Self-Study Textbook Recommendations

[bailmoney27]

I've been searching for a good self-study textbook for conversational Japanese for quite some time and wondered if anyone had any recommendations. Some I've found so far have been:

• Nihongo Fun & Easy
• The First Japanese Textbook for Foreigners in English
• Tuttle Japanese for Beginners
• Japanese From Zero!
• Living Language Japanese

Has anyone used any textbooks above? Any recommendations or tips? Anything helps. Thanks guys!

EDIT: Some of my prior knowledge... I know hiragana but no katakana. I know basic greetings and introductions, likes and dislikes, and numbers, among some various random basic vocabulary.

 

[Mike Cash]

The Genki series, together with workbook and audio materials.

Have you tried googling: Pittsburgh Japanese class ?

You may be surprised at what you find.

 

[bailmoney27]

The Genki series, together with workbook and audio materials.

Have you tried googling: Pittsburgh Japanese class ?

You may be surprised at what you find.

I've heard mixed things about Genki, so I've kind of delayed picking up a copy. In your opinion, what makes Genki good for self-study?

I also found that there are local classes at a downtown library about a half hour away from me, so I'll definitely be dropping in there if self-studying doesn't go terribly far.

 

[Mike Cash]

I've heard mixed things about Genki, so I've kind of delayed picking up a copy. In your opinion, what makes Genki good for self-study?

That it is designed for and extensively used by colleges and universities and is presumably more concerned with imparting actual knowledge and skills than is anything attempting to part individual consumers from a few bucks by promising them that a task which requires many years of hard work will be quick, fun, and easy.

I also found that there are local classes at a downtown library about a half hour away from me, so I'll definitely be dropping in there if self-studying doesn't go terribly far.

Drop by even if it does.

 

[672wolf]

This is helpful. I find myself in a similar situation, knowing only the basics. I don't have the money for classes or very expensive textbooks, but I'm getting by. I've heard of the living language textbook, and am going to try and get a copy of it.How good is your grammar? I've read through parts of the japanese grammar guide, which is an online grammar guide, and it seems helpful. At least, from my viewpoint, but I'm not fluent or anything, so...

 

[Stuntie]

Just sarting so in the same situation myself.
I've gone for Genki as the best I've seen so far. Plus the work book, and will get the Kana/Kanji one next.
Also grabbed Barrons mini Japanese Grammar book, and Gilhoolys 'read and write Japanese scripts' which is a nice introduction to Kana and Kanji.

But am far from impressed by what I've seen of the choices so far.
But then I'm generally underwhelmed by language tuition books in general, and I've seen some stinkers in my time (Yes, I'm looking at you Cambridge Latin...).
But I'm a hard one to please though as I know what I want, just can't find it for Japanese yet (Adult learner with other languages under the belt so needs one that explains things at an intelligent adult level, but not afraid of grammar, kanji, or complex topics)

Most language books suffer from one or more of the following problems:

1) "Grammar is evil and must not even be mentioned." Either it is assumed to be too hard for your tiny brain to comprehend, or the marketing man says it turns buyers away. Either way you are left with a book about languages that attempts to teach you without the very tools you need to get anywhere.

2) "Oxbridge Ivy Uni publications" Superb as long as the teacher explains everything that isn't in the book. Well, you must obviously be at Univeristy with top notch lecturers, so all you need is a workbook, the teacher can do the rest. Just sit back and listen.

3) "I wrote this to impress other language teachers, not to teach you!" Where every topic must be covered in PHD level detail immediately else other academics will think the writer stupid. Concepts such as 'we'll explain that odd bit later when you know more, just learn it as is for now' are considerd heretical.

4) "Methinks thee doth need to elucidate eloquently." Nice book till you realise that whilst everyone understands you perfectly, they are sniggering as you sound like a Victorian professor. And when they speak you can't understand their modern words.

5) 日本語で勉強は僕の新しいでJapanese only. Hope you got the English guide and workbook, esle you are stuck at square one. Also hope you knew enough Japanese to make sure you ordered volume one, not volume 2 by mistake.