Rumiko Shinzato is professor emerita in the Department of Modern Languages at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Shoichi Iwasaki is professor in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“As the only comprehensive Okinawan language-learning text in English, Basic Okinawan is a monumental contribution to the budding field of Okinawan language pedagogy. The authors bring their extensive and distinguished expertise and experience to the volume.” - Stewart Curry, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa “Basic Okinawan has been long awaited by Okinawan communities in the U.S. and elsewhere. In the lessons, you will truly experience ichariba choodee--once we meet, we are brothers and sisters, forever. This book will be your choodee.” - Masahide Ishihara, University of the Ryukyus “This excellent book will not only start you learning the Okinawan language, but also teach you about our rich culture.” - Masashi Sakihara, National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College “What a wonderful book! The authors have produced the definitive English-language textbook/grammar of basic Okinawan. Indeed, I wish it had been available when I took my first steps in the language. With the learning of Okinawan made such a pleasant experience, this will become the standard English-language work, hard to beat in the years to come.” - Leon Serafim, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, retired