| For those who have already mastered katakana and hiragana are already diving into the deep waters of kanji, good reference materials are difficult to find. For those seeking additional challenge in their Japanese studies are best to use books without English in them, as they provide a learning environment that forces the student to learn the language on its own terms. Particularly useful is this new series of books aimed at younger Japanese students from Sanseido. With many colorful illustrations to help show meaning, and with all kanji with appropriate furigana to aid lookup, these books are invaluable to adult learners of Japanese as well. This is the Japanese Language Dictionary, created in an interesting way to make it readable and lively. Each one of the 1200 words that are included contain the reading with kanji, explained meaning, and examples, and many have illustrations to match. The vocabulary focus is not on nouns but on verbs, adverbs and adjectives which require more explanation, although there are appendixes which look at body parts, family members, "koko soko asoko," counters, grammar and more. With words that have several meanings, several examples are given to help clarity. An excellent dictionary for those interested in powering up their vocabulary entirely in Japanese. Perfectbound, 8.25" x 10". 263 pages, full color. Recommended Level: high-beginner to advanced, contains no English and no romaji, students must be able to read hiragana and katakana. |
