英語マスター研究所

Great Japanese language book series
Minna no Nihongo (book one) is as thorough an introduction to learning the Japanese language as I have found yet. I think that if you are studying for JLPT 4, then it is pretty much the text you need. (book 2 for JLPT3) The downside of this completeness is that in order to fully experience the series, you have to purchase the various components. (Above English book plus CDs) The main textbook (not this one) is written totally in Kana (and Kanji with furigana). This limits its accessibility if used in isolation. This volume accompanies the text and provides the vocab and grammar. I would say that it is vital for most students since without it, chances are you will struggle with the main text alone. Having studied Japanese now for about 2 years and tried various texts incl. Japanese for Busy People - I would rate this as the best book. However, if you are looking for survival Japanese then possibly the JFBP (vol.1) might be better. If you are looking for a great reference text then Japanese Step By Step is it. The advantage of the MNN series is its comprehensiveness. It has many examples & exercises, etc. I give it 4* and shave one * for making us buy the individual parts (with the associated expense). However, if you're committed to the language, then this is the book and should not worry about the $100 entry price.

よりスピーディな理解が得られます
正直言って直説法は時間がかかります。時間をかけられないボランティアやマンツーマンレッスンでは、説明の難しい抽象的で微妙な表現の違いは、やはり母国語を使うのが有効です。
また、英語に自信のない私は本書の翻訳説明を見て「英語でこう言うのか」と、英語の勉強にも使っています。(一石二鳥!?)
学習者はどうしても学習言語と母国語を比較しながらインプットしたり、誤用を犯すものですから、どう比較させるのが良いか、どうして間違うのかを、私も学習者と同じ視線で探したいと思って使っています。

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