The stories. The mouse's marriage -- Peach boy -- The candy-buying ghost -- Kintaro, the Golden Boy -- The magic teapot -- The old man who made flowers bloom -- The grateful crane -- The haunted canal -- The tongue-cut sparrow -- The mission of the jellyfish -- How an old man lost his lump -- The battle of the monkey and the crab -- Kachikachi Mountain -- A devoted dog -- The white bird maiden -- The Mountain Witch and the packhorse driver -- One-inch boy -- The abandoned mother -- The straw millionair -- Hoichi the Earless -- The tale of Princess Kaguya -- The three brothers -- Answer keys -- Appendix I: an overview of Japanese verb forms -- Appendix II: Japanese adjective forms.
Summary:
"Learn about Japanese culture while improving your language skills! Japanese Folktales for Language Learners presents 22 traditional stories in parallel Japanese and English versions on facing pages, with detailed notes and exercises aimed at beginning to intermediate learners. This book can be used as a language reader and will be of great interest to anyone wishing to learn more about Japanese culture and folklore. The stories in this collection gradually increase in length and complexity as the book progresses. They include: "The Candy-Buying Ghost" - A female ghost mysteriously buys candy every night from a small village shop, until one night she reveals her true identity and her tragic story. "The Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom" - Regarded as one of the five greatest Japanese folktales, this touching story tells of a kind old man who uses his magical powers for good. "The Abandoned Mother" - An elderly woman is abandoned at the top of a mountain by her own son, a reference to the old practice of senicide in Japan. Vocabulary lists, cultural notes, exercises and discussion questions help to reinforce an understanding of the stories and bolster language skills. Free online recordings of all the stories are provided"--Publisher's description.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.