Japan's Cultural Code Words:
233 Key Terms That Explain the Attitudes and Behaviors of the Japanese

Culture, Language

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In the maze of Japanese formalities, polite language, and culturally sensitive issues, it's easy for Westerners to become lost and confused about what exactly is "going on," and what Japanese people really mean when they say certain things. Japan's Cultural Code Words is an excellent guide to the meaning and connotation of many Japanese words that could potentially elude even Japanese-speaking Westerners. With Boye Lafayette De Ments's engaging writing style, precise definitions, and connotational background, this book is indispensable for those hoping to "decipher" the Japanese cultural and linguistic code.

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Japanese Beyond Words: How to Walk and Talk Like a Native Speaker

Language

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Long-time Japan resident Andrew Horvat presents many topics on Japanese language use and culture through a wealth of experience, research, and anecdote. Entertaining, opinionated, as well as educational, Japanese Beyond Words will help you to walk, talk, slurp, and bow your way to cultural (as well as linguistic) fluency in Japanese.

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Japan Style Sheet: The SWET Guide for Writers, Editors and Translators

Language

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The Japan Style Sheet is an authoritative guide that will assist anyone working on English-language publications about Japan or containing references to Japanese culture, art, business, history, and politics. Aimed primarily at the needs of editors and writers without specialized knowledge, it contains clear advice and information, as well as several appendices that will be useful to translators and researchers in Japanese studies. Problem areas discussed include methods of romanizing Japanese; word formation; "spelling" Japanese words; methods of indicating long vowels, apostrophes, and other aids to a proper reading of romanized Japanese; capitalization; plurals; and bibliographic style. Reasons and alternatives are given throughout to enable writers and editors to make stylistic decisions based on their intended audiences.

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Kanji Pict-O-Graphix: Over 1,000 Japanese Kanji and Kana Mnemonics

Language

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Author Michael Rowley uses brilliant mnemonics to put the ideas back into Japanese ideographs to help non-natives learn the complex writing system. Rowley presents 1,200 Japanese characters with readings, main definitions, standard printed forms, and visual and text mnemonics to make them easier to remember. Kanji Pict-O-Graphix was elected by the Quality Paperback Book Club and is a winner of two international design awards.

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Designing with Kanji: Japanese Character Motifs for Surface, Skin & Spirit

Language

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Japanese kanji characters combine meaning with beauty and thus offer a unique medium for artistic expression. But if you don't know the language, how do you find characters that say what you want and are not just a kanji cliché? You can start here. This attractive book has over one hundred thirty kanji presented in a simple format for easy use.

For example:

Post the kanji for kenshin on a mirror to remind you of your devotion to your studies.

Embroider bussho on a meditation cushion to help you reflect on Buddha nature.

Tattoo the name Zatoichi on your upper arm as homage to your favorite blind swordsman hero.

Show your love with a card decorated by ai.

Pick from Warrior, Heart, Nature, and Spirit categories to find the characters that express your sentiments best. Each entry includes historical or etymological background, often with unusual kanji facts. Then trace, photocopy, or even stencil the clear letterforms-displayed in several different kanji fonts-to get just the effect you want. Included is an introduction to kanji, writing tips, and a special supplement on Zodiac kanji (great for birthdays!).

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13 Secrets for Speaking Fluent Japanese: Effective and Enjoyable New Techniques to Speak, Memorize and Think in Japanese

Language

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13 Secrets for Speaking Fluent Japanese is currently in its fourth imprint. Presenting tested shortcuts for Japanese language acqusition, 13 Secrets is designed for people who are fed up with orthodox textbooks.It introduces new strategies for thinking, speaking and memorizing Japanese quickly, efficiently and independently. Used in tandem with a mainstream textbook, the stratgies will enable any student to apply the lessons of the classroom to real-life situations and speak without hesitation in natural and fluent Japanese.

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Beyond Polite Japanese: A Dictionary of Japanese Slang and Colloquialisms

Language

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Outgrowing polite Japanese-the language that all students sweat blood to learn in school-is not easy, but with the help of Beyond Polite Japanese, it can be brought within the realm of possibility. Aside from that, what better way to take a break from the usual textbook grind? For students at all levels.

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If you teach me Japanese, I'll teach you English

Language

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Transporting language exchange beyond the classroom If you teach me Japanese, I’ll teach you English helps the language student of both Japanese and English to better organize their exchange outside of the class ‘box’. What better way to learn another language than in informal conversation with your native speaking friend? This book can help you make it happen. Written in both English and Japanese, it can be read by both parties to ensure equal understanding. With interesting “Culture Notes”, and drills that are based on ordinary conversation.

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