VERY simple French Language tapes

The Pimsleur audio tapes are pretty good. I have used there German language tapes. Check out the Library 1st because these tape are pricey (about$300 )for the complete set.

Pimsleur and Michel Thomas are the definitive works, and rightfully so. I've tried a lot of different French tapes in particular, and most are surprisingly awful. If you're not interested in seriously learning the language, then it's down to Pimsleur, no question. They sell brief, cheap courses that should teach exactly what you want.

Alternatively, check out the free podcasts in the iTunes Music Store (Podcasts -> Education -> Language Courses). There are several beginner French ones. I can't vouch for the quality, but it's certainly convenient.

Here is another option that can be helpful and inexpensive.

BBC offers language courses online (more than just French)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/

You may also want to check for your local French Chamber of Commerce or Alliance Francaise. Typically, there are small groups that meet to practice.

The iTunes downloads have a group of podcasts called Ma France! These are a BBC production and are good for the basics of getting around.

Bon chance !

Another vote for PIMSLEUR. You can test them out by buying the 20-40$ small 10 lesseon set at the bookstore, online, or even used ones for under 20$ ON EBAY. Then you can decide if you want to spend $100 on a large 30-lesson kit. I think i learned more with these than in my french class!

Here's some free language software you could try. I tried it for some really basic words and phrases in Croatian. One advantage is you can slow down the speaker and repeat the word as many times as you need!

http://www.byki.com

My kids swear by Rosetta Stone and I'm thinking of giving it a go myself. I found a DVD at Borders called ISpeak French which i input to my IPod for something to cram into my head on the plane over.

You can try Berliz line. They have all levels.
Or something called Express French. they start with the basics.
yes, try to get them from the library, or ebay, but you have to know what you want before you bid.

I'd vote for the Pimsleur as well. Your Mom could probably get by with the Level I course, as it provides the "basics" (Level II as well would be even better). I've been using Pimsleur Bookchips in a PDA to learn Italian, which is really convenient as I usually have the PDA with me. I believe the SD "chips" will work in computers as well and they might also have IPod versions now? Have a look at www.cheappimsleur.com for further information.

Cheers!

Trotro, can you beat FREE ?

click on ... www.mangolanguages.com/

.... Happy travels ! P.

You can get many of the language audio programs downloaded to your computer and to your mp3 device for free if your library allows you access to Net Library (www.netlibrary.com). What I did to access the site is go to my local library site, logged in, and then followed their re-direct to the Net Library site. You then create an account there that will be linked to your library. You can then download license protected files to Windows Media Player, which you can sync onto your mp3 device. I don't think it works with iPod though. I was able to download Pimsleur's Italian for free with no problem and was able to sync it to my Windows Mobile Smartphone for listening on the go.

Perry, Mango didn't look free when I checked their site. Lessons 1-50 (MP3 download?) for one language were priced at $276.90!

I plan on continuing with Pimsleur.

Rosetta Stone is a neat program, but I'd say it's also only for serious students of a language, and moreover not something that can be used alone. Great for practice and developing your vocabulary, sure.

For those taking the Rick Steves-style approach of just learning enough to get around, be polite, and maybe buy groceries, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a more effective option than spending about $30 for a phrasebook and the abbreviated Pimsleur course. Rick's phrasebooks are pretty good (I have the 3-in-1 book), though I speak enough German to spot some typos and quibble with the suggested pronunciations.

Netlibrary will allow to play the mp3 files just for a month or 21 days, after that the license will expire and you will need to check it out again.

Perhaps your mom would feel better taking a few classes in French at the local junior college. I plan to travel to London this summer with an overnight stay in Paris. Our local jr. college offers free classes to seniors and I am taking advantage of them. It is a no-stress situation and the students and professor are most understanding and helpful. I too am just looking for the ability to order a meal, give a destination to a cab driver, and be polite or at least not offensive. Hope this helps.

Margaret

As another poster wrote, this thread's a bit dated. But just in case someone else is interested in the topic, here are a couple that I didn't see listed:

1) Elisabeth Smith's "One-Day French" - a single CD with cheat sheet that I found helpful during my last trip to France. She teaches 50 words and a couple of helpful sentences using a fun format (set on a plane ride to France, Elisabeth teaches the hapless Andy the aforementioned French words/phrases) - perfect for the casual traveler.

2) Coffee-Break French - free on iTunes.

I took Elisabeth Smith's lessons along with me on my iPod for refresher back in 2007. I'd do the same on my next trip, and I'd also bring along Coffee-Break French. I found it helpful to go over some words/phrases at night in my hotel for the next day's adventures.

For tapes, Pimsleur are the best but not necessarily simple. They start basic but get progressively more complicated. I like them because they help you develop an ear for the language.

I think you should also couple it with some PC based or web based programs. As has been mentioned BBC has free language courses that are pretty basic.

Check out the library. They will have lots of free things to check out, especially at this time of year. Most people don't start thinking about the language until May for their June trip.

I really like PC based courses with voice recognition. They can really help you with your pronunciation, but that may be a little beyond what you're looking for right now.

This question is over a year old already. I'm sure the poster has already gone on their trip by now.