Wednesday 24 October 2007

Pic of the day: I bought this book today.

Kana de Manga

This is a funny little book, aimed at the (very) young reader. It attempts to teach the two syllabic scripts of Japanese by using typical elements from manga (Japanese comics). In Japan, children learn these very early, typically in pre-school. When they start school, they begin learning kanji, the word-symbols, which are generally more difficult - if for nothing else then because there are thousands of them. (Although less than 2000 are commonly used without explanation, probably not counting the ones used in names.)

Yes, there are several "Kanji de Manga" books as well, but in the store I visited, the first of them was sold out. This makes sense, as the new reader would be well advised to only buy the first volume and see whether he made it through that before buying more. Of course, I would be well advised to see if I make it through the hiragana and katakana before I start on the kanji. Until now, the only hiragana I recognize are those used in the name of Tsuji Ayano. This should surprise no one, as the handwriting I have used since the age of 14 was one I learned from a girl who never knew it either. She had written a small piece of text and I thought her writing was so beautiful, so I copied it. Perhaps I need a Japanese girl to do the same. Any volunteers? ^^

But until then, I shall make do with Kana de Manga. Most likely I will eventually jump to the next fad, though I may come back. My fads have the ability to return at random times.