Can anyone tell me some effective textbooks to learn the Japanese language on my own?

Question

I would like to teach myself Japanese, but I'm not sure where to start. I want to get a textbook for beginners, but I'm not sure of a good, effective, and reliable source. Also, if you are Japanese and would like to help me learn or give me any suggestions, please feel free. I would love to ask a few questions and learn the culture.

Answer 1

I'm Japanese and I think the best way to learn the language is from a good teacher. But, if you are going to learn it yourself, I think you might want to start with learning the hiragana, which are the basic 50 Japanese alphabets. However, if you prefer to be more into the talking rather than writing and reading, I would recommend listening to Japanese CDs, whether it be music, books, or anything where you can here the words, so you'll get used to listening, which probably makes it easier to talk. (This is how I learned English few years ago)

I really think it's great that more people are willing to learn Japanese today, which is only spoken in Japan, unlike French and Spanish that are spoken and official in several countries!!
If you have any questions on the culture or anything, it probably would be the best if you answer here. There are probably other people willing to share their information about our culture with you, and there are people who might have the same questions you do.

がんばってね！(ganbattene=good luck!)

Answer 2

I'm using the 'Japanese for Busy People' textbooks in class, and they seem very straight-forward and simple to use on your own, too. Just be sure to start with the romaji versions if you're beginning, since the kana stuff will be too overwhelming.

Good luck!

Answer 3

text is fine for starter but for a language that relies on very subtle voice inflections there is no substitute for either a real teacher or at least some voice activated software

Answer 4

kimono text books level 1 or 2