Modern Japanese Grammar: A Practical Guide / Edition 1

by Naomi McGloin, M. Endo Hudson, Fumiko Nazikian, Tomomi Kakegawa

Overview

First published in 2013. As with its series counterparts, this is an innovative reference guide to the Japanese language, combining traditional and function-based grammar in a single volume.



In its two-part structure, Part A covers traditional grammatical categories, such as structural features of the language and the behaviour of parts of speech. With a strong emphasis on contemporary usage, all grammar points are richly illustrated with examples written in a combination of hiragana, katakana and kanji, alongside romanizations and sentence meanings in English.Part B is organised around language functions such as expressing likes and dislikes, giving and seeking information, making decisions and apologising. This function-based presentation is an invaluable guide to the situationally-appropriate use of Japanese for learners at all levels.



The two parts of the Grammar are closely linked by extensive cross-references, providing a grammatical and a functional perspective on many patterns in the language. This is the ideal reference grammar for learners of Japanese at all levels, from novice to advanced. No prior knowledge of grammatical terminology is assumed and a glossary of grammatical terms is provided.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415572019
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/26/2013
Series:	Modern Grammars
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Naomi H. McGloin is Professor of Japanese Language and Linguistics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Mutsuko Endo Hudson is Professor of Japanese Language and Linguistics at Michigan State University, USA
Fumiko Nazikian is Senior Lecturer and Director of the Japanese Language Program at Columbia University, USA
Tomomi Kakegawa is Associate Professor of Japanese at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA

Table of Contents

Introduction. Acknowledgements. Glossary of grammatical terms. Abbreviations. Part A: Structures 1. Introduction 2. Pronunciation 3. Writing system 4. Words 5. Sentences and sentence patterns 6. Register and style 7. Nouns and noun phrases 8. Pronouns 9. Demonstratives 10. Particles 11. Topic Marker WA 12. Verbs 13. Adjectives 14. Adverbs 15. Negation 16. Numbers and classifiers 17. Compounds 18. Formal nouns 19. Auxiliary verbs 20. The causative construction 21. The passive construction 22. Conjunctions and connectives 23. Temporal Clauses 24. Conditional Clauses 25. Relative (noun modifying) clauses 26. Complement clauses 27. Tense and aspect 28. Evidential markers 29. Honorifics Part B: Functions I. Social constructs and communication strategies 30. Social contacts 31. Basic communication strategies II. Giving and seeking information 32. Questions 33. Reporting 34. Asking and giving personal information 35. Identifying 36. Telling time, date, etc 37. Describing people, places, state and condition 38. Comparisons 39. Contrast 40. Location and distance 41. Possession 42. Gift 43. Kind acts 44. Experience 45. Intentions and plans 46. Temporal relations 47. Explanations, Reason and purpose 48. Causes and effect 49. Describing Procedures 50. Changes 51. Expressing Abilities 52. Needs 53. Possibility and probability 54. Certainty and uncertainty 55. Provisions, conditions and hypotheses 56. Understanding and knowing 57. Remembering and forgetting III. Expressing emotions and sensations 58. General comments on adjectives of emotions and sensations 59. Gratitude 60. Apology and forgiveness 61. Apology and forgiveness 61. Empathy 62. Likes and dislikes 63. Desires and preferences 64. Hope and wishes 65. Joy and sorrow 66. Fear or worry 67. Distress and regret 68. Surprise 69. Hunger, thirst and fatigue 70. Pain or discomfort 71. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction IV. Speaking as performing acts 72. Advice and suggestions 73. Requests 74. Offer or invitation 75. Orders (command) 76. Directions and instructions 77. Confirmation 78. Permission 79. Prohibition 80. Obligation and duty 81. Complaint 82. Compliment 83. Promise and warning 84. Opinion 85. Agreement, disagreement and indifference 86. Choosing and deciding 87. Shopping 8. Ordering 89. Reservation Appendices 1. Kiragana charts 2. Katakana charts 3. Verb: Basic conjugatrions 4. Copula and Adjective: Basic conjugations. References. Index of topics. Index of Japanese words

Editorial Reviews

Praise for the series -

'I love these book. The explanations of functions are clear and the workbooks put you in context so you get much more motivated than when you're going through mechanical drills.' -Akiko Furukawa, Reading University, UK

For the Japanese Grammar-

‘It is an extremely innovative work in which (1) the form-based and function-based grammar explanations are introduced in a very comprehensive and easy to follow fashion; (2) the explanation of the grammar is very clear and supported by accompanying exercises divided by level of difficulty in the workbook and (3) communication strategies, idiomatic expressions and dialogues, which are as important as the acquisition of the basic forms and functions, are also introduced to help learners develop true proficiency. In short, in my view, the proposed work approaches the learning of grammar in a unique way and is extremely practical, as rightly pointed out by the authors. It is superior to many other grammar books currently available in the market.’ Rebecca Chau, University of British Columbia

‘MJG seems to be a well-conceptualized set of materials that have been carefully

constructed with ample example sentences. I recommend its publication.’ Mari Noda, Ohio State University

‘The idea of including both structural and functional explanations in one book is excellent. Students normally need to buy two separate and unrelated books. The idea of cross-referencing within one book is innovative. However, the book will become more attractive if each separate component is more interesting and innovative.’ Shoichi Iwasaki, UCLA

Shoichi was concerned that the proposal wasn’t strong enough in content, and had detailed comments and suggestions for improvements– see Author’s response.

‘In summary, the goals of the book are very well thought out. I do think that this book makes a meaningful contribution to language learning or linguistics. However, since there are already excellent reference books on Japanese grammar and pedagogy, MJG must also demonstrate the advantage of its method. So far it has not succeeded.’ Fumiko Nazikian, Columbia University

Fumiko felt that there were several areas of concern: lack of contextual information; Part A and B not well coordinated, examples lacking pedagogical considerations. I have talked to Yuki about this and she has taken on board the criticism; she has agreed to pay particular attention to the points highlighted in this review. Please see author’s response to reviews below.

Praise for Routledge Modern Grammars -

‘The entire series is outstanding. Why? Because it's totally practical without getting stuck in grammatical obscurities. It reflects the actual, contemporary use of the language as it is used by ordinary, educated speakers.’ - Harold Goodman, author of the Michel Thomas courses

From the Publisher