Japanese Self-Taught – A Ten Books Classic Resources
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| Japanese Self-Taught |
The study of Japanese has long fascinated scholars, travelers, and language enthusiasts. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a remarkable series of works emerged, written by pioneers who sought to make the language accessible to Western learners. “Japanese Self-Taught – A Ten Books Classic Resources” brings together ten of these foundational texts, each reflecting a unique approach to mastering Japanese grammar, conversation, script, and vocabulary.
This collection is not merely a set of manuals—it is a historical archive of how Japanese was taught and understood during a period of cultural exchange and modernization. From Yuasa Minoru’s guide to writing and reading, to Aston’s scholarly grammar of spoken Japanese, to Rose-Innes’ practical reading exercises, each book offers a distinct lens into the language. Some emphasize Romanized accessibility for beginners, while others dive into the depths of kanji study or the nuances of conversation.
Together, these ten classics form a comprehensive resource for both modern learners and historians of language pedagogy. They reveal not only the mechanics of Japanese but also the intellectual curiosity and determination of early teachers and students who bridged East and West through words.
The ten volumes collected in one PDF book. You can use bookmarks in your PDF Reader.
📚 Detailed Reviews
- How to Write and Read Japanese (Seisoku Nihongo no kakikata yomikata) by Yuasa, Minoru
A practical manual focusing on orthography and literacy. Yuasa emphasizes correct stroke order, kana usage, and the relationship between written and spoken forms. It’s more of a “how-to” guide than a grammar, making it valuable for learners who want to master script mechanics.
- Simplified Grammar of the Japanese Language (Modern Written Style) by Basil Hall Chamberlain
Chamberlain’s work is concise yet systematic, presenting the essentials of written Japanese grammar. It’s aimed at scholars and serious learners, stripping down complexities into digestible rules. The “modern written style” focus makes it particularly useful for reading Meiji-era texts.
- Japanese Conversation-Grammar by Hermann Plaut
A hefty, German-style grammar book with dialogues and exercises. Plaut emphasizes spoken Japanese, but in a formalized way—closer to textbook dialogues than natural speech. It’s dense but thorough, offering a window into how Europeans systematized Japanese for learners.
- Handbook of English-Japanese Etymology by William Imbrie (1880)
A fascinating comparative work linking English and Japanese vocabulary roots. Though dated, it reflects early attempts to bridge linguistic gaps through etymology. More of a scholarly curiosity than a practical learning tool.
- Japanese Grammar Self-Taught (Roman Character) by Henry J. Weintz
Designed for learners without knowledge of kana/kanji, this book uses Romanization throughout. It’s accessible but sacrifices authenticity. Good for beginners who want quick entry into spoken Japanese, though limited for deeper study.
- A Grammar of the Japanese Spoken Language by W. G. Aston
Aston’s grammar is a landmark work, carefully distinguishing spoken from written forms. His analysis is meticulous, and he captures colloquial Japanese of the late 19th century. Still respected as a scholarly resource.
- Japanese Reading for Beginners by Arthur Rose-Innes
A graded reader introducing simple texts with explanations. It’s practical, aiming to get learners reading quickly. Less theoretical, more hands-on, making it a good complement to grammar-heavy works.
- Japanese Self-Taught (Thimm’s System, Roman Characters) with English Phonetic Pronunciation
Another Romanized system, emphasizing phonetic accessibility. It’s more phrasebook-like, intended for travelers or casual learners. Useful historically, but limited in depth.
- 6000 Chinese Characters with Japanese Pronunciation and English Renderings by J. Ira Jones
A massive kanji dictionary resource. Ambitious in scope, it provides readings and English glosses. While unwieldy, it’s invaluable for understanding how kanji study was approached before modern lexicons.
- The Spoken Language of Japan: A Course of Exercises in Familiar Conversation
A practical drill book with dialogues and exercises. It emphasizes everyday speech, though in a somewhat stiff, textbook style. Good for learners wanting structured practice in conversation.