Review of English Grammar for Students of Japanese by Charles Eicher

One of the goals of foreign language instruction in high schools and universities is to get people to think about their own native language. Alas, the typical k-12 English grammar curriculum is barely sufficient to prepare students for literate English usage, let alone lay the foundation for foreign language study. This book attempts to bridge that gap, with a unique approach to learning Japanese grammar.

English Grammar for Students of Japanese would be most valuable to beginning Japanese students. It explains basic English grammar points in a simple, clear manner, then explains the equivalent Japanese form. The similarities and differences between the languages' grammars are made clear, with the ultimate goal of mastering the Japanese form. Each short chapter takes a single subject and goes into all variant forms, and is extensively cross-indexed for easy reference to related topics.

Almost every Japanese textbook or grammar reference I've seen starts by explaining Japanese in English, this is the first book I've ever encountered that turns English grammar into Japanese. A unique book indeed. Sort of a backwards approach to learning Japanese.

The book is inexpensive at about $12.95, and I suspect has more short-term value to beginning language students, rather than a long-term grammar reference. The book is entirely in English and romaji, no kanji or kana. It is clearly targeted at JSL beginners, as it has some general language study tips in the introduction. The book bills itself as "the study guide for those learning Japanese" and indeed, it is a condensed study guide format. You may like this format, or you might not. But for $13, you can hardly go wrong.

☆ See all reviews by Charles Eicher.