pimsleur approach language learning

steve,

I've been using Pimsleur Italian for several years, and for my learning style it has worked well. I have Levels I - IV and try to go through them on a regular basis to keep the material "fresh" in my mind. While I'm certainly not fluent, I find that I can manage fairly well.

Thanks Ken! I purchased a basic German course but have not started in yet. I hope it works well enough. I don't expect to be fluent, but passable.

steve,

One other point to mention. As Pimsleur uses an audio-based approach, I find it very convenient as I can listen to the lessons where ever convenient, such as at the gym. Some of the other programs use computer-based instruction, and that method is nowhere near as convenient (at least for me). I also like the fact that each lesson reinforces some of the words and grammar from the previous lesson.

I used to use Pimsleur but have started using Michel Thomas. It's also audio only based but it seems to work faster than Pimsleur--at least for me. See if your local library has it to try out.

Steve,
I used Pimsleur for Turkish for survival phrases and to learn proper pronunciation in combination with a Lonely Planet phrasebook that I carried everywhere. I was very pleased with the approach and pace. I didn't buy the full course but as I recall spent about $50 for the first 24 lessons. Also check the library. Good luck!

I started with Pimsleur for Italian, then took classes at our local university for a year. I was amazed at the intelligent progression of Pimsleur (1 and 2). I had the chance to review it because it was still on my iPod.

Since I bought the classes, I've noticed many, many discounts and coupon codes on the internet. Good luck!