Features:  

The Japanese Learning Suite has some great features, like compatibility with mobile devices and lots of great extras on the manufacturer’s (Transparent Languages) website. These features help expand the usability of the Japanese Learning Suite and improve learning. The progress tracking and personalized learning paths, on the other hand, are present but not very useful. Only some of the programs in the Japanese Learning Suite have progress tracking, and this function is more difficult to use than tracking found in the higher ranked products.

Fundamentals:  

The Japanese Learning Suite uses several different programs to cover all the fundamentals. While it covers all the bases, it also makes the learning process more difficult because you must swap back and forth between programs to get it all. Some of the programs rely heavily on flashcard systems to teach vocabulary and grammar. But the main program, Learn Japanese Now, does have a speech recognition system to help with pronunciation and conversation practice.

Ease of Use:  

Since the Japanese Learning Suite is composed of several different programs, it is inherently more cumbersome than other programs because you are forced to switch back and forth between CDs to get all the content. The programs themselves are simple enough, but they are also slightly difficult to use at first because the buttons and options aren’t always clearly labeled. After some trial and error, the Japanese Learning Suite will become easy enough to use.

Teaching Tools:  

The Japanese Learning Suite uses video more than any other program we reviewed. We liked this because it helped keep some of the boredom inherent to language learning at bay. The video transcript helps users learn words and catalog the ones they want to focus on.

There is also a speech recognition program in the Japanese Learning Suite, although it is not as accurate or used as extensively as the systems in other programs. However, it is still effective for practicing pronunciation. There are also a wide variety of word recognition activities to help you practice vocabulary.

Word Tools:  

The Japanese Learning Suite has some great reference tools for translating and learning about words within the lesson itself. It’s also possible to create lists of words you want to practice directly from the video lessons. Unfortunately, the word tools for the three Japanese alphabets are sparse. There is one program that teaches you how to write in the Japanese alphabets, but it is not well integrated into the main program.

Tech Support:  

Transparent Language includes a user guide with the suite that is far too simple, but there is more information available about it on their website. You can also contact them by phone or email for technical problems.

The Japanese Learning Suite isn’t the easiest program to use and doesn’t provide enough help with the Japanese alphabets, but it is an effective way to learn Japanese. With more video than any other Learn Japanese program and a wide selection of activities to keep you interested, the Japanese Learning Suite provides a solid option in this category.