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Japanese IME For writing in Japanese characters in windows, you need this program, the Japanese Input Method Editor. The Microsoft website gives directions for its installation and use. WWWJDIC Dictionary Created by Monash University, this dictionary is absolutely fantastic for translating single words or the text of an entire paragraph. It also provides a java script that allows you to translate kanji by drawing them on the computer screen and giving you the best results. ALC Dictionary Another great dictionary though it lacks some of the features of the JDIC and also does not provide the hiragana pronunciation of the words. However it does translate not just words alone but can handle entire phrases and idioms. There are also many other interesting links advertised on the page itself. Grammar Guide This is a helpful list of common expressions not always seen in text books. Each expression is written in romanji and hiragana and comes with an English explanation as well as example sentences. Kanji Lessons This is a helpful page for learning kanji. The characters are divided by level of difficulty and presented with explanations and ways to better remember them. The site also provides practice tests and other methods of review. The page is entirely in English. Kotowaza World Kotozawa are the Japanese equivalent of proverbs or idioms, and knowing them is quite helpful for everyday speech. Azonic created this page for its employees and customers, but it is open for the public as well. This page is in Japanese only. Rakugo Rakugo are rather like a cross between a joke and a fable performed by trained story tellers. They're usually quite entertaining, even more so if you can see them performed live. This site provides a large number of rakugo, all in Japanese for your practicing pleasure. JEES:JLPT This is the website for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. The results are used by a variety of businesses and Japanese graduate schools to determine which applicants to accept. EJapan E Japan is a site designed to help study for the JLPT, but serves as a good review and way to learn the language in any event. It also provides many helpful links. |