Update
Because of reported problems with the PDF file not printing (even though I embedded the fonts), here's the HTML version. New and improved, too.
A straight line forward is not the only measure of progress. True, I've been accumulating kanji like tokens in a video game, but this weekend I stopped to build something with them, or rather, to reorganize them. I love a system, but prefer that it's my system.
Japanese verbs conjugate quite regularly following two sets of rules. (There are only two irregular verbs, that is, two verbs not in either set.) Over the years, I've found that although knowing the rules is good, it is only the beginning in language learning. To apply the rules effectively, I must practice the individual instances over and over. (And outloud! Training the mouth's muscle memory is one key to success).
My Japanese textbook explained the rules well, but provided only a few examples. Barron's 501 Japanese Verbs, is the largest reference on verbs I own, but I have several problems with it (some of which stem from my desire for a learning tool, which it is not; it's a reference book). First, I struggle with the romanization, rendered following a system which they explain is the most accurate way to reproduce Japanese words. If that's a major concern, they should have stuck with hiragana. I used romaji as a crutch far too long. Second, it doesn't show the kanji for each verb. Third, the verbs are organized in roman alphabetical order. Although appropriate for a reference, alphabetical order does not illustrate the principal for verb conjugation.
So after spending a couple of hours laboriously making flashcards by hand, I decided that I had finally accumulated the tools to do it on the computer faster. I grouped the verbs by their conjugation rules (either class 1 or class 2). Within each class, I alphabetized them, not by the first letter of the verb, but by the root's ending, which provides the key to conjugation. The cards are written in hiragana, which illustrates the conjugation patterns much better than romanization systems. Finally, I've included the kanji and its reading to reinforce my kanji practice. Now all I need is a printer and I can print out these cards and practice.
Although the original file was written in HTML, I've created a PDF version (66K) to make it easier to print. I don't claim that it's complete. It includes only the verbs I know and want to practice and the tenses I've already learned.
Posted by M Sinclair Stevens
January 26, 2003
Comments
Thanks a lot for sharing the pdf file. It really gonna help me a lot in studying those verbs. Right now verb conjugation is giving me a headache. Thanks.
Comment by: pikey. Posted January 26, 2003 11:30 PM.
I've found one error so far. おとす should be 落とす not 落す。Additions, corrections, and an index are in the works.
Comment by: M. Posted January 27, 2003 02:37 PM.
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