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Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese

I figured for my next study tool review, I'd do a positively free one, Tae Kim's Guide to Japanese. This is an amazing website, and it's as close as you'll get to a free online book. It has its flaws, but it is one of the best tools to help you learn.

First of all, it has lessons and even practice exercises in the kana. Although Power Japanese worked best for me in this regard, Tae Kim does a great job of reinforcing your knowledge as well. It also has basic grammar, which you will need to know soon, and advanced topics, although it doesn't flow quite as well as a textbook.

He also has a forum, a wiki, and a blog, all of which will help you as you go along. I should also mention that it's been translated into 9 or 10 languages, so your non-English friends can also check it out.

Now, I wouldn't recommend using this website as your sole source for studying. It's great for reinforcing knowledge, and you might learn a thing or two here and there, but don't start from scratch here. If you're not sure if you want to study Japanese to begin with, then I recommend looking at this site to see if you can commit yourself, but be sure to get a good book as well.

Sorry for the short post, but it's difficult to review a website. Just take my word for it that once you begin your Japanese studies, this site will be indispensable!

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