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13 Secrets for Speaking Fluent Japanese Rep Blg Edition

by Giles Murray (Author)
3.7 out of 5 stars 16 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-1568364261
ISBN-10: 1568364261
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  • 13 Secrets for Speaking Fluent Japanese
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 184 pages
  • Publisher: Kodansha USA; Rep Blg edition (October 5, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1568364261
  • ISBN-13: 978-1568364261
  • Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.6 x 5.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,156,998 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 starsThere's a bad apple in every bunch...
By Concerned Citizen on December 1, 2001
Format: Paperback
Like many foreigners, Giles Murray has parlayed his experience with the Japanese language into big bucks - ok, well at least just a book. But before you run off adhering to everything prescribed in this book, PLEASE read this review. It is well worth your time.
There seem to be some good ideas in this book. One that I particularly found helpful (one that I had already intuitively realized) was the hint covered in Chapter 6, "The Synonym Generator". Basically, Mr. Murray recommends that one possess a vast array of words to describe a certain feeling or concept. That way, if one gets a mental block and is not able to remember one expression, they can dip into their bag of tricks and express themselves in another way. Another chapter where Mr. Murray discusses how to "describe your way" out of a jam when you can't think of a word in Japanese is EXCELLENT advice. This is more or less a survival Japanese tactic, but comes in handy for advanced students as well. Rather than sitting in a conversation with a dead look on your face, it's best to dumb it down, if for nothing else, to keep the conversation moving.
What I caution you to NOT follow, however, is Mr. Murray's advice regarding gairaigo, or loan words. There are thousands and thousands of directly borrowed and some slightly altered English words used in the Japanese language. While every student should become aware of their existence and correct usage, you should ABSOLUTELY NOT use them with the frequency that Mr. Murray suggests. You will do so at your own linguistic peril. For, you see, American (and British, Australian, etc.) students who rely on these words tend to not learn the Japanese equivalents. They also tend to use a disproportionate amount of them in their speech.Read more ›
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4.0 out of 5 starsUseful and fun, but not magic
By Zack Davisson HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on May 22, 2002
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
"13 Secrets for Speaking Fluent Japanese" is an interesting, well put-together book that makes a nice supplement when learning Japanese. The use of Manga is appreciated, and the tone of the book is casual conversation. The target skill level is intermediate or so. Absolute beginners will find little value.
The "secrets" are all fairly useful, but they are not quick solutions or shortcuts. Each secret requires effort and study. Some of the solutions are simple, like "Read Manga in Japanese," whereas others are more complicated like the idea of using synonyms when you can not remember the exact word. (Such as: "I feel like a train ran over my head" rather than "I feel hung over.")
All in all, this book makes is a good addition to formal Japanese language learning. Just don't expect to buy it and have everything suddenly "click."
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5.0 out of 5 starsJapanese learning made fun and easy!
By kas@digital-mines.com on June 10, 1999
Format: Paperback
I have been studying Japanese for over seven years and have read countless textbooks and study guides, but I have never found such a unique blending of humor, practical tips, and useful study pointers as what's found in this wonderful book. "Thirteen Secrets" reinforces my belief that learning Japanese is fun, while being a totally unique language learning experience. Applicable to all study levels, this gem is a must for all folks interested in Japanese.
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5.0 out of 5 starsNot just useful for Students of Japanese
By David on June 23, 2003
Format: Paperback
Dont get me wrong, students of japanese are definately going to be the ones able to gain the most out of this book because it is specifically focused on learning the japanese language, and the many examples, quizes, and certain study tips are unique to Japan. But many of Murray's tips are useful for studying any language. Specifically im referring to the two chapters explaining stratagies for coping with not knowing the right word, or just plain not being able to remember it. As he notes, these are problems native speakers have too!!! they just know how to deal with it better.... While his examples are really great for japanese, the concept should be taught more often in other languages... GET OVER BEING AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES... and JUST TALK!!!!
The style of this book is relaxed enough that it can simply be read for entertainments sake because of the games, and stories within. I really like how Murray doesnt take himself too seriously in his writing, which makes the information just that much more accessible, and therefore useable. The advice on katakana words is priceless... i completely agree, thats its a mistake to conciously avoid hundreds to thousands of vocabulary items we already know, because we THINK its not REAL japanese... who made us the language police (unless you're in France, then its understandable). The reality is that if actual real live Japanese people can understand it... thats good enough.
He even made me think twice about a couple of my own study habits... personally, im not a fan of anime, manga, etc... if you like it, thats fine, its just not for me personally...but i will admit that Murray makes a great argument for reading manga as a study aid... actually made better in the chapter about sleezy romance novels.. but the point still applies...Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsgreat book to supplement your studies!
By Michael Callaghan VINE VOICE on July 30, 2001
Format: Paperback
In selecting books on Japanese, it's all too easy to pick one out based solely on the potential it seemingly contains, the critical utility it will serve once you've gone through the arduous task of internalizing it --- only to discover a few weeks or months later that you haven't touched it, let alone used its lessons in any pragmatic way. Well, rest assured, this is one book you most certainly CAN use, and it is entertaining enough to supply many moments of cross-cultural laughter. Just memorize the jokes in the chapter on childrens' puns, for example, and ask them when the moment presents itself to any native Japanese. I guarantee you will have fun that outing. Memorize the forms of exaggeration, also, and pepper them in your speech now and again for more smiles and laughs. If you are in school, and you occassionally use these phrases, you will get compliments from your teachers and questioning stares from your peers: How did you learn THAT? There is a chapter on numbers that it likewise useful, asking you to count in excess of 100 billion, and integrate those into census statistics. So while you learn to count, you also learn how to say a few facts about Japan that most Japanese probably don't know! Murray largely steers clear of slang in this volume, ensuring that you won't be saying "Hip, Daddy-o" or some other outmoded colloquialism, which is always a risk with a 'new' Japanese text. Also, the book is varied enough that you can mine it for new uses as you learn; I've been opening it for the past eight months, and I still have a year to go before it all really falls into place. All in all, a wonderful supplement, and one of a handful of 'secret weapon' supplements that will jump-start your Japanese into the arena of actual, meaningful COMMUNICATION.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsA different category - the perfect toilet reading

Learning Japanese can be heavy-going. This book is different. However, you won't learn Japanese by reading it. Read more

Published on October 25, 2010 by Jackal
4.0 out of 5 starsNot a Textbook

This book is not a regular textbook or even a "non-traditional" textbook. It really is just what it claims to be and nothing more: 13 tips on how to improve your Japanese. Read more

Published on October 2, 2009 by Cliff Jones
3.0 out of 5 starsJapanese language secrets are hard to find

After reading this book I found that Japanese language secrets are hard to discover, as a matter of fact nothing will help you if you don't study properly. Read more

Published on February 8, 2009 by Serafima
1.0 out of 5 starsThey're not secrets

The "secrets" are definately not secrets--they're the obvious with a fancy name to make you buy the book. Read more

Published on August 19, 2008 by Christina L. Lechner
2.0 out of 5 starsGood for elementary learners

There is nothing in this book that an intermediate or higher student doesn't already know. If your new to Japanese, go for it otherwise don't waste your money.

Published on March 21, 2004
3.0 out of 5 starsNot for those new to the language

This boook may be helpful to those who have had one or two years of college level japanese or are at an equivalent speaking level. Read more

Published on January 21, 2004 by telamonides
1.0 out of 5 starsCheap tricks

If you are interested in cheap tricks rather than substance, this is the book for you. There is no easy way to learn Japanese. There are easier ways, but no easy ways. Read more

Published on February 6, 2003
5.0 out of 5 starsFresh and usable -- BUY THIS BOOK!!

I've lived in Japan most of my life. Having worked in education, I've read and know about language books, particularly those on practical Japanese language. Read more

Published on May 24, 2002 by carlos godoy1
5.0 out of 5 starsA Fresh and Fun Approach to Learning

If like me you've spent years struggling to improve your Japanese, then help is at hand.
THe "Secrets" admiteddly only point the way, you still have some work to do,... Read more

Published on October 11, 2000 by Iain T White

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