A Guide to Learning Hiragana & Katakana: First steps to reading and writing Japanese

Systematic and clear, this guide is appropriate for self-study or classroom use for anyone wishing to learn the Japanese syllabic systems, hiragana and katakana. Ample practice and review space is provided, along with some helpful self-tests. A detailed reference section illuminates the kana lessons, explaining the origin and function of the kana, as well as possible combinations with kanj. For students who have begun to speak Japanese, or who are accustomed to romanized Japanese, auxilary information is provided. For those commencing with reading and writing the language, pronunciation guidance is provided, and the vocabulary selected for its usefulness and cultural relevance. Mastering these lessons will set you on the road to reading and writing Japanese.