Real Japanese: An introductory guide to the language and culture of Japan, Part 1

by Max Whittle

Publisher's Summary

In contrast to formal Japanese textbooks, Real Japanese is an easy-to-listen-to collection of short stories about Japan, blended with useful phrases and language learning tips. If you are a casual learner or planning on traveling to Japan for a trip, this book will help you break down the language and culture into the real and everyday essentials. This audiobook gives an opportunity to hear all the phrases read by a native Japanese speaker, and provides pauses for you to repeat them yourself.

Use this guide to build your understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture while picking up usable key phrases that will open doors and so deepen your experience of Japan. The author’s stories bring Japan and its culture to life, providing insights which allow the listener to understand the sometimes bewildering and impenetrable ways of Japanese culture.

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction

Audiobook

Published June 6, 2018

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basic, introductory Japanese but with some wise direction about language acquisition that goes against the usual practice of repetition and memorization. It will get you started with some phrases to get you by for basic needs, and it’s a good jumping off point for those who want to continue. I especially liked the author’s personal stories that give you some insight into the Japanese culture.

[Titan3lla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd recommend this to anyone who's interested in the Japanese language and culture in general. I really like the structure of the book since it has little stories in between which add personality to the volume. It does really help to grasp basic concepts and for me, it brought a whole new light on Kanji study. Will be reading the second book.
I've been studying Japanese seriously for about a year now, and a free trial on Kindle Unlimited brought me to this book.

[NTPO · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical sprint in spoken Japanese for those like me who is just starting to learn the language. The author shares some of his experience while living in Japan. Amusing and informative.

[Helfren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The very basic introductory lesson on japanese by the renowned Max Whittle. The book starts with learn like child, no stress, just absorb. Very real advice.

There are 2 level of japanese, polite and not. The degree of politeness changes the language used on everyday conversation with fundamental and politeness. Japanese will omit everything as much as possible.

There is no v sound in japanese, that's why the convenience store turns into konbini.

Nice book.

[Jennifer Hahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lyssnade på denna som ljudbok. Det var en bra introduktion till olika ord och fraser. Jag tror dock att den hade fungerat bättre i kombination med textboken, för att både få höra och läsa själv. Framför allt kanji-delen fungerade dåligt i ljudboks-format.

Det som gav boken något extra var författarens egna berättelser om sitt liv i Japan, något som ger en liten inblick i den japanska kulturen.

[Ricard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lighthearted introduction to learning the japanese, a more realistic approach and look at the everyday usage and feel of the language.

[Simon Barraclough · Rating 4 out of 5]

A benign, modest, interesting, useful addition to the countless resources you need to get anywhere with Japanese.