Post: #1

I was recently browsing a bookstore in Tokyo and was really impressed by the craftsmanship and intuitiveness of their books. I'm seriously considering learning only how to read japanese in order to have access to their presentation of knowledge. Anyone who has learned how to read japanese, I'm wondering if there are efficient ways to become (half-way) literate in the language. Much thanks.

Post: #2

Japanese is a tough language. Don't bother learning it unless you actually have a strong reason to do so. The spoken language is much easier than reading which takes years.

All that said, assuming you are motivated it is very learnable. I would do the following in order:

1. Learn the Hiragana and Katakana
2. Pick up a copy of Assimil Japanese or Japanese Pimsleur for a basic audio course. Assimil comes with a book so this will be better for the reading side.
3. Buy James Heisig's "Remembering the Kanji" but only after you have the Hiragana and Katakana down solid.
4. There is a website called Reviewing the Kanji which is a great support for Heisig's book.
5. Buy "Basic Dictionary of Japanese Grammar". Probably the best single book for learning Japanese. Read it all until you understand what is going on then move onto the Intermediate and Advanced books by the same authors.

If you actually did all of this you would give yourself a good base in the language. Good luck.

Post: #3

(11-23-2013 01:02 AM)amuseBouche Wrote:  I was recently browsing a bookstore in Tokyo and was really impressed by the craftsmanship and intuitiveness of their books. I'm seriously considering learning only how to read japanese in order to have access to their presentation of knowledge. Anyone who has learned how to read japanese, I'm wondering if there are efficient ways to become (half-way) literate in the language. Much thanks.

I can't read, but I know that much of Japanese writing consists of Chinese characters. Maybe try learning some Chinese first?


http://www.forbes.com/sites/bruceupbin/2...t-minutes/

http://chineasy.org/basics.aspx?set=1502

Post: #4

(11-23-2013 02:02 AM)Thomas the Rhymer Wrote:  

(11-23-2013 01:02 AM)amuseBouche Wrote:  I was recently browsing a bookstore in Tokyo and was really impressed by the craftsmanship and intuitiveness of their books. I'm seriously considering learning only how to read japanese in order to have access to their presentation of knowledge. Anyone who has learned how to read japanese, I'm wondering if there are efficient ways to become (half-way) literate in the language. Much thanks.

I can't read, but I know that much of Japanese writing consists of Chinese characters. Maybe try learning some Chinese first?


http://www.forbes.com/sites/bruceupbin/2...t-minutes/

http://chineasy.org/basics.aspx?set=1502

Yea it looks like kanji is comprised of adopted chinese characters.

Post: #5

Japanese uses Chinese characters (kanji). They have their place but just learning Chinese characters won't help much. You need to actually learn Japanese first. You can write all of Japanese using just the Hiragana and Katakana although it gets too confusing at higher levels because Japanese is a sound-poor language. The Kanji are required to distinguish between multiple words with the same pronounciation (there are tons). In other words, kanji give meaning but you can go slow with them in the beginning. Think of speaking as the hare and reading as the tortoise. If you are expecting to get to reading fluency in a matter of months then you will be disappointed.

For the record, my Japanese is close to native-level so I know what I'm talking about.

Post: #6

I find the only way I really learn a language is by necessity.

The majority of people won't be able to truly be fluent in a language without some serious dedication.

People ALWAYS kid themselves about their capacity to stick with a language.

Nothing is better motivation than trying to communicate with the local shop keeper to no avail that you are trying to find a restroom.

Post: #7

It's a lot like lifting actually. You have to put in the learning time consistently every day and it builds up into something bigger.