


Learn Kanjis Fast!



KTutor



Version 1.0



Users Manual





Copyright c 1992 -- 1996, Szabolcs Varga
All rights reserved



Table of Contents

Introduction	1
What is KTutor Anyway?	1
Finally version number 1.0	2
Disclaimers	3
Installing KTutor	5
Hardware and Software Requirements	5
Installing and Running KTutor	5
What Files Should I Get in the Package?	7
Using Ktutor	9
Checks and Tests	9
Personal History Files	9
Limits	10
Checks	10
Tests	11
Pairs	12
Technical Support	13
Future Releases of KTutor -- Windows support	13
Support for KTutor	13



CHAPTER 1


Introduction


What is KTutor Anyway?
KTutor is a little, simple and nonetheless quite ugly piece of DOS software that
still might prove to be a little help in kanji studies. Actually, the only part of the
software that I myself consider to be of real value is its database: while most of the
freeware/shareware Japanese kanji study software efforts I have met include not
more than a couple of hundreds of kanjis and maybe some compound words, too,
KTutor uses a database of all the 1945 Joyo Kanji (with almost 4000 readings) and
around 9000 jukugos, compound words; altogether a little over 11000 lexical units.
And KTutor knows these in two languages, English and Hungarian.

The very idea of creating a little piece of software that helps in my Japanese
studies came some five years ago, being a third-year student of the Etvs Lornd
University of Budapest, when I first met the book Mark Spahn and Wolfgang
Hadamitzky: Kanji and Kana. My very first idea was not much more than just to
type in the book and write the simplest program that makes me practise the kanjis;
I knew that this was violating the copyright law but making it only for myself I
didn't care much.
After typing in some 300 kanjis with their compounds (which took a couple of
months, actually) I had to realize how big the project was and how little free time I
had. Also, having studied some more Japanese I came to understand that while this
book was a marvellous and quite up-to-date collection of its time (it was written at
the end of the 70's), many of the compound words have become obsolete and so
copying blindly the book is a waste of a lot of time.
My enthusiasm and my free time has slowly disappeared and during the
following three and half years I have hardly done more than translated the above-
mentioned 300 kanjis and jukugos into Hungarian and created a couple more
boring tests in the program. It's not that I have given up completely the idea of
finishing it (though I did give up supporting EGA and CGA monitors); it's just that
I never had a couple of months of free time to finish it.
Things have changed greatly last (1995) April, when I got a three-year
scholarship from the Japanese Ministry of Education, from Monbusho. Half a year
I spent in Yokohama, at the Yokohama National University Foreign Students
Center, where -- to my greatest surprise -- some of the teachers showed great
interest in my worthless program. I have finished the English database within 2
months and then the remaining part of that 6 months went on deleting all the
obsolete words, looking for new ones; in short, editing the database quite heavily.
The result is something that still has the very logical order of the Hadamitzky
book, and certainly, keeps many of its entries; but differs enough from it that I can
refuse all charges of violation of copyrights. (And as we all know well from the
EDICT manual by Jim Breen: it's very difficult to state and maintain copyright
laws in case of dictionaries, for neko is cat, after all.)
Also, in the meantime I made the program completely bilingual. While it was
originally designed to be only Hungarian, I realized the importance of the English
database (for at least this one did exist) and rewrote the program. Unfortunately,
this meant that all the manuals and on-line helps had to be written in two
languages.
I moved to Nagano, Matsumoto last (1995) October and spent a lot of my time
finishing the Hungarian database and writing things like the manual, the on-line
help, the credits and many other things I haven't really thought of before.

Finally version number 1.0
To be very honest, I contacted Jim Breen (author and coordinator of EDICT)
well before I did all the tiny details listed above. So I had to finish things quite in a
hurry, and the Hungarian database was still not complete (and I want to
synchronize the two databases as much as possible). So I decided to release
whatever I had with a database of 500 kanjis and the corresponding jukugos. This
was version number 0.97. This release made very little noise but in the meantime I
finished the proofreading of the Hungarian translation (which took a lot more time
than I had thought) and so here is finally version 1.0.
KTutor is completely free to use, to copy and to distribute supposing that you
always distribute full copies. (Though I must admit I wouldn't refuse any
donations.) You can even charge a distribution fee for distributing it.
However, no part(s) of KTutor may be included in any commercial product,
nor may any commercial product include portion(s) derived from part(s) of
KTutor, without my explicit permission.
Please support KTutor in any way you feel like (even sending a fan mail to me
is heartily welcome -- I am pretty lonely lately...).

Disclaimers
Because this program is free software, it is distributed in the hope that it will be
useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  This means that
if you lose millions of dollars because you used the program (hard to imagine,
though), too bad.
You may choose the About command from the System menu to read some of
the background information concerning KTutor. You can:

	1) Read the disclaimer the comes with KTutor
	2) Read the copyright notices for KTutor
	3) See the names of people involved in KTutors development

Thanks to a former classmate of mine, Gyula Szokoly, who is currently doing
his PhD in the United States, I have a World Wide Web home page for an
unknown period at the address:
http://tarkus.pha.jhu.edu/~szgyula/szabolcs
At this site you may find some other interesting material concerning studying,
teaching and processing Japanese language, about me and my studies, and finally,
about some contemporary Hungarian literature.
You are also encouraged to contact me personally -- I might have some
resources or software that you'd like. Send e-mail to the address:
JAF0463@niftyserve.or.jp


CHAPTER 2


Installing KTutor


Hardware and Software Requirements
KTutor is designed to be run on IBM PC and compatible computers under any
available version of MS-DOS, PC-DOS or DR-DOS. In 1992, when the idea first
came, I wanted to support even Hercules graphics cards which idea I fortunately
gave up, but KTutor runs even now on an XT if it has a VGA graphics card. Also,
it's almost impossible not to have enough memory to run KTutor; it needs no more
than some 150 KB. The only required parameter is the VGA monitor which
should mean no restrictions lately. Certainly, as there is a little processing
involved, the feeling will be significantly better with a 486 than with a 286. But
that's all.

Installing and Running KTutor
To install KTutor, follow the steps outlined below. If you feel the installation
process to be a little more manual than necessary, then sorry for the
inconveniences.

Important:	KTutor files come in ZIP archives. There are unarchive
programs freely available on the Internet, both for DOS and
for Windows.  A popular DOS unarchiver is PKUNZIP.EXE; a
popular Windows one is WINZIP.EXE.

Installation Steps

Step 1:	Create a new directory for KTutor.
	For example, if you want to call the directory KTUTOR in the C:
drive, you should type (in DOS):

C:  <Return>
MD \KTUTOR  <Return>
	or (in the Windows File Manager):
Choose the File menu
Choose the Create Directory command
type  C:\KTUTOR  <Return>

Step 2:	Switch to the KTutor directory.
	Double-click the directory in the Windows File Manager or type the
following in DOS:

	CD \KTUTOR  <Return>

Step 3:	Unpack the KTUTxxxx.ZIP files into the new sub-directory.
	For example (in DOS):

	PKUNZIP KTUTxxxx.ZIP  <Return>

	where you have to substitute in the place of KTUTxxxx.ZIP the
names of compressed files that come in the package. (KTutor comes
in more than one big archive file for easier update procedures.)
	If you use a Windows unarchiver, read the instructions that come
with the software.
	If you have obtained KTutor on diskettes with all the files already
unpacked, copy all the files into the new sub-directory.  For example
(in DOS):

	COPY A:*.* <Return>

	for each diskette.

Step 4:	Make sure that you have all the files necessary for KTutor.  A list of
all the files can be found at the end of this chapter, as well as in the
file 'FILES.LST.
	The DOS command "DIR/P" will display a list of all the files in the
current directory.  Alternatively, look in the Windows File Manager.

Step 5:	KTutor is ready to run. Under DOS, simply type:

	KTUTOR /E <Return>,
	if you want to use the program in English, or type

	KTUTOR /H <Return>
	if you want to use the program in Hungarian.
	If you plan to run KTutor under Windows, please note that KTutor
does not create an icon for you in the Program Manager.  It is
necessary for you to use the New command under the File menu and
add a program item into the appropriate program group. You can
now run KTutor by double-clicking on the KTutor icon.

What Files Should I Get in the Package?
You must have the following files in order to run KTutor:
KTUTOR.EXE		-- KTutor program
KUTEN24.PAT		-- 24L24 kanji font file
KKENG.DTX		-- English database
KKHUN.DTX		-- Hungarian database
KKENG.NDX		-- Index to the English database
KKHUN.NDX		-- Index to the Hungarian database
DEFAULT.HIS		-- a default 'personal history' file
KKENGHLP.HLP	-- KTutor English help
KKHUNHLP.HLP	-- KTutor Hungarian help
EGAVGA.BGI		-- Borland graphics screen routines
LITT.CHR		-- Borland character set (with Hungarian characters!)

The following files should come with the KTutor package, but they are not
critical.  If you do not have them, check with the place you obtained the KTutor
package from.
MANUALUS.DOC	-- English manual (Microsoft Word 2.0 format)
MANUALHU.DOC	-- Hungarian manual (Microsoft Word 2.0 format)
MANUALUS.TXT	-- English manual (text format)
MANUALHU.TXT	-- Hungarian manual (text format)
FILES.LST		-- List of all files that come with the package
README.TXT		-- A few lines for those who hate manuals


CHAPTER 3


Using Ktutor


Checks and Tests
KTutor basically offers two kinds of practicing methods. One group of them is
called Checks, where the program requires you to type in the actual reading of a
certain kanji or jukugo and keeps an eye on how the students performs. KTutor
maintains a personal history file where it stores how many times in a row the
student gave a correct answer for a certain kanji or jukugo. To make KTutor
believe you have mastered a certain kanji, you have to give correct answer 5 times
in a row; while in case of jukugos this number is only 3. Should you just give one
wrong answer, the counter resets and you can start all over again from zero.
Tests are a lot more numerous, yet far simpler. Tests don't require a personal
history file and all you have to type in is the number of the correct answer. Then
the program tells you whether you were right or wrong -- and you can keep doing
this until you get bored.

Personal History Files
KTutor keeps the results of a certain student in a file with .HIS filename
extension. By default, KTutor operates with a history file called DEFAULT.HIS;
to personalize the program, to enable it to handle many students, each student
should create and use his/her own history file.
Activating the File|Open/New menu command, the program offers a file open
dialog box. Those, who have used the program before and already have an own
history file, should select their history file from the list either by by the mouse or
the Tab and arrow keys of the keyboard. Those, who use the program for the very
first time, should enter a new and valid filename (8 characters). The default
filename extension is .HIS; any other valid filename extension can be used, too.
If you are going to practice only with Tests, you don't have to have an own
personal history file.

Limits
You can specify a certain range of kanjis (based on the order of the
Hadamitzky book Kanji and Kana) you want to practice by giving the lower and
upper limit of this range. By default, the lower limit is 1 and the upper limit is
1945; in other words, the program chooses from the whole database. You should
set these limits according to your level and needs.
Selecting a broader range of kanjis basically gives you a good practice to test
and review what you already know. However, selecting a range of 10-50 kanjis,
KTutor can actually be used for learning kanjis (you just keep pressing Enter and
the program gives you all the readings). Then, after a couple of these sessions you
might select a broader range again to test how well you have learnt the kanjis.
All in all, KTutor should give a good challenge at all levels of kanji knowledge.
It even includes a some technical terms of different fields so everybody should
find at least a couple of new words.

Checks
In spite of their ultimate ugliness, Checks are the very heart and essence of
KTutor. Originally, there were only two Checks, where the program asked for the
reading of a certain kanji or jukugo, checked the answer and stored it in a file. In
case of the kanji checks, KTutor makes a difference between on- (Chinese) and
kun- (Japanese) readings. On-readings have to be typed in with CAPITAL letters
otherwise the program will not accept the answer as correct. Similarly, kun-
readings should be typed in with lowercase letters.
In case of jukugo checks, KTutor uses mostly lowercase letters, except for
certain geographical and personal names which may start with capitals.
If you give correct answers 5 or 3 times in a row (for kanjis and jukugos,
respectively), the program will ask that kanji or jukugo no more; but should you
just give one wrong answer, the counter resets and you can start all over again
from zero.
I had to realize that this requires way too much typing from the student. So for
the advanced, there is a cheat in the program you can use. When KTutor tells you
if you answer was correct or incorrect, lists the correct answers and waits for any
key to continue, pressing the key 'X' sets the counter to the maximum (5 or 3) so
that the program would never ask that kanji or jukugo any more. In other words,
you can just keep pressing Enter while practicing, and when you think you had
enough of a certain kanji or jukugo, you can simply press 'X' and that's all. This
method is especially useful when you review a broader range (some hundreds) of
kanjis and you want to finish as soon as possible.

There are two more Checks. The idea of these came later, when I realized how
poorly I can write kanjis, even if I can recognize them. So there are two more
Checks, where KTutor gives you the reading and the meaning of a certain kanji (or
jukugo) and you are supposed to write it on a piece of paper (or just in the air, or
just remember the stroke order). Then, after pressing a key, the program shows the
correct answer. The remaining part is based on your conscience; if you answered
correctly, you can press 'X' (like the cheating part before) and KTutor will never
bother you again with that kanji or jukugo. Press anything else if you missed to
keep on practicing.

Checks go on and on with no set time limit. To end the practice, press Esc after
answering one question (either correctly or incorrectly).


Tests
The Kanji and Jukugo Tests are a collection of very simple multiple choice
tests to test one's knowledge. None of the tests use the history file so there is no
need to open or create one to practice with them.
These tests go on and on with no limit. To end the practice, press Esc after
answering one question (either correct or incorrect).
The 12 Kanji and Jukugo Tests are so similar that there is no practical reason to
describe them separately. In every case, the program gives you a kanji, a jukugo or
its reading/meaning/or both, and lists four possible solutions out of which only one
is correct.
To answer the question, press the number of the correct answer on the
keyboard. The program checks if the answer was correct; if it wasn't, then it
displays the number of the correct answer.
To end the practice, press Esc after answering one question (either correctly or
incorrectly).

Pairs
There are four more special Tests that got a different name: Pairs. Again, the 4
Pairs test are awfully similar: the program lists 8 kanjis or jukugos with their
corresponding but scrambled readings or meanings. You have to pair them.
To give the answer, you have to type in the numbers of the corresponding
pairs, separated by spaces. You don't have to take care for the sequence of the
pairs, though. A correct answer might look like:
12 23 45 34 87 66 75 51
The program checks if the answer was correct; if it wasn't, then it displays the
correct answer. The Pairs tests go on and on with no limit. To end the practice,
press Esc after answering one question (either correctly or incorrectly).


CHAPTER 4


Technical Support


Future Releases of KTutor -- Windows support
I have a few other projects on my mind (like scanning in Japanese books;
Naomi by Tanizaki Jun'ichiro is done in English and is half ready in Japanese) but
I would like to keep enhancing KTutor, especially writing a Windows version of it
(possibly in Delphi for then there will be a Win95 version of it, too).
I also plan to write a couple more routines that deploy the databases. One of
the ideas is a kanji test generator for teachers, another is selected practice based on
radicals but any other ideas are welcome.

If you have access to the Internet, one place where you can find the latest
version of KTutor (and many other things) is the Web-page
http://tarkus.pha.jhu.edu/~szgyula/szabolcs/ktutor.htm
Jim Breen  also showed kind interest towards my efforts so you may
(eventually) find this piece of software on his FTP site
ftp.cc.monash.edu.au in the /pub/nihongo directory and on its mirrors,
like at ftp.sedl.org in the /pub/mirrors/nihongo directory.
If you don't have access to the Internet, you can still rely on friends or just
simply write to me -- the address below is not likely to change before March 1998.
And I have beautiful Japanese stamps. (I don't collect them, I use them.)

Support for KTutor
If you find errors in the databases (which is very likely, especially in the
English one), bugs in the software, or grammar mistakes in any part of the English
documentation (you know, I am Hungarian), please notify me. You also are
encouraged to communicate any comments and suggestions to me. I welcome all
kind of messages and promise to answer them all. My address (until at least March
1998):

Szabolcs Varga
105 Haitsu Saniisaido,
Metoba 3-3-25, Matsumoto-shi
Nagano 390, JAPAN
Phone/fax:  +81 263 32 9221

E-mail: JAF04363@niftyserve.or.jp
NiftyServe: JAF04363

As I mentioned in the preface, I do not charge anything for the program yet I
would not refuse any donations to support further developments. Those legal
bodies and/or individuals who are big on registering software should send me
around 2000 or $20 (same for any number of users) and I will issue and mail
them some nice-looking unlimited license agreement and keep them in a database
so that I could personally notify them about any major release.
Those, who cannot cope with the urge of giving some money to
programmers/linguists of developing countries, please, put it in an envelope
(Japanese postal services are highly reliable) or transfer it to the the following
bank account (to my name):

Szabolcs Varga
The Hachijuuni Bank, Shinshudaigaku-mae Branch
Kiri 2-1-16, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano 390 JAPAN
Tel.: +81 263 35 6582
Account No.: 429-303



