Marugoto: Japanese language and culture. Starter A1 Katsudoo: Coursebook for communicative language activities

Marugoto A1 is the foundation level of Japanese learning and is designed for people who can’t study full time. So if you are only able to put in a few hours a week due to work, school or just a busy lifestyle then these books are great for that style of learning.However, it should be noted that if you are looking for a book that teaches you Japanese, then this is probably not for you if you are just starting. This is more of a course book of questions and situations to test your knowledge. You WILL need access to the internet to download materials such as the audio files (you can also play them straight from the website). That being said, if you are reading an Amazon review you probably already have access to the net!While Katakana, Hiragana and some basic Kanji knowledge is not required, it would be helpful for later on in the book and you should have at least a basic understanding of them. All the questions are written in both Japanese and in Romanji (Japanese words written in English form).This covers an impressive range of areas over several chapters starting with basic introduction and conversations to food and holidays. It is presented by showing you pictures of the subject and then following up with some questions. So for example, it will show you pictures of five people with a location word just below their picture. Then it will show you five pictures of locations (Bank, Shop and so on.) You must then match the person with the location. It sounds very basic, which it is to be fair but for the level this book is aimed at, it works brilliantly. However, like I said at the start, this book will not teach you the words for Bank, shop and so on as it is about testing your knowledge.Another example is where the book presents you with pictures of five people with several more pictures of activities (reading a book, watching TV). You must then play the audio file from the website of each person speaking. They will proceed to tell you what activity they are doing and you then must pick the right answer. This is a very good test of both listening and vocabulary.There are also pages of two people talking with speech bubbles for the words, much like a comic strip. At the end of this you are given some questions to answer about the conversation.The pictures are very clear with accurate translations. I’ve gone through this book several times now and have yet to see even single typo. It is always clear what you are looking at and what the subject is about. The sound files from the website are very clear and well spoken but might be a little too fast for beginners and may require a few plays before you grasp what is being said. My Japanese knowledge is very good and even I have to replay a couple of them!The only thing I don’t like which is something many Japanese books are guilty off is the strange way they romanji is done. For example when the word, Mouichi it is translated to Mooichi (double O sound) of course this is correct in how it is pronounced but I’m not a fan of this translation method as it can confuse when translating into Japanese later on. Like I say though, this does seem to be the standard for many Japanese books so I’m not deducting points for that. More of a personal preference.It should also be noted that all of the answers to the questions are in the back of this book in a clear layout and in correct order.So to summarise, this book is a very helpful companion. It doesn’t try to teach you anything new but is more about improving what you already know and how to use it better and more actually.I would recommend studying Japanese Vocabulary, Grammar and structure first before attempting this book but if you are serious about learning the language then this is a very good book that you will use time and time again.

I bought this Book for my Japanese language module in uni since the teacher ask us to buy the textbook by ourselves. I’ve check in several Blackwell book shop and most of them sell this book for over £30. Then I found it on amazon with only £16 per book. At first I didn’t expect high quality and even consider it second-handed. But the quality did surprised me with brand new textbook and extractly the same quality as those in the bookshop. Perfect choice for money saver and also perfect quality.

Bought for a Japanese language course. It’s not an ordinary text book but works well in a class setting. It is for basic conversational Japanese. I only went to about 4 classes so can’t comment past the first few chapters!

arrived quickly, looks great and is very useful!

I use it in my Japanese lesson in university. It’s great!! There’s even a website that helps you through each lesson if you’re not in a class.

Arrived in perfect state and before predicted delivery date

ok

One of the best Japanese textbooks I've seen. I bought it for my wife who's a Japanese teacher. I used to work as an EFL teacher and am glad to see that there is finally a Japanese course book that is as good as some of the books I've used to teach English.