Learn language secrets that are the key to natural speech and winning Japanese.

This text presents an easy-to-use student's reference guide to the most common colloquialisms in the Japanese language. All the entries and sample sentences are presented in romanized Japanese, with English word and phrase equivalents. The perfect guide to speaking real Japanese Beyond Polite Japanese offers more than 500 words and phrases for those who want to take a step beyond Japanese textbooks and speak like a native without spending decades in the country. Many of the entries cover traditional slang, while other entries take up more

This book is a result of the growing number of insights found in recent research on gesture studies and language acquisition, which have renewed the attention of scholars in gesture functions and meanings in communication and language learning. Observation of the participation of both gesture and speech in the formulation of meaning has revealed that communication is typically multimodal. This perspective has produced engrossing research questions, particularly in contexts where the combination of languages and cultures is complex and diversified. Competence in multiple languages and in different semiotic systems inevitably impacts the way in which people interact and learn languages. Given its status as a country of immigration, Canada provides such a context for this study. This book discusses the changes that the literature on gesture studies can help implement in current practices of language pedagogy. By including gesture as a nonverbal dimension of language and as a means for language acquisition, it provides a contrast to those traditions that have viewed gesture as a marginal aspect of communication and language learning. In addition, this book offers the results of three research studies in Italian language classes in Canada, showing that gesture enables a multimodal approach in language pedagogy and a richer experience for both teachers and learners.

Two-plus centuries of the most beautiful of personal histories, illustrated diaries, from the Bancroft Library collection bringing us diarists from an 18th century friar to Lawrence Ferlnghtetti

As its title suggests, this book captures the essence of Japanese life and culture in 100 words. From well-known concepts like zen, kawaii and anime to their lesser-known counterparts waiting to be discovered by the West, Japan in 100 Words covers it all. Readers will learn more about: Chochin--decorative lanterns seen everywhere from shrines and temples to izakaya Fugu--the very carefully prepared delicacy of poisonous blowfish J-pop--the now widely popular musical genre Karoshi--literally translated as "overwork death" Omiai--the Japanese version of an arranged marriage And much more! The beautiful full-color illustrations bring these ideas, places and objects to life--making it the perfect addition to any Japanophiles library or a fun and useful introductory guide for a first-time visitor to Japan.