[.ca] 13 Secrets for Speaking Fluent Japanese (ISBN 4770023022)

Not just useful for Students of Japanese:
Dont get me wrong, students of japanese are definately going to be the ones able to gain the most out of this book because it is specifically focused on learning the japanese language, and the many examples, quizes, and certain study tips are unique to Japan. But many of Murray's tips are useful for studying any language. Specifically im referring to the two chapters explaining stratagies for coping with not knowing the right word, or just plain not being able to remember it. As he notes, these are problems native speakers have too!!! they just know how to deal with it better.... While his examples are really great for japanese, the concept should be taught more often in other languages... GET OVER BEING AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES... and JUST TALK!!!! The style of this book is relaxed enough that it can simply be read for entertainments sake because of the games, and stories within. I really like how Murray doesnt take himself too seriously in his writing, which makes the information just that much more accessible, and therefore useable. The advice on katakana words is priceless... i completely agree, thats its a mistake to conciously avoid hundreds to thousands of vocabulary items we already know, because we THINK its not REAL japanese... who made us the language police (unless you're in France, then its understandable). The reality is that if actual real live Japanese people can understand it... thats good enough. He even made me think twice about a couple of my own study habits... personally, im not a fan of anime, manga, etc... if you like it, thats fine, its just not for me personally...but i will admit that Murray makes a great argument for reading manga as a study aid... actually made better in the chapter about sleezy romance novels.. but the point still applies... that it doesnt matter if we really like it... but that we can learn some useable japanese from the process. Great Book... definately worth a look if you're a student of any language, and a must own for beginning students of japanese.

Not for those new to the language:
This boook may be helpful to those who have had one or two years of college level japanese or are at an equivalent speaking level. If you are in the beginning of your studies and think that this book will help acquire fluency at a quicker pace then be warned. Most of the concepts were well beyond my own pitiful knowledge of the language which rests at about one semester equivalency. I think that the book may be helpful down the road, but at the incipient stages of learning only the first chapter or two can be used. This is definitely for more advanced speakers who can communicate fairly well and need that extra 'insiders' knowledge to boost them towards a native speakers level.

Good for elementary learners:
There is nothing in this book that an intermediate or higher student doesn't already know. If your new to Japanese, go for it otherwise don't waste your money.

Fresh and usable -- BUY THIS BOOK!!:
I've lived in Japan most of my life. Having worked in education, I've read and know about language books, particularly those on practical Japanese language. What's good about this 13 Secrets book is that it teaches you how to express yourself in Japanese with individuality and character. I've read a lot of books which just try to make a boring language robot out of you. This book covers all sorts of areas of language, like jokes (straight and sarcastic) and the language of exaggeration, so you can make your point in conversations. It also teaches all sorts of practical techniques to help you get by even if you don't exactly the right word. If you set your thought patterns right, then you can say pretty much whatever you want to say. This was a revelation. The other thing that's good about this book are all the illustrations - especially the 'IF' manga. If you need to get a fresh perspective on Japanese and want to have fun talking to Japanese people then this book is great. Give it to people who are bored with Japanese or about to give up their studies and watch their language-acquisition juices start pumping all over again! A great shot in the linguistic arm!

Cheap tricks:
If you are interested in cheap tricks rather than substance, this is the book for you. There is no easy way to learn Japanese. There are easier ways, but no easy ways. Where is the beef? Not here.