Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Studying languages is one of my many hobbies, and because of this, I own quite a library of language-learning materials. Based on prior purchases, I can say that the amount of information in this course is MORE than worth what I paid for it. With that said, I will offer some clarifications on this "Complete" edition, some things I liked about it, and some things to consider about this course if you've been told to avoid this Living Language course because it does not teach Japanese the "CORRECT" way. (???) (Yes, I was warned by a friend not to purchase it for that reason... and guess what?) :) If you're wondering if you will be "fluent" after you master this Complete Edition, the answer is ...No. Would you have a good, working, practical ability to survive, express yourself and socialize by speaking some decent Japanese? Yes. There are some who have questioned the term "Advanced" as it relates to the material in this course. After looking through the materials, I think it's more helpful to think of the levels of this course (Beginner through Advanced) as Basic, Intermediate Basic, and Advanced Basic. This, to me, seems more accurate. One thing I look for in language courses (and hardly ever find) is some indication, or measure, of skill mastery (ie., If I master all of the materials in this course, exactly WHAT will I be able to do with what I've learned... What kinds of things will I be able to actually say?) This course, has sections throughout called ""How did you do?", which state "By now you should be able to: ....." and gives several language skills you will have gained IF you've mastered the material in that section (such as "use counters to count different types of objects around the house", or "use the verb 'Become'). Also, at the beginning of each section you get a list of language skills you'll be taught in that section. I hardly EVER see specific "lesson-plan"-type structures like these in language courses, so this was a big plus for me. Now for the 'Correct" way to learn Japanese. I'm not a "Japanese Snob" (Purist) who believes that one should be proficient in Hiragana, Katakana and at least a few hundred Kanji before even attempting put together a single sentence in Japanes. (My friend who warned me against this course is such a 'purist', and we have gone rounds on this issue). Here is MY view on this. Language is about "Communication". If I'm dropped down in the middle of Kyoto, I'd much rather be able to ask where the nearest restroom is or ask some locals to join me for a drink (Survive and Socialize), than to be proficient in Kana stroke order. YES, OF COURSE, it's nice to know it all... but for those who would knock this course because it doesn't ever wean the student entirely off of Romaji (or English, for that matter), I say, "Give the course a break". For a 'Basic" course which gives a good grounding in Beginning Japanese, I think this course is more than acceptable. I'm not really knocking you "purists' out there..(except my friend, who is just plain annoying).. just reminding you that there are others who learn and progress differently than you do. Note: It WOULD be nice to see Living Language produce a more advanced "Complete" course (Intermediate through Advanced Intermediate). I'd add it to my collection without hesitation. All in all, this is a GREAT value for the money; is a good introduction to Hiragana, Katakana and a few Kanji; gives a good 'measurable' introduction to Basic, Intermediate Basic and Advanced Basic Japanese; and should give you enough practical knowledge to survive and socialize.