Comments on: Japanese Journal: The Basics

By: Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:04:21 +0000

Being able to read katakana has helped me enjoy manga a lot more, ‘cos I can read the occasional untranslated sign and feel special, and can also figure out what the untranslated sound effects are in TOKYOPOP’s stuff. I’m pretty helpless in terms of Japanese vocabulary, and know practically zero kanji (seriously, I might know, like, 5), but even just being able to read English words written in katakana has its benefits.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:16:25 +0000

Sorry, my mistake….things are changing this year for the jlpt test. There will be 5 lvls…..Lvl 5 the easiest using kana, up to lvl 1 the most difficult. This site offers up to date info with sample tests with answers. http://www.jflalc.org/?act=tpt&id=8. I think I could get the writing down, but it’s the listening part of the test I would have trouble.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:50:48 +0000

I wish you all the luck. I tried myself twice, but real life put those attempts on hold. I too found help with anime soundtracks. My Ghibli and Sailor Moon soundtracks were the best. I recently picked up Kanji de Manga by Manga University vols 1 – 4 at my local used bookstore. I am hoping to jump start my third attempt very soon. One interesting fact was the japanese proficiency test you can take here in America. There are 4 lvls and http://momo.jpf.go.jp/jlpt/e/about_e.html website gives more info. I hope to aim for lvl 1.