Japanese Verbs and Essentials of Grammar

by Rita L. Lampkin

In one compact volume, Japanese Verbs & Essentials of Grammar, Second Edition , offers an integrated beginner's guide to all major verbal and grammatical concepts of the Japanese language. This latest edition of the popular and accessible guide has been updated to

Genres: Japanese Literature, Language, Reference, Nonfiction, Japan, Education

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 1995

Reviews

[Punk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly don't know who this is for. It starts out with how to pronounce Japanese vowels, so it's not for people who know what they're doing, and the Japanese is entirely in transliterated romaji, which makes it an awful reference for anyone. Romaji might be easier for beginners to digest, but as this immediately goes into the intense stuff of verb endings it won't be comfortable for anyone who doesn't already know how to put a basic sentence together beyond the standard "kore wa pen desu" it offers on page eleven and that in no way prepares you for the long example sentences with multiple clauses and more than one verb.

Also the index is basically useless, and my 1997 copy straight up did not have the Appendix A promised by the table of contents. The text also skips over some things, and though I found its verb conjugation scheme quite reasonable, it differs from other methods and evades the usual vowel-stem/consonant-stem classification. It also insists on using the term "Yodan" without offering any alternatives. I had to supplement that section with extra reading at Tofugu before the lightbulb turned on: "OH, godan verbs. FIVE. Jesus."

For me it was a lot like reading an entire walkthrough for a video game while I was still stuck in the tavern learning how to double jump and sidle along walls. I knew, theoretically, that it'd be helpful someday, but I had no context for the information I was getting or what it would look like when I finally got to the point where I'd be able to use it.

It did help me gain a practical working knowledge of Japanese grammar, but considering what I was starting out with (to talk to the barmaid, walk up to her and select a greeting from the menu: ohayō!), that's not saying much. And it did help me recognize this stuff when I encountered it elsewhere, after that brief, chugging pause where my brain had to translate something I learned in romaji into actual Japanese (or vice versa), so, again, I don't know who this this book for, but I guess it found me at the right time.

Not recommended unless you, too, are stuck in the tutorial level walking around saying hi to everyone and want to see what the rest of the game looks like.

[Anne Beardsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this poor little book an extra star because it may not be the book's fault that it wasn't what I wanted.

I'd hoped for something to teach me Japanese grammar and verbs as I blunder through the language in my solo study, something to teach me how it actually works.

It's probably a nice supplement to formal lessons, with many helpful examples. It's just all over my never-formally-taught head.

[Sasifras · Rating 4 out of 5]

My biggest gripe is that everything is in roumaji and alphabetical as such. It was what I was looking for, however. I will be organizing the grammar as I see fit. I have been on and off studying Japanese since my middle school years so for an advanced beginner like I have (shamefully) become, this was structured to where I had an easy time navigating through it. And now, I can start to play. :)

[Tobi ﾄﾋﾞ · Rating 2 out of 5]

i am begging you to just use kana

[Natashia Soen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found it helpful but a definite con was the use of romaji.