PIMSLEUR Language Courses

There are several language courses available to the traveler, and each has different approach. Rosetta Stone uses imagery to teach words and phrases. Some courses use a combination of text and audio. Pimsleur is strictly audio, but does a good job of reinforcing old material while introducing new material. You can easily learn while commuting or exercising, but if you are a visual person, the audio-only method may be a drawback. Since each person learns in their own unique way, they would need to sample the various language courses, and decide which approach works best for them. Start by downloading a free Pimsleur lesson, to see if this is the course for you. Not sure how 'fluent' a person can become with these courses, but any method that allows a traveler to speak some of the local language is a good thing.

Elaine, I agree with the information that Lamont provided. Each language course uses a slightly different style of teaching. The Pimsleur Method is based on the way children learn with a combination of new words and reinforcement of previous material in each lesson. I've been using the Pimsleur comprehensive 1-4 series for Italian for several years, and I've found that it works well. Each of the four levels consists of 30 half-hour lessons. I wouldn't say that I'm "fluent" in the same way as University level courses, but I do feel "comfortable" with the language. I supplement the Pimsleur lessons with night school courses (when available) and daily exposure to Italian TV stations (I have two channels available in this area, including RAI Uno). One aspect that I like with the Pimsleur courses is that it's based on audio learning, hearing questions and then responding (which is the same as conversation). The lessons are loaded onto "Bookchips" (SD Cards) which I can listen to on my PDA when I'm at the Gym. Rosetta Stone apparently uses a computer-based model, and that just won't work for me. I'd rather have the ability to listen rather than sit in front of a computer. Cheers!

I am using Assimil New French With Ease at the moment, which takes a different approach to Pimsleur, based around a combination of audio material and a book. I find it very effective, but I'm not starting French from scratch. I started Assimil Italian last year, and I will go back to it when I've got my French under a bit more control. As others have said, Pimsleur is 100% audio. I don't learn that way, but if you do then you may prefer it. Finally, a word for FSI. The US government Foreign Service Institute created numerous courses in many languages back in the 1960s, '70s and '80s, for American civil servants and military staff who were preparing to go overseas. Many of them are available for free on the internet, and they take the same basic approach as Assimil. Free to download here:
http://www.fsi-language-courses.org/Content.php

Check out your library and see what language materials they have. Try them out to discover which approach works best for you. For some, the audio tapes work great. For me it only works if it's in addition to other materials because I also need visual stimulation. Otherwise, it just goes in one ear, out the other ... For example, my husband and my daughter LOVE audible books but I can't remember a thing after listening to one for an hour.

Elaine, I took Pimsleur's 60 day program a year ago. It does have some reading after the a while. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, I got by in the couple of months I was in Italy. Now that I've taken a multi-faceted approach here at OSU, I can say that it is super important to know (see) the words you are learning if you are trying to build on the language independently. I have done the Rosetta Stone trial class, and I still think that Pimsleur is the best value. For getting acclimated, and some free structure, it's worth taking a look at www.lifeinitaly.com They have games, phrases, etc.

Hi Elaine, I tried to use Pimsleur several years ago. For the way I learn, it just didn't work for me, probably in the same way that listening to audiobooks doesn't work . . . my mind wanders. What did work for me was a product called Fluenz. It addresses listening, speaking, reading, and writing. I won't say that I'm fluent in Spanish, but I can get by. I believe the most important thing in learning a language is not to to be insecure about making mistakes (which I am) and to practice, practice, practice. Just my two cents.
Tim

My hubby bought me Rosetta Stone Italian about 1.5 years ago. I worked on the lessons almost none stop for the first 6 weeks, then took a break. I went back and retained a bit. What I found about Rosetta Stone is...you will understand when spoken to, you can read a bit more, but you aren't going to be able to speak. The visual method works better for me than tapes. I've tried tapes before for Italian and got no where. Even though Rosetta Stone is very expensive, I think it's a good "base" for learning. Recognizing and repeating words. The writing is impossible for me, not enough tactual learning...i.e.,no workbook to go with the lessons to reinforce. Probably any method you chose will get you some language skills for travel. Even an APP on your phone would be useful. If one really wants to learn a language, you need to be in a class with others, have an instructor, or live in the country. No way to get fluent with ANY of the CD/DVD/Tape programs...you have to speak to another person to get to that level. Even the RS "studio" sessions are "OK", but unless you are truly dedicated to learning and spend hours working it, every day, it's hard to get to the level of "fluent". (of course there are some that have a talent for languages, but that's not me!)

The most helpful language learning forum I've found is how-to-learn-any-language.com, which sounds like it's a sales site but actually has a lot of experienced language learners using it. Browsing their section on different language learning programs is very interesting, because a number are mentioned over and over again, Pimsleur, Assimil, FSI, Teach Yourself, Michel Thomas, with lots of detailed discussions about individuals' experiences with them. I haven't tried Rosetta Stone, and I won't because of what I've read about it on that site. This is the forum section I'm talking about: http://how-to-learn-any-language.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=2

I did the Pimsleur German course before traveling to Germany. It served me well and I was complimented on my accent. I was able to give directions in German while there. I liked the results so much, I'm currently taking the Italian course and bought the Spanish course for my daughter. My second language is actually Korean and I've let it lapse even though I have a native speaker (my wife) here in the house. If I ever have sufficient disposable income, I'd like to try the Korean course. Folks learn differently. I'd like to see Pimsleur provide a printed version of the script used with the lessons though.

I like to check Pimsleur out at the library and run it when I'm driving. At home, I prefer a computer based program. I've done Rosseta Stone (pretty good but never gives me literal translations which I like to peruse), Instant Immersion (from Costco, mostly worthless), BBC languages free travelers course online (not bad as part of an overall package), as well as a few others. My favorite is "Learn to Speak", it's inexpensive and works well for me - but it's hard to find. I had several language programs that didn't work on my newer computer (so couldn't use) but lucked into an Amazon ad for a Learn to Speak Spanish before my trip to Spain last year. Whichever you choose (and I'd recommend trying at least a few from the Library before buying any), it all boils down to your commitment. The best program won't make up for not putting in the hours.

My husband has been using Pimsleur for years now. He did a great job communicating in France and Italy. And has stunned several hispanic people here and abroad that he knows Spanish so well. I am now using it on my commute to pick up Spanish and am enjoying it. Good luck with whichever program you decide to go with.

I think any language study aids are better than nothing, but just keep your expectations in check - you are not going to really learn to speak a foreign language without a significant investment of your time and some effort. There are no magic shortcuts. I studied French years ago (a couple years in high school, then a refresher class at a local community college before a trip). I took Spanish in college (several years) then worked alongside a lot of Mexicans (in mind-numbing, menial task jobs - don't ask...) and practiced with them every chance I got (we had nothing else to keep our heads occupied - I helped them with English, they helped me with Spanish, long hours every day). I've also traveled pretty extensively in Mexico and Central America. So I'm in pretty good shape language-wise in much of western Europe (Italian is close enough to Spanish that I can understand much of it). But before a trip to Germany, I was concerned that I couldn't understand any of it. We got Pimsleur German CDs and I listened to them on my 1 hour each way daily commute. My wife did as well. It helped, a bit - I can still remember how to ask for a beer, a glass of wine, and "something to eat". I can remember a few phrases. Ironically, it came in most handy on a small island in Indonesia where I was staying where most of the guests were Germans. Although English was the language used there (international tourists) I impressed everyone with my ability to ask others if they would like a glass of wine - they even complimented me on my accent. Better than nothing, somewhat useful - but just be glad that most of the world has adopted our first language as their second. Lucky for us.

Thanks to all who replied with a variety of helpful suggestions. I have an opportunity to get a Pimsleur course at what seems a reasonable price. I'm pretty visual and don't usually do well with audio-only, but I have a background in French (Grade 5 thru 13) but translation and grammar was stressed with little thought given to developing our oral and aural skills. It's been forty (yikes!) years since high school and I can still read OK in French (do keep a dictionary handy) but my conversational skills are not good at all and my comprehension of spoken French is abysmal.
After reading your comments, I feel more confident that Pimsleur might help me since I should be able to visualize the spoken phrases. I think it's worth a try. I really need to develop some conversational skills.

Pimsleur has served me well in the past. Plan to do at least a 30-day course. Also, Pimsleur is not audio-only like many have asserted. The French series has a separate Reading section, which teaches you how to read French through a phonetic approach. Also, I haven't tried it, but Pimsleur now has a software version which seems a lot more visual. https://www.pimsleurunlimited.com/

I have the Pimsleur Polish course and I think it is very useful. I worked through several levels of Rosetta Stone and I was always frustrated that I couldn't communicate with Polish people on my travels there. The audio model builds some unique skills that super-visual methods do not. Particularly in the pronunciation aspect. Polish is incredibly complex to pronounce and speaking to locals is very intimidating. The way Pimsleur breaks down the words and points out specific pieces I find really helpful. I am excited to try out my new skills this summer. Hope it works for you!