Mini-review: Understanding Basic Japanese Grammar

[dc_johnson45]

皆さん：
I just got in a copy of Understanding Basic Japanese Grammar, published by ALC, the same people that published Nihongo Journal. 200+ Pages. I thought I would do a little mini-review for everyone. I bought my copy through JBox.com and with standard shipping had it in 3 weeks.

First off, the book is pretty squarely aimed at someone taking the JLPT 3 (like me). It is not a JLPT prep book, but the content presumes knowledge of hirigana and katakana and elementary kanji (with furigana).

The book quickly introduces simple verb sentences and adjectives, but does not spend much time on them. Quickly particles are introduced, and connecting adjectives and the like are covered.

Coverage of topics is minimal, with an English explanation and several sample sentences of the concept in Japanese and English. Translations are quite good, if literal, allowing you to deconstruct the Japanese sentence quite easily & get the concept being explained. Personally, I really liked the approach, as the English introductions are very well written and explain the concept at hand quite well.

As I said, the book is not a JLPT prep book, nor is it a textbook. It is more of a supplemental text to augment your Japanese studies. A high level beginner (I would say a minimum of 1 class year of study) to intermediate learner would benefit greatly from this book, especially if grammar is a sticky point for you. Plus, at $18, it’s a steal. Trust me.


Sections:
Part One: Fundamental Structures of Japanese Sentences

Part Two: Introduction to Different Forms of the Verb

Part Three: Expressions Using Different Forms of the Verb

Part Four: Grammatical Items

Part Five: Grammar Points

Part Six: Complex Structures

[Fantt]

How about some pics?

[dc_johnson45]

Originally Posted by Fantt

How about some pics?

Actually, the link to the book (at JBox) in my post has a cover and a page excerpt. Looks like most learning Japanese books.. lot of japanese text

Here's some links

Page Excerpt:
http://www.jbox.com/IMAGE/5p2ep

Cover:
http://www.jbox.com/IMAGE/agcrl