Mike, I was hoping you would reply. Grammar is very hard, but having always been in special ed english, english grammar was also hard. I think I know what you mean, correct me if I'm wrong but, as you get more advanced, more things are implied...it seems alot more based on context and grammical basis..? Ive read kims grammar guide alot, I'll keep drilling in the grammer. For some odd reason though, I tested into honors english easily for my entrance exam. I'm starting college this summer. There are some non native teachers. I'm not biased but concerned of inaccurate pronounciation. I'm planning on becoming fluet one day like you mike. I've always been very determined but self study has been hard. I know a handful of kanji and all kana. I can speak/pronounce well, but can't write. I bought japanese for busy people 1 (ALTHOUGH, I don't work and study many hours a day now.) Kana version. Mike, I have kims grammar guide pdf on my phone. I read it on the go. I also notice to my dismay my japanese corrected. People can understand it most of the time but always the grammer is wrong.Maybe I can't think of translating or making sentences so literally. I can't really compare them. It's like apples and oranges. It seems like the grammar lit , is often different from the natural meaning. I like that kims guide uses kana and kanji. It makes me do work and this helps me learn. For example, this sentence: The department store is open from 5 until 8.
デパートは10時から8までです。 Lit. As for the department store, its (open) from 10:00 until 8:00. And yet the whole beauty of it is open is implied; its not even in the sentence! In my opinion, this is what makes it so beautiful: the simplicity based on context. I think this is why it is so hard also for some non natives to learn. Correct me if I'm wrong mike. Thanks again. Do you know of any good printed grammer guides? I'm typing this on my phone. I need to get internet. Thanks mike!
