The Hippocrene Beginner’s Series offers basic language instruction, presenting grammar, vocabulary, and common phrases in clear, concise lessons. Review questions and exercises accompany each section, while historical and cultural material gives insight into customs and everyday situations. Books in the series are an ideal companion for students, travelers, and businesspeople.

Beginner’s Japanese with 2 Audio CDs teaches the basics of Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and conversation in 25 easy-to-follow lessons. Ideal for classroom use and self-study, its unique approach combines dialogues, easy-to-follow explanations of grammar, and practical cultural information. Sidebars feature vocabulary and helpful tips for travelers and businesspeople. The audio CD feature complements the dialogue and vocabulary sections of the book, aiding the reader in understanding the language as spoken. The book also includes guides to the hiragana and katakana writing systems, as well as Japanese/English and English/Japanese glossaries.