The site is based on James Heisig's books, which recommend a divide-and-conquer approach to learning Japanese.

I.e. first learn the meaning and writing of around 2,000 common kanji en masse, and then add the readings later.

This is considered to be more efficient and effective. (Naturally this approach is quite controversial.)

At the learn more page on this web site there are links to more information about the book and also a large sample you can download.

Edit: spelling mistake.

Last edited by Katsuo (2008 March 25, 8:51 am)

Katsuo wrote:

The site is based on James Heisig's books, which recommend a divide-and-conquer approach to learning Japanese.

The fact that this is often not understood by newer members is (in a nutshell) the source of a lot of confusion, I think.

I wonder how many people we have using the site that aren't even aware of the existence of Heisig's books ... let alone that they (and his method) are the reason for this site's existence?  Yes, it's explained in various FAQ's and is often talked about in the forum itself ... but nothing forces them to read. 

How many are aware that the site is based on Heisig, but are kind of "free-riding" it by getting almost all of what they need (from the kanji order, primitive names, to good story suggestions) from the site alone?

I'd be curious to see the results of an informal survey.



To anyone that's just "stumbled" upon this site, and started to proceed through the kanji without realizing that it's based on a book and a VERY detailed, thought-out method ... pick up a copy of Remembering the Kanji I, or at least download the free preview (and READ THE INTRODUCTION) to understand what you've signed up for.  Even if you're vaguely aware of the book's existence, an expectation of readings included with the flashcards during the initial "learning stage" would indicate a severe unfamiliarity with the method itself.



http://www.nanzan-u.ac.jp/SHUBUNKEN/pub … RK4-00.pdf

The above-linked PDF file includes the first 276 frames of kanji.


Really, if you find yourself getting further and further along in the course with only this site (and not the book), you're only getting half the experience ... not to mention the moral implications of kind of getting a product for free.  Everything, from (most) of the names of the primitives we use here, to the order of the kanji, to the review method itself, comes straight from the book.

Last edited by dukelexon (2008 March 25, 8:25 pm)

The book is important for two reasons:

1. Explanation of the method throughout. Many misunderstand and think Heisig only about mnemonics. If it were that simple, then all the stories would be like Car + Lack = Soft. Heisig throughout offers words of encouragement and study methods and explanations and warnings and reasons for the madness.

2. Primitives. This is what you don't get from this site. The book explains the primitives and gives the stroke orders. If you're just using this site, you're missing out on many primitives.

Just another 2 cents to throw on the pile.