Job Discussion Forums

[Der Meister]

I'm a freshman in college and I plan on teaching English in Japan after I'm graduate from college. The problem is that I would like to know as much possible Japanese as I can before I get over there. I can't take any Japanese classes at my university because I'm already taking Russian and Arabic classes. Could anyone recommend me a Japanese course book that I could use to teach myself. If it's at all possible I would like the book to use Kanji and the two Syllaberies as much as possible and include as little Romanji as possible. I would also like that it be as grammar oriented as possible, not a touristy type book that only teaches you the basic stuff which are the only books I can find in the library. Thanks in advance!

[Nismo]

Genki I: An Integrated Course in Japanese is a good place to begin.

[denise]

I'm just curious--if you are a freshman (meaning three-ish years to go) and you already know you want to come here, why can't you fit Japanese classes into your schedule? Couldn't you study Japanese instead of Russian or Arabic?

d

[Nismo]

[denise]

I agree that there are benefits to studying Arabic. I just wonder why he can't take Japanese, since he already plans on coming here. Why not structure his remaining classes to prepare himself for life in Japan?

d

[Munchen]

This subject has been extensively covered in the past in this Japan Job Discussion forum. Just dig into the preceding articles that appear here and there throughout this forum. You will find a ton of information.
Japanese for Busy People well known and has been widely recommended.
Get the "Kana" ediitions for more total immersion.
Spoken, the Pimsleur method. Master-Comprehensive courses run about $300 for each level, I, II, and III. Check libraries. Smaller less expensive Pimsleur courses available and many sold through Barnes & Noble.
Ultimate Living Language has updated all of its courses, all on CDs and released in most book stores.

Just a few immediate suggestions.