All too often my friends heading to Japan ask me to suggest a book, CD or tape for them to pick up prior to their trip, in an effort to pick up some basic Japanese expressions.While there are an inordinate number of products out there, I recently came across an on-line option that is fun and easy - Survival Phrases Japanese.
The web site is http://www.survivalphrases.com/ and describes itself as an easy way to.."Learn essential travel phrases, cultural insights and travel tips that you won’t find in a traditional phrasebook."
The site offers several options; however, the two which are sure to peak your interest are: a Free Trial 10 lesson option with an accompanying PDF guide or a Premium 1 lesson offer at $25 for 50 lessons, 50 PDF study guides and an iPod lesson feed. You can download these fun and easy lessons on to your iPod to listen to during your commute to work each day or during your flight to Japan.
Each lesson/podast is moderated by Sachiko Nakagome, an enthusiastic teacher who takes the time to breakdown key words, phrases and expressions, so that they are easily understood. She also throws in some shortcuts/tips for those that find the more formal expressions too long or complicated to absorb at this beginning stage in their language study.
In addition, the site also offers a link to http://www.japanesepod101.com/ which covers some more advanced expressions, phrases or topics for those beyond the introductory level.
As you well know, a little Japanese goes a long way. Certainly any effort made on your part to learn a few basic expressions will be well received by your host and will certainly enhance your time and experience while in Japan.
All the best...Mark
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