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I have looked over many books, many reviews, and various other sources... written and video. From these, I have ferreted a list of books, in a specific order, so as to learn in a self-studying manner, and more as a child might... even in Japan. Actually, my goal was to develop my language skills as a child would if self studying but without direct immersion.
The first thing almost every source I have read suggest, is to learn hiragana and katakana. I think, to a source, this is the highest recommendation. To that end, I purchased two manuals. I really should have only purchased one. However, in my defense, if in ignorance, I had some wonder if there might be different approaches. As it turns out, there is one approach... brute-force memorization. The one I am using is fine. There are others. Just pick one which encourages much repetition.
From what I have read, it is expected to take 700 read/writes to get these well into the mind? Youch. But, okay. I have noticed that, as I go over them, and then again, they don't stick so well. But when I begin using them in words, that is when a greater appreciation and memorization begins. It's not fast, I still look up each one to make sure I am pronouncing it right, especially in groups (while also trying to figure out how they sound together... they will change what they sound like sometimes). Doing my best.
After I get through this book, I plan on hitting "Japanese from Zero!", the whole series. These are slower paced, and more exacting in explaining things. I am sure there are things which will still be difficult, so I am looking at various apps and yt sources of grammar, to cover areas a second way. I haven't gotten to that point, so I can't evaluate those. I am collecting them, or sources which offer other collections of sources. These, I think, are more how a child would begin.
After these, or perhaps at some point while using these, I plan on a second tier book. This may be similar to the "Japanese from Zero!" series. However, they offer the grammar from the familiar, at least first. What makes this different, is that I do believe children will learn the familial, familiar, first. Then, later, be taught the polite forms. I am sure there will be some of each, even at the beginning. But, it will be more familiar first. It is "A Guide to Japanese Grammar".
When I may, or might, switch, or add, the books... I cannot be sure. I will just have to play that by ear. As I progress, and as testing works out, that will decide if I can take on more, or am ready for something a bit newer or faster. I haven't come close to getting hiragana down, let alone katakana. So... one thing at a time. However, I am collecting books, a few each month, in preparation.
After this, or as I get further into this last book, and the series before it, I plan to start another series. Finally, to the school/academic styled books. "Genki 1", 2nd edition, manual and workbook, is by far and above the most recommended hard start book. Part of the reason I won't be starting with it is the speed of lessons. Part of it is that there is less detail, as one is expected to be in class, so have a teacher and other students to help with detail and drills/practice... which I won't have. And a final part of the reason to not start with this, is this begins with the formal, or polite, forms. Not, again, how children will first receive their understanding. Learn as a child, and learn well, I say.
As well, I would recommend a Japanese dictionary. I have some in app form, though not sure those will work. I am not to the point where I can evaluate. I plan to purchase a kanji dictionary, or tome with enough to be proficient and more. Though I really would like to find a Japanese dictionary that covers all of the forms. I am not certain they make it, though may be buying a dictionary, in paperback, to find out. It comes highly recommended, but I... just wish I could find something that definitely covers all forms of Japanese writing. I have two in the queue, but will be buying this one... soon, next month, or the month after. Actually... after looking this over, I think it will work for a general dictionary... to the point where it can be understood and used. Maybe? I will begin looking for an English to Japanese and Japanese to English version, or book, if this isn't it. I... will check it again. --- Found one that IS a dictionary.
Yeah. As well, I am going to begin purchasing anime, of a more childbased sort. One thing about anime is... they don't talk like that, if they might sound like that. Huh? I mean, people in Japan do not speak like super heroes, spies, or act bold or capricious in real life. Anime is art entertainment, not even drama. It would be like walking around, talking like one of Clint Eastwood's characters, or Superman or Batman. Don't... just... don't. Could get giggles, if you know what you are doing... I'll be bach! But, yeah, no. So... it won't be a direct translation, but enunciation is usually exceptional, and much to be learned and heard. Practice hearing should help, a lot.
If you can't see the links, let me know. I could try to change their color. This is just my study plan, from what I have read, as I understand, and what I believe. Your mileage may vary. Good luck, to any who dare? I should think so.
Ah, now to see about getting that lock removed. Good morning and day.
Very many thanks for the recommendations. The prices look reasonable as well.
ReplyDelete"One thing about anime is... they don't talk like that, if they might sound like that."
Long before anime became popular in this country, the only way one could see it was to belong to the Cartoon/Fantasy Organization (C/FO). I belonged to the Houston chapter in the 1980s, and we would gather twice a month to watch television episodes and movies which had been wheedled in from Japan. Second (and sometimes third) generation bootlegs which featured no dubbing or translation, so we were left to our own devices in trying to determine what the characters were saying. Fortunately, as with a lot of other animation, the characters used a lot of body language which made the job a bit easier. But then there'd be the occasional long dialogue sessions, and we'd be in uncharted waters, making best guesses.
I may not have known all the facts. But I suspected you were an anime aficionado of the super secret commander encoder ring variety. My guess, even if it had been illegal to do so, you would have done the same as you did. Which, if not named, is why I requested the information I did, to... you know who.
ReplyDeleteI... wish I had half the passion you do, for even half the things you do. Then again, I really am far closer to death than you could imagine, if also far farther from it than any could possibly guess. We... all have our niches. *grins*
"But I suspected you were an anime aficionado of the super secret commander encoder ring variety".
ReplyDeleteI really do like that and thank you. But, compared to others, I am still a tyro. Which is to say: I don't watch everything that comes down the pike. I don't have the time (although I recently re-watched the original "Mobile Suit Gundam" which Netflix is kindly showing, as well as the recently made "Hathaway" addition to the Gundam storyline). I get lots of recommendations from others on anime I should watch, but unfortunately I'm not awake 24/7. Plus . . .
"I... wish I had half the passion you do, for even half the things you do. Then again, I really am far closer to death than you could imagine,"
It's by indulging in my passions that I keep the "real world" firmly at arm's length. And I may not be as close to death as you are, but be assured I constantly feel it at my shoulder. According to my parents I was not supposed to live beyond my first month due to several medical complications. So every birthday I give thanks to Him Above for having kept me here so long.
I, on the other hand, while being plagued with little things, until finally a major illness, have had people and things trying to kill me since birth. Quite healthy, and more, as with Rasputin.
ReplyDeleteMy birth mother tried to void me with an overdose of the pill, and people and things have been doing their damnedest to kill me since. Including doctors who ignored my bad heart, hoping to send me home and have me die, soon. In part, because of some of what you read here. They must have known. Even civilian doctors covered for them. Perhaps they all just thought it best if I just died.
I don't know. At this point, it is probably more similar than not, our conditions. The major difference, for good or ill, is that you have a wife. I think, that is probably for the good, regardless how it might seem on a day. Think about if you had to do it all solo... in your condition. Much more difficult.