Japanese the Easy Way (Barron's E-Z) [Paperback]

Karen Sandness (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0812096274 | ISBN-13: 978-0812096279 | Publication Date: May 19, 1997

Here is instruction on pronunciation, spelling, accents, vocal intonation, and an introduction to Japanese written symbols. Newcomers learn parts of speech and useful words and phrases for getting around in Japan. The student advances to the point of learning fairly complex concepts that include descriptions of surroundings and experiences. Includes English-Japanese and Japanese-English dictionary sections.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (May 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812096274
• ISBN-13: 978-0812096279
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 7.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #529,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply The Best, January 1, 2004

By 

Matthew Faulkerson "Guitarist and PC Geek" (Cuyahoga Falls, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Japanese the Easy Way (Barron's E-Z) (Paperback)

Of the three Japanese books I have (one is about hiragana and the other is a katakana book, and the third is a kanji book), this one is by far the best. Instead of forcing you to memorize all characters and the syllables first, it uses real life examples, pronunciation rules, and public signs written in both hiragana (japanese) and kanji (chinese characters) to enrich the learning experience. The book also contains vital culture information regarding politeness and polite formal statements and words, bowing, rudeness, and how to act in public. As the author stated in the first few pages Japanese is a language which is approached on its own terms and that is exactly what she does throughout. A definite must for any person considering learning/studying Japanese or considering visiting Japan.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It all starts here, September 5, 2004

By 

Alex Miller (Oita, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Japanese the Easy Way (Barron's E-Z) (Paperback)

In 1998 in a high school exchange to Japan, this book was thrust into my hands by a teacher. The school had no formal Japanese language education course, so this was the best they could do. I studied it eagerly cover to cover and my copy is full of pencilled in notes, "kanji" doodles etc... It was indeed the perfect start to learning the language of Japanese. Today I am fluent speaker of the language, pursuing an education and a career here.

The book must be thought of as a starting point. It isn't going to make you fluent over night, nor will it teach you the chinese characters you'll need to learn. But it will draw you in and show you the basics. The dialogues can be applied to everyday life, and the book moves at an appropriate pace. All that is required is the usual effort needed to learn a language, and this book will lead you in the right direction. If you've got even more time, you may want to complement the book with kanji and kana workbooks to work on your reading and writing ability.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book it really good, April 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Japanese the Easy Way (Barron's E-Z) (Paperback)

This book,in my opinion, is really good to have if you know some japanese to guide you.They explain it really well and have conversational practices and answers in here. they include alot of vocabulary, and some kanji for it, but not alot. This book is really detailed to make you understand Japanese the easy way. You won't be able to put it down!