Pimsleur Language Review

I must say I am rather impressed with how easy it is to learn the material in the lessons. Pimsleur breaks the material into 30 minute lessons, and it comes on either CD or you have the option of getting cassettes on some of the languages. With over 40 languages to choose from, you will most likely find the language you need from Pimsleur. Because the course is audio based, it is very convenient for you to learn your new language on the go. This is a translation based learning method, but it is done in a conversational manner, so it is much easier to learn than the old word lists with the translations next to them. I actually did a test with my 10 year old son because I could not believe how easy it actually was to learn Swedish using this method. I had my son listen to Lesson 1, and by the end of the tape, he was able to understand and speak every phrase mentioned in the first thirty minutes. I was absolutely amazed.

Pimsluer helps you learn the most important words and phrases first. For instance, one of the first things you are taught in the Swedish course is "Förstår du engelska?" or "Do you understand English?"

TRAVEL TIP: If you learn nothing else in the native language of the country you are traveling to, you need to learn to say that one phrase. If you ask them "Do you speak English?" in English, you are much less likely to be helped. Many people may understand you, but not nearly as many will be willing to assist you because it is considered to be a rather arrogant attitude that they need to learn a foreign language to accommodate you. They like to see that somebody visiting their country has put forth a little effort to learn their language. Knowing that one phrase will open up all kinds of doors to allow you to visit the spots that the locals go to, so you don't have to pay those high tourist prices. Just learn that one little phrase, and your trip abroad will be much easier. OK, back to the review.

There are only a few things that might turn people away from Pimsleur. The number one reason is the price. Many of the courses are over $200 which is simply too large of an investment for many people. Luckily, Pimsleur has their "Quick and Simple Course" in many of their more popular languages priced at $19.95 for people who are simply looking to get their feet wet. The other thing that might turn some people off of this product is that it is not visual, and many people are visual learners. Another flaw of Pimsleur is because it is taught in a pure audio format, it is great for conversational skills; however, it falls short in teaching you to be descriptive of objects. The last area where Pimsleur falls short is in giving you immediate feedback to let you know whether or not you are actually pronouncing the words correctly.

THE VERDICT: Pimsleur is excellent at teaching you the conversational skills most people are looking for that do not need to be proficient at reading and writing, and can learn without the help of visual aids. Their courses are worth every penny in my opinion; however, if you are more comfortable learning with visual aids then check out Rosetta Stone or the Rocket Series of language learning programs(Rocket French, Rocket Spanish, Rocket German, Rocket Japanese).