Quote:
Originally Posted by Simba
Are you familiar with the Heisig method? I've done the first 400 from there (well, just under 400), no more. That doesn't mean I know the 400 most frequently used.
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I don`t believe I`m familiar with this "Heisig" method... I`ve never actually studied Japanese. However, I must say that I have serious doubts on the effectiveness of a program which not only doesn`t teach in order of frequency, but leaves 曜, something you`ll encounter pretty much everyday (literally) - particularly in a classroom situation - out of the first 500 or so.
No, wait. I just checked up on the Heisig method. I AM familiar with it. I don`t know a single person who actually used it and was able to apply it to real life Japanese. It removes the kanji from common sense order and from context, so you`re left with these little floating characters that are connected with meanings that do not apply in real Japanese. And with images associated with the kanji that actually impair correct deduction of the meaning in unfamiliar words.
Seriously, it is an example of how NOT to create a natural textbook among linguistics scholars. Not to mention it uses supposed histories of characters that besides being incorrect, are downright racist in some cases. (I do hope they`ve taken some of those out in newer editions... Like the references to cannibalism, etc)
In other words - The Heisig method is not a good method. Unless, of course, your only aim is to somehow remember these characters - void of proper meaning and context.