Mangajin's Basic Japanese Through Comics (Part 2) (Paperback)

~ Ashizawa Kazuko (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The use of comics is a wonderful way to teach colloquial Japanese, and it also give readers a window on one of the liveliest most enjoyable parts of Japanese pop culture. Anyone who is serious about Japanese or modern Japan will want this book."—James Fallows, Washington Book Editor of the The Atlantic Monthly and author of Looking at the Sun

Product Description

Basic Japanese Through Comics is not intended as a textbook, but rather as an entertaining supplement to a more structured study of Japanese. The 24 "lessons" in this book are a compilation of the Basic Japanese column from Mangajin magazine; they do not build on each other, so they can be read or studied in any order. Some of the other benefits of Basic Japanese Through Comics are: Uses lifelike situations from authentic Japanese manga, the famous "comics" read by millions of Japanese people of all ages, to explain linguistic and cultural points quickly and memorably. Language is natural and colloquial, not "textbook Japanese." Politeness levels are clearly indicated to avoid inappropriate use of slang or informal speech. Beginners will find the concepts and explanations easy to understand, while old pros can add to the depth and breadth of their knowledge of Japanese language and culture. Educates and entertains—the ideal supplement to learning Japanese from textbooks. Shows all the nuances of speech such as social context, body language, and situational factors; improves understanding not just of the language, but of the people who speak it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Weatherhill (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0834804530
• ISBN-13: 978-0834804531
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #327,646 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mangajin is a necessary buy for learning Japanese, April 30, 2000

By	carr (New Orleans, Louisiana) - See all my reviews

I bought Mangajin (book 1 & 2) a few months ago, and I have to admit that they are worth every penny I spent! Mangajin deals with all the troubles and nuances that every learner of Japanese encounters. It uses popular Japanese manga to portray real examples so you can get a full grasp on what every word or expression would mean in context. I definitely recommend this book to everybody-it teaches you most of the stuff you'd never find in a textbook! Get this book today because it is very rare(you can't buy this book hardly anywhere else online, not even at mangajin's own website, because their stock is exhausted!)!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the student of Japanese who could use a little break ..., December 6, 1999

By	Eleanor Taniguchi (Minnesota. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Basic Japanese Through Comics (Part 2) (Paperback)

...and the manga fanatic who wants to know what the characters are doing and saying in their favorite comic, this is THE book. This volume of 'Basic Japanese...' deals with body language and gestures, informal (and occasionally rude) expressions, cop/street slang, and the all-important discussion of 'face' in Japanese society. It also pulls its sources from a variety of manga genres---office girl, shonen and teen, salary-man, and 'ladies.' (If you thought manga was all about big-eyed schoolgirls with magical powers, robots, and apocalyptic events, you'll be in for an eye-opener.) It's not a substitute for regular Japanese classes and textbooks (sorry, kids), but it opens the door to a culture that really isn't THAT polite or subtle. And did I mention it was funny, too?

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Important Cultural Window, April 29, 2000

By A Customer

Learning Japanese through comics (manga) is not just kids' stuff. It is important to realize that in Japan, even adults read manga (check out the subway-- those business men are not plowing through the WSJ!).

Manga reveal aspects of Japanese culture that cannot be understood from textbooks-- for instance, body language gestures and colloquial phrases. This book carefully explains what the characters are saying, the context of what's going on, and why they choose the phraseology they do.

To a greater degree than in Western culture, the nuances of social interaction are crucial in Japan. Although you will be afforded leeway as a gaijin (foreigner), it helps immensely to learn some of these nuances. Understanding manga is a good place to start.

Besides, then you'll fit in on the subway!