For years I have used language learning programs like Pimsleur to some extent and success. They teach you to think 8n the language. But it was tough.
I am a visual learner so I need to see what I am learning. Either a book or a video as well as the audio.
Does anyone know of such a program that follows the concept of learning to think in the language and not just memorizing phrases that also has an audio and visual component?
I can't vouch for them, but I've seen for years (like 25 years) the "Teach Yourself" series . . .which have books with audio . .
https://www.teachyourself.co.uk/modern-foreign-languages/complete-beginner-to-intermediate-courses/
(I mention the longevity only to give an indication that the company is serious -- and it suggests they might be doing something right! Of course they could be much older, I just remember first noticing them in about 1993.)
I get what you say about needing the visual. I'm definitely that way too.
I have been using Rosetta Stone online and it has both audio and visual cues, as well as speaking, writing, and reading. It is repetitive, which can be annoying, but it does seem to help cement the ideas. The biggest challenge for me is sticking with it on a regular basis. You can often find discounts for the program; in my case I purchased through an airline miles program when they had a huge miles promotion.
I have been having fun with Duolingo. It has an audio and visual portion. I am on day 206 in German. The one thing I don't like is it really doesn't explain the grammar and why certain things work a certain way. But it is free and I have a goal of becoming better in German so it is working for me.
I tried Rosetta Stone because I had free access to it through my alumni association and absolutely hated it because it was too visual an approach for me. So it might be right for you. I definitely recommend video learning if you are visual.
I'm an audio person, so Pimsleur is perfect for me.
I'm also a visual language learner. I've found Duolingo good for improving my language skills but agree it's not great for learning a language from scratch due to its lack of grammar instruction. What I like about Duolingo is that you simultaneously see and hear each exercise and that it also has pronunciation exercises. I also like that you don't learn just tourist phrases and it teaches a lot of expressions (meaning different from literal translation). What I don't like is that it seems to presume a reasonable understanding of the language's grammar, including some advanced verb tenses, but that can be addressed by using a textbook in conjunction with the software (another visual aide).
Fluenz is a comprehensive program, well-paced with excellent instruction. Can be accessed online, downloaded, and/or DVD's. Learning another language was always frustrating and futile for me, but with this program I was able to accomplish what I wanted, and enjoyed it (never thought I'd say that about learning a language).
I also like Memrise ($30/year) and Duolingo to practice and help cement vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
