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:07, 7 December 2007
Line 34:		Line 34:
	===Best Highlights===		===Best Highlights===

-	To save some trouble this list is for those who want a quick answer. Most courses are rated on quality not speed. I do plan to make a note of any courses that seem to emphasize speed. Better courses are listed above weaker courses, but to be listed at all in the "Best" list is a good sign. Please realize that these "Best" courses are rated extremely subjectively. If ~~something~~ is not on here, that doesn't ~~necessarily~~ mean it is bad, ~~also~~ you ~~might prefer~~ a book not ~~on this~~ list. Hopefully, after reading this page, will know enough to judge whether a given course fills your needs by yourself. Usually I will try to give a reason one title is listed over another. If you don't see the book you want here, check out the complete [[Japanese Textbook List]]. If Clay is selling a recommended book, I'll point the link to his store in thanks for hosting the site.	+	To save some trouble this list is for those who want a quick answer, there is a short list here. The full list of known textbooks is also available [[Japanese_Textbook_List here]]. Most courses are rated on quality not speed. I do plan to make a note of any courses that seem to emphasize speed. Better courses are listed above weaker courses, but to be listed at all in the "Best" list is a good sign. Please realize that these "Best" courses are rated extremely subjectively. '''If a book is not listed here that doesn't mean it is bad, these are just the best of the titles we've been able to review in-depth.''' If you look at the full list, you will see that there are many books still to be reviewed, so don't be discouraged if a book you already have or desire is not listed in the "Best of" list below. Hopefully, after reading this page, will know enough to judge whether a given course fills your needs by yourself. Usually I will try to give a reason one title is listed over another. If you don't see the book you want here, check out the complete [[Japanese Textbook List]]. If Clay is selling a recommended book, I'll point the link to his store in thanks for hosting the site.

	====Travel Guides====		====Travel Guides====

Infidel: /* Related Pages */

Infidel — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:01:53 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:01, 7 December 2007
Line 74:		Line 74:

	== Related Pages ==		== Related Pages ==
-	[http://www.thejapanshop.com/home.php? The Japan Shop.com] Clay sells textbooks too! Every book he sells he reviewed and rated.	+	[http://www.thejapanshop.com/home.php? The Japan Shop.com] Clay sells textbooks too! Every book he sells he reviewed and rated. <br>
-	[[Japanese_Textbook_List]] For more more complete list of textbooks and in-depth reviews for each title. Very much a work in progress.	+	[[Japanese_Textbook_List]] For more more complete list of textbooks and in-depth reviews for each title. Very much a work in progress. <br>
-	[[Reading Material]] This page is mainly for people looking for Japanese reading sources.	+	[[Reading Material]] This page is mainly for people looking for Japanese reading sources.<br>
-	[[Japanese Supplements]] Reviews and listings for any Supplemental works.	+	[[Japanese Supplements]] Reviews and listings for any Supplemental works. <br><br>

	[[Category:Practice]]		[[Category:Practice]]

Gundaetiapo: /* Spoken and Written */

Gundaetiapo — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:39:52 GMT

Spoken and Written

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:39, 4 December 2007
Line 63:		Line 63:
	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/product.php?productid=16153&cat=270&page=1 Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese]''. This is a 2-book course with a strong following. Each book has an accompanying workbook and audio. It is one of the more expensive courses but worth the money. However, this is not so much better than ''Nakama'' that you should ignore a good deal if you find it.		:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/product.php?productid=16153&cat=270&page=1 Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese]''. This is a 2-book course with a strong following. Each book has an accompanying workbook and audio. It is one of the more expensive courses but worth the money. However, this is not so much better than ''Nakama'' that you should ignore a good deal if you find it.

-	:''Nakama''. Nakama consists of two volumes, each consisting of a textbook, workbook, and listening. The text is targeted towards college students, but is also excellent for independent study. Kana is used from the beginning and kanji is introduced starting half way through volume 1. Nakama is a solid choice if you're willing to pay college textbook ~~prices~~.	+	:''Nakama''. Nakama consists of two volumes, each consisting of a textbook, workbook, and listening. The text is targeted towards college students, but is also excellent for independent study. Kana is used from the beginning and kanji is introduced starting half way through volume 1. Nakama is a solid choice if you're willing to a pay college textbook price.

	:''Elementary Japanese''. Also a two book series, it has the advantage of an audio CD that does not need to be ordered separately and has lots of exercises, although it does not have an accompanying workbook at this time, rather exercises are all within the book, making this a bit thicker than many other textbooks.		:''Elementary Japanese''. Also a two book series, it has the advantage of an audio CD that does not need to be ordered separately and has lots of exercises, although it does not have an accompanying workbook at this time, rather exercises are all within the book, making this a bit thicker than many other textbooks.

Gundaetiapo: /* Spoken and Written */

Gundaetiapo — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:39:16 GMT

Spoken and Written

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:39, 4 December 2007
Line 62:		Line 62:

	:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/product.php?productid=16153&cat=270&page=1 Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese]''. This is a 2-book course with a strong following. Each book has an accompanying workbook and audio. It is one of the more expensive courses but worth the money. However, this is not so much better than ''Nakama'' that you should ignore a good deal if you find it.		:''[http://www.thejapanshop.com/product.php?productid=16153&cat=270&page=1 Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese]''. This is a 2-book course with a strong following. Each book has an accompanying workbook and audio. It is one of the more expensive courses but worth the money. However, this is not so much better than ''Nakama'' that you should ignore a good deal if you find it.
		+
		+	:''Nakama''. Nakama consists of two volumes, each consisting of a textbook, workbook, and listening. The text is targeted towards college students, but is also excellent for independent study. Kana is used from the beginning and kanji is introduced starting half way through volume 1. Nakama is a solid choice if you're willing to pay college textbook prices.

	:''Elementary Japanese''. Also a two book series, it has the advantage of an audio CD that does not need to be ordered separately and has lots of exercises, although it does not have an accompanying workbook at this time, rather exercises are all within the book, making this a bit thicker than many other textbooks.		:''Elementary Japanese''. Also a two book series, it has the advantage of an audio CD that does not need to be ordered separately and has lots of exercises, although it does not have an accompanying workbook at this time, rather exercises are all within the book, making this a bit thicker than many other textbooks.

Infidel: /* Related Pages */

Infidel — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:38:57 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 2 December 2007
Line 72:		Line 72:

	== Related Pages ==		== Related Pages ==
		+	[http://www.thejapanshop.com/home.php? The Japan Shop.com] Clay sells textbooks too! Every book he sells he reviewed and rated.
	[[Japanese_Textbook_List]] For more more complete list of textbooks and in-depth reviews for each title. Very much a work in progress.		[[Japanese_Textbook_List]] For more more complete list of textbooks and in-depth reviews for each title. Very much a work in progress.
	[[Reading Material]] This page is mainly for people looking for Japanese reading sources.		[[Reading Material]] This page is mainly for people looking for Japanese reading sources.