As I mentioned in the last mail. THE Japanese writing system is A combination of Chinese characters called “kanji” and two different types of Japanese alphabets. I will describe the process OF how Japanese kids master such a complicated writing system because it can HELPFUL to foreign Japanese learners. 1 Memorize THE basic Japanese alphabet “hiragana” “hiragana” letters cover all Japanese sounds, so memorizing hiragana is THE first step. 2 Memorize”katakana” alphabet. katakana letters also cover all Japanese sounds, however, these cover foreign imported words or foreign names. 3 Memorize some easy Chinese characters called “kanji” kanjiS ARE not letters or alphabets because THEY describe sounds and meaningS like ancient Egyptians ‘characters. Therefore, some of them haVE complicated SHAPES but don't worry,complicated kanji often consist of some basic kanji shapes like a puzzle. So memorIZE easy kanji at the beginning. After that you can develop your kanji skillS easier. In THE next mail, I will tell YOU about the way TO combine kanji, hiragana and katakana letters. Cheers, aka Ken
