Kanji in Context Reference Book

Kanji in Context

by Inter‐University Center for Japanese Language Studies

Kanji in Context Reference Book [Rivesed Edition] - Japanese Language Study Book---- Japanese Kanji in Context Reference Book [Rivesed Edition]

Genres: Japanese Literature, Reference, Textbooks

398 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 1994

Reviews

[Dan]

This is probably the best way to learn the Jouyou Kanji (常用漢字) once the basics of Japanese vocabulary and grammar are covered at the beginner and intermediate level. Combined with a spaced repetition system (like Anki or Mnemosyne), this book and its two-volume workbook provide the most systematic approach to tackling one of the most challenging aspects of the Japanese written language for non-Asian foreigners. The reference book contains many useful terms for each character covered, while the workbooks test the learner's knowledge through comparative phrase and sentence exercises. For best results, all phrases and sentences should be inputted onto a spaced repetition system (basically a smart electronic flash card program) and then practiced daily. Learning Kanji is hard, and there's no shortcut path, but with the right tools and proper practice, learning the ~1950 Jouyou Kanji is definitely doable.

I should warn beginners that they should wait until they have about 500 Kanji (and some knowledge of intermediate level grammar) under their belt before tackling this course, since even the beginning lessons will test their knowledge of Japanese to the utmost.

EDIT: Since 2010, the number of Jouyou Kanji has changed, from 1945 to 2136. A new, revised edition of this book includes these additional kanji.

[Martha Lou]

Kanji made easy for non-Japanese people like me.