Kana no Quiz

Detailled presentation

Introduction

Kana no Quiz is a little educational tool, simple yet efficient, to memorize shape and pronunciation of the Japanese alphabet (the kana, divided into hiragana & katakana) in an easy way, and thus accomplish the first step in learning the language, without much pain.

The full list of kana is implemented, including additional katakana used in modern language. Default used transcription system is the Hepburn's (most common world-wide), but it does also support Kunrei-shiki, Nihon-shiki and Polivanov (cyrillic) systems.

Written using the Python programming anguage, this program is cross platform: the same package works on Unix (GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Mac OS X...) and Windows, sharing the same GTK+ interface on every operating system (view screenshots).

How does it work?

Memorization method

The method is quite simple: it is a repetitive quiz.
The kana appear randomly and the user has to find its transcription ; either by choosing the correct answer from a random list containing several possibilities (number is selectable) or by directly typing the answer through a text entry. This second method of course is harder.

Progressive learning

Through its option panel and full kana tables, Kana no Quiz allows you to tune up the quiz precisely, like choosing which group of kana you want to train yourself upon.

First, hiragana and katakana are separated, both are then divided into big sets of kana according to their type (Basic, Modified, Combined; and a special Additional set for katakana only) which are thus composed of various portions mostly containing 5/6 kana, following the traditional alphabet order (i.e.: ka ki ku ke ko).

According to your need and level, you may select one or more portions of the same or different sets, whole sets, all the kana... Once you feel comfortable (you can check it with the results displayed at the end of each quiz), you may also increase the number of possible answers in the random list, or even choose to answer directly through the text entry. Difficulty can be adapted to your skill: this is progressive learning.

From the complete beginner who has to start easily and learn step by step, to the wizard who just wants to confirm his/her absolute master of the kana, everyone should get satisfated with Kana no Quiz!