Going to Barnes and noble for grammar

[phoenix134]

Hi everyone,

Im going to the bookstore to finally start some grammar learning and wondering what the best options are. Im gonna scan through the genki dont get me wrong, but it already seems too textbook for me. So are there any other options they may have that are more fun and wont feel like homework?

Im not even sure if everyone is familiar with barnes and noble but its the only bookstore around me lol.

[Jintor]

Unfortunately when you’re talking physical bookstores (as opposed to online shops) you’re at the mercy of what’s available.

Everything I can think of is going to be pretty textbook, especially at a beginner level. Minna no Nihongo or Tobira are my usual recs for those who aren’t into Genki, but unfortunately everything is kinda textbook-y around that level.

It’s also worth getting the A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar if you can swing that (or of Intermediate Japanese Grammar). It’s a great reference book.

[Belthazar]

@phoenix134

Im not even sure if everyone is familiar with barnes and noble but its the only bookstore around me lol.

So I’m assuming you’re not in or near one of the dozen-odd cities in the US that happen to contain a Kinokuniya? Because you might have better luck for Japanese study books there.

@Jintor

It’s also worth getting the A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar if you can swing that (or of Intermediate Japanese Grammar).

Why not both? Or throw in the Advanced book too and get the complete set.

[pm215]

@Belthazar

Why not both? Or throw in the Advanced book too and get the complete set.

They’re great reference books, but also expensive, especially if you get all three. For a beginner, the first volume has everything you’re likely to encounter for a while so I think it’s best to just get that to start, and then if you find it useful you can pick up the other volumes later on.

(Though I don’t think I’ve ever seen them in a physical store in the UK that wasn’t specializing in Japan related stuff.)

[NicoleIsEnough]

@phoenix134

but it already seems too textbook for me

So if you are not interested in studying with textbooks, you can also use books (novels and stuff) for studying:

My Complete Journey, Reflection, and Advice for Achieving a High Reading Level in Japanese

Hello. For my fellow learners to are interested in reaching a high level in reading, I would like to share with you some things that I have learned and done that may offer a little bit of guidance. The whole video is 2 hours long, be warned. [Vanilla's Journey + Advice/Reflection] While I am not the best reader of Japanese in the world, I think most people would consider me to have “made it” in the sense I can pick up a book off the shelf and read it without a dictionary without any…

[Belthazar]

@pm215

(Though I don’t think I’ve ever seen them in a physical store in the UK that wasn’t specializing in Japan related stuff.)

I got mine at my university bookshop, though (in the sense that the range of textbooks it sells includes those for the school of languages) I guess it could be considered to be at least partially specialising in Japan-related stuff. Added advantage is I also got a student discount on the price. Looks like 10%, judging by what it says on the price sticker. I’m too lazy to haul out a calculator to confirm that, though.