Learn to speak Japanese--the fast and easy wayJapanese is the gateway to the rich culture of the exciting and complex island nation of Japan. Some people get intimidated by the prospect of speaking Japanese--worried that it's just too complex and different--but these fears are unfounded. While you can devote a lifetime to the study of this or any language, picking up the basics of Japanese doesn't require any more than an interest and a willingness to try something new.Japanese For Dummies has everything you need to start speaking the language. Author and Professor of Japanese Eriko Sato introduces the essentials of grammar and pronunciation, giving you a working sense of the language, before showing you Japanese in action. You'll also discover social customs, formalities, and manners, from how and when to bow to how to unwrap a present.* Includes vocabulary summaries, a mini-dictionary, and an audio CD full of conversations and pronunciations* Assumes no prior knowledge of Japanese on your part--providing the perfect guide for a quick-but-thorough, lighthearted-but-not-lightweight introduction to the language* CD lets you hear Japanese as it's really spoken and reinforces lessons from the bookWhether you simply want to introduce yourself to the Japanese language, say a few words to a neighbor or coworker, or you're planning a major trip or study abroad in Japan, Japanese For Dummies will enable you to get the basics fast and work towards your own goal at your own pace.CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of the e-book file, but are available for download after purchase.

Eriko Sato, PhD, is Director of the Teacher Certification Program for Japanese and the Pre-College Japanese Language Program at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.