Pimsleur

[AlanC]

Has anyone used the Pimsleur method for learning a foreign language? I'm curious about your success/experiences.

 

[Matt]

ive got a mate who worked his way through the mandarin course and found himself able to understand a lot but speak almost none cos the language is so tonal and he had noone to really gauge if he was getting the intonations right.

still, he was pretty happy with himself all in all...he downloaded them from the web illegally anyhow, so lost nothing in trying.

i made it through about 1 lesson of pimsleur vietnamese and gave up, just relied on what i could learn from people around me...much more successful in my case.

what language you looking at?

 

[AlanC]

I'm starting basic: Spanish. I've ordered the eight lesson introductory course ($20) to see what I think before I order more. But everything I've read is pretty positive about it. Not only are there the obvious reasons for speaking Spanish for someone in the Southern US, but I have an opportunity to travel to Columbia in the future, and would like to be prepared (possibly also Mexico). If this goes well I plan on getting the Pimsleur Hindi course, It's a "compact" course, which basically means they only teach you how to operate on a basic level (get a taxi, etc), but I figure it would at least get me started. There are a couple of sites I found--Cheap Pimsleur and Used Pimsleur--that ought to make acquisition a bit cheaper. They even have a buy back program. I'm disappointed there's not a Telugu Pimsleur, but I suppose 75 million speakers isn't enough for 'em.

 

[globetrotter]

I'm starting basic: Spanish. I've ordered the eight lesson introductory course ($20) to see what I think before I order more. But everything I've read is pretty positive about it. Not only are there the obvious reasons for speaking Spanish for someone in the Southern US, but I have an opportunity to travel to Columbia in the future, and would like to be prepared (possibly also Mexico). If this goes well I plan on getting the Pimsleur Hindi course, It's a "compact" course, which basically means they only teach you how to operate on a basic level (get a taxi, etc), but I figure it would at least get me started. There are a couple of sites I found--Cheap Pimsleur and Used Pimsleur--that ought to make acquisition a bit cheaper. They even have a buy back program. I'm disappointed there's not a Telugu Pimsleur, but I suppose 75 million speakers isn't enough for 'em.

Alan, if you go to colombia PM me - I have family there, I may be able to do you some good.

 

[AlanC]

Globetrotter, I feel like I'm following you around the world.

 

[Fabienne]

These kinds of methods work only if you are motivated and dedicated. If you have time, try to enroll in a real class someone might recommend in your area. From there, surround yourself with things Spanish, music, films, internet newspapers, correspondance and meetings with native Spanish speakers, etc.-

 

[faustian bargain]

i learn spanish from the tv:

TeleMUUUNdo.

pelicula

Sabado Gigante

GOOOOOOOOL

etc..

..but seriously, it's a pretty good way to familiarize yourself with the way the language sounds, assuming you don't have lots of mexican markets in the neighborhood.

 

[dragon8]

Try Rosetta Stone. My friend says its pretty good.

 

[word]

I use Pimsleur for Russian. It works best as a supplementary aid, not as the sole source for learning a language. Wish I could find transcripts of all the mp3s though. Haven't tried Rosetta Stone yet.

 

[Agnacious]

I like Pimsleur, I have it for Spanish. Actually it is Latin American Spanish or Castellano. There are differences that don't concern me at this level.

http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/info...llian_spanish/

 

[3cyr3]

I used Michel Thomas for French, but he also does Spanish.

His teaching style is to just listen and repeat, no actual written words and no "remembering" (as he calls it). I found it actually very helpfull, as i can just listen to it in the car, or on my ipod. Good for learning the basics as well as a suplementary to brush up on what you learn.