Quote (RavenStar @ Wed, Jul 1 2009, 03:28am)

again. this.

torrent this. (Pirate Bay) (Mininova) (etc...)

Pimsleur Japanese I. Its an audio course and you will be able to speak japanese quite well after using it.



Disclaimer: I do not recommend torrenting anything illegal, so if this is in fact copyrighted.... then don't do it.

Quote (skystrike @ Fri, Jun 26 2009, 07:03am)

It's a system of Japanese honorific language. The basic idea is to use different language to the person depending on your (and their status). The keigo itself is divided into several categories which include:

1. Sonkeigo (language of respect) - used for people who are high status than you (eg teachers, elders)

The equation is quite basic. You (generally) take masu form of the verb, stick "o" in front of it and add "ni naru" in the end.

Eg. Sensei wa toshokan ni ohairi ni natta - Teacher entered the library

Some verbs follow non standard conversion (such to come (kuru) becomes oideninaru)


2. Kenjougo (language of humility) - Practice of lowering your achievements in order to seem "humble". It is used a lot in service industry. (just try to order a hotel room in Japan and you will hear it!)

The best example of humble speech is well known to all foreigners, even though they probably don't realize it. The phrase "itadakimasu" used before eating (translated as "I humbly receive") is actually a humble version verb of morau (receive).

3. Teineigo - polite speech. This is your basic speech with "masu" "desu" etc.


While some people say keigo is useless and you should stick with masu/desu forms, I think learning keigo is very useful, since even if you don't intend to use it, you will still hear it and understanding it will give you an advantage.

Quote (Chibi_GeishA @ Thu, Jun 25 2009, 07:16am)

For the next spring, i want to go to Japan.
But not without knowing what to say there.
If someone wants to teach me a thing or 2, pm me please! ^^
I know a few things, but i'll tell you the rest if you want to help

Arigatou ^^ - Chibi

Quote (Chibi_GeishA @ Wed, Jun 24 2009, 05:16pm)

For the next spring, i want to go to Japan.
But not without knowing what to say there.
If someone wants to teach me a thing or 2, pm me please! ^^
I know a few things, but i'll tell you the rest if you want to help

Arigatou ^^ - Chibi