Choosing between Japanese and Chinese for your next language education study push is more than picking a language. You also have to match a course format to the way you actually study. Both options in front of you come from the FSI series, but one is a CD-ROM for Japanese and the other is a DVD for Chinese. With the same listed price and identical level labels, the real question is which language you want to tackle and which disc format you can play.
Quick verdict
Both courses are listed at USD 10.95, so there is no price gap pushing you one way. The Japanese course is a CD-ROM; the Chinese course is a DVD. If your study goal is Japanese and your equipment can read CD-ROMs, the Japanese course is the straightforward pick. If you want Chinese and prefer DVDs, the Chinese course is the one to choose.
Here is a compact snapshot of the listed details:
| Feature | Learn How To Speak Japanese, Fast Foreign Language Training Course, CD E03 | Learn How To Speak Chinese, Fast Foreign Language Training Course, DVD D89 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 10.95 | USD 10.95 |
| Language | Japanese | Chinese |
| Author | FSI | FSI |
| Format | Disk (CD-ROM) | Disk (DVD) |
| Condition | Brand New | Brand New |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Level | Beginner (A1), Business | Beginner (A1), Business |
Where each course stands out
- The Japanese course is the one that teaches Japanese, and it does so on a CD-ROM.
- The Chinese course is the one that teaches Chinese, and it comes on a DVD.
Learn How To Speak Japanese, Fast Foreign Language Training Course, CD E03
If Japanese is the language you want to learn, this CD-ROM course is the one in this comparison built for that goal. It carries the FSI author listing, a Brand New condition, and a Beginner (A1) plus Business level range, so it works for early-stage study and workplace-minded learners. The format is listed as Disk with CD-ROM features, which means you'll want a computer or player that supports CD-ROMs. The flip side is that this course is not the DVD option; if you were leaning toward a DVD just because it fits your hardware, you'll need to switch to the Chinese course, which won't teach you Japanese. For a learner committed to Japanese, the CD-ROM format is the main practical consideration to check against your setup.
Learn How To Speak Chinese, Fast Foreign Language Training Course, DVD D89
This course targets Chinese and comes on a DVD, which can be the easier fit for a setup that reads DVDs. The FSI author listing, Brand New condition, and Beginner (A1) plus Business levels match the Japanese course, so the language and format are the real differentiators. If Chinese is your goal, this DVD is the one that matches your language choice. The limitation is obvious: it is a Chinese language course, so it will not help you learn Japanese. Also, the DVD format is specific, so if your computer or player only reads CD-ROMs, you'll need to keep the Japanese course in view. For a learner focused on Chinese, the DVD format and the Chinese content make this the course to choose.
Final choice by use case
Pick the Japanese CD-ROM course if you are committed to studying Japanese and your playback setup can handle CD-ROMs. Pick the Chinese DVD course if your target language is Chinese and a DVD is the most convenient format for you. Let your language goal and disc format preference be the deciding factors.
