After several months of off and on reading (I didn’t bring the book with me to Europe during the summer when I was away for more than six weeks) I have finished ハリー・ポッターと秘密の部屋. This was the first book I have read in Japanese in almost twenty years. Clocking in at almost 500 pages, I feel like I’ve accomplished something.

Although daunting at the outset, the reading was actually not that difficult and quite enjoyable. In addition, I picked up some new vocabulary/kanji and had a great review of other vocabulary, grammar, and kanji. Not all of the things learned will come in handy. After all, how often will I need to use words like 屋敷しもべ妖精 (house elf), 杖 (wand), or ほとんど首無しニック (Nearly Headless Nick) in real life? But overall this was a very enjoyable studying routine. I plan to continue it by reading a Japanese book on a daily basis from here on out (in addition to Mangajin, Nihongo Journal, and other things).

The Harry Potter book had furigana next to all of the kanji. For my next read I plan to read something without the furigana crutches. It will probably be slower going, but that is the norm while in Japan which is what I’m preparing for.

I also finished Mangajin #23 as well. If you are interested in purchasing either of these items from me (or the other things previously mentioned) make me an offer.

Related posts:

1. Multifaceted approach to learning and improving Japanese language abilities I’m a teacher by profession, and one thing I try to get across to my students is that it is difficult to learn something merely by reading about it once...
2. Japanese learning materials for sale or trade Yesterday I finished the previously mentioned Kochi Kame. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this manga. It turned out to be not so Scooby Doo like after all. Only the first few...
3. Japanese magazines for sale I’ve finished reading a couple more magazines that need a new home. If you want them, or the earlier items mentioned, let me know. Nihongo Journal, August 1993 features...
4. Free, online Japanese reading practice I just discovered a site that, while not new or updated recently, provides some nice little Japanese reading practices. Check out http://www.geocities.com/easykanji. The above site is worthwhile regardless of your current...
5. Kanji quizzes As I’ve previously mentioned, I really like “Nazotte…” for the Nintendo DS for Kanji review and practice. It’s mobile, and you can learn lots of new vocabulary in the process...

Posted on October 2nd, 2008 under Japan • Tags: japanese language, Japanese Language Study Methods, mangajin. • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback