Review of An Introduction to Japanese Grammar and Communication Strategies by Fritz Kemler

6 Appendixes with grammar tables, a short section with sample texts, subject index, wa-ei and ei-wa vocabular lists.

All examples are in romaji-kanji/kana-translation.

The main part of the book consists of 130 entries dealing with the major grammatical topics eg. "30. Requesting-1. Asking for Items and Services" or "42. Inquiring-2. Negative Questions".

Each entry features a "target expression" (= motivation), strategic explanation, examples and practices. In the explanations you find many hints about situational applicability of certain constructions.

The ordering of the entries (simple -> complicated) suggests usage as a textbook, but I think this book is perfectly usable as a reference too.

In my humble opinion this book combines linguistic rigor with practical usability in a near to ideal way.

☆ See all reviews by Fritz Kemler.