Customer Reviews

Japanese for Busy People I: Romanized Version includes CD (Bk. 1)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I think this book does a great job working with the business oriented very basic beginner. For my intents & purposes this book is fantastic - at this point, I'm not looking to have an in depth understanding of the language, I'm looking to be able to communicate just enough with Japanese speaking individuals. The book jumps right in with sentences and useful business phrases written in romaji (romanized writing of Japanese sounds/words) so that learning, understanding and speaking these phrases can begin immediately without having to learn the new alphabet. At this time, I am "illiterate" when it comes to Japanese (Kanji/Hiragana) but I can say enough phrases to get my point across. Should I desire to be able to read, write or better communicate, I would probably suggest a book that deals more thoroughly with the Japanese characters.

I picked up this book in college as required text book for class. Listening to the CD will help the reader through un familiar sounding phrases and greetings. Used separately the book will help a beginner practice sounding out words in the most typical everyday lifestyle from asking directions to buying stamps at the post office, to counting items in an department store.

This book is great, It has helped me learn so far so I am able to keep up with my class. The audio CD is great to listen to and easy to get used to. I had no problem beginning with the Romanized version, I am now transitioning onto using the Kana version. I recommend it to anyone beginning their studies in the Japanese Language.

I was a little hesitant at the begining, because I did not see kanji or a lot of japanese characters, but decided to buy the book with the CD anyway. I have been following the book in partnership with a friend from Japan over the internet who has the same book, and is working very well for me. We have only about 30 minutes sessions 4 or 5 times a week and I can easily read and do the excercises on my own after the online sessions. I recommend the book for somebody who wants to get the basics. This is not an advanced training but it will give you the essentials to start communicating in japanese.

The vendor was unwilling to take the return. Was an extreme hassel to get in touch with them and to this point still waiting on their reply. The CD came in broken and had to borrow a classmate's CD which was extremely cumbersome. Will not buy from them ever! Worst return policy in Amazon.

I've read about 10 different JSL books, including the Berlitz book, and I must say that Japanese for Busy People I, II, and III are hands down the best. Fantastic development of skills and comprehension, challenging, and appropriate for the beginner to intermediate user. By the third book you're reading hiragana and answering all in Japanese. It's a smooth transition and the sections are short enough you can finish each in about an hour.

I CANNOT recommend this book more highly!! If you want to learn Japanese, get this series of books.
Sharon

This product helps you learn japanese faster than learning online. It helps you understand the grammar and phonetics of Japanese as well as the culture. It has a little bit of everything of japan. However, you may need a teacher to help you through the book.

This is a great book for beginners because it doesn't just cover the basics it also uses practical dialogue and vocabulary that you will actually use and need if you were to go to Japan.

It is a good book. those who want to learn this language it will help them a great deal.

The romanized version may be helpful now, but you'll want to stop relying on your "normal" alphabet and really learn Japanese at some point. This is very good for just starting out and is very nice for reviews and brushing up again.