When comparing Japanese the Spoken Language vs Japanese for Everyone by Gakken, the Slant community recommends Japanese for Everyone by Gakken for most people. In the question“What are the best beginner Japanese textbooks for someone studying on their own?” Japanese for Everyone by Gakken is ranked 1st while Japanese the Spoken Language is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Japanese for Everyone by Gakken is:
The situation in chapter 1 matches most people's first hour of visiting Japan precisely. Although perhaps the grammar explanations are not as strong as other options, the foundation is quite firm for later self studying.
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Pros
Pro Very strong grammar explanations
No other beginner textbook comes even close. The failure of several competing books in this category drives the popularity of supplemental books like the Dictionary of Basic/Intermed Japanese Grammar.
Pro The strong focus on speaking the language is rewarded
The conversation-memorization, reinforced with variation drills teaches the student to respond to real conversations at far above the "stuttered single words" level of the average new learner.
Pro Very practically focused
The situation in chapter 1 matches most people's first hour of visiting Japan precisely. Although perhaps the grammar explanations are not as strong as other options, the foundation is quite firm for later self studying.
Cons
Con Uses "JSL-style" romaji
Although Jordan explains her reasoning early in the introduction, some learners are put off by both the use of romaji and the use of a customized (pronunciation-focused) form of romaji.
Con No obvious followon for future learning
This is only a single text, not the introductory text of a larger series.