The Cunning Linguist

Level: absolute beginners

Designed for: adults learning at home or in a class

Contents: introductions, ordering and talking about food and drink, finding your way around, buying things, finding somewhere to stay, getting around

Features: audio cds (120 minutes)

Level: absolute beginners, post-beginners

Learning approach: 45-minutes-a-day, six-week course

Contents: includes shopping, eating out and getting around - 400 words

Features: flashcards, audio cds (150 minutes)

Level: absolute beginners

Learning approach: listen-and-repeat

Designed for: travellers

Contents: basic words and phrases - 300 expressions (audio cd), 1,200 words and phrases (book)

Features: audio cd

Level: absolute beginners, post-beginners

Learning approach: 12 chapters of basic structures and grammar, 7 chapters of situational vocabulary and scenarios, 1 chapter on reading Japanese script (romanization in all other chapters), speaking and listening exercises

Designed for: those daunted by the prospect of complicated grammar, classes and coursebooks

Contents: basic everyday business and social situations (shopping, eating out, travelling, meeting a business person and entertaining in your home), culture, reading Japanese script

Features: audio cds (120 minutes)

Level: absolute beginners, post-beginners

Learning approach: prioritises listening and speaking skills, self-assessment at end of each lesson

Contents: general and social vocabulary and situations, business vocabulary and customs, cultural information

Features: audio cds (300 minutes)

Level: absolute beginners, post-beginners

Learning approach: emphasis on communication, important language structures introduced through audio dialogues

Designed for: anyone who wants to progress quickly from the basics to understanding and speaking with confidence

Contents: key structures and vocabulary, everyday situations such as introducing yourself and finding your way around, 22 thematic units, real-life situations which feature authentic Japanese as it is spoken on the street, romanised script throughout

Features: audio cds (120 minutes)

Level: absolute beginners

Learning approach: short, simple chapters, communicating with minimal effort

Contents: everyday situations (shopping, dining out, riding trains, making reservations), practical advice on making the most of your stay in Japan

Features: dictionary of 1,800 words and expressions, audio cd (60 minutes)