One of the best methods of learning a new language comes in the form of CDs packed full of audio tracks. This method has been used for a very long time, and has been very successful. As I have found it very beneficial to myself, I have decided to write this Pimsleur Approach review to help others learn about this wonderful program.
This Pimsleur Approach review will teach you about a scientifically developed and proven method of teaching a foreign language. Developed by Dr. Pimsleur in the mid 20th century, it uses several different key aspects to not only teach you new words, but also to commit them to memory. Eventually, you will no longer be translating in your head, and actually understanding and speaking the language without thinking about it.
The Pimsleur Approach is an audio lesson collection, each lesson lasting around 30 minutes lessons. Each CD you get has around 10 lessons. While 30 minutes may seem short, you actually learn a good amount in that half hour. And by keeping the lessons short, the Pimsleur Approach focuses on one aspect at a time.
Pimsleur Approach Review: The Lessons
Each Pimsleur language course typically starts out with a conversation between native speakers. Some conversations are between a native speaker and a foreigner, which adds more the experience. After the conversation, it is broken down for you by a narrator, teaching you the fundamentals of the vocabulary and grammar heard in the conversation. During this, you repeat many words and phrases. This helps you build a strong vocabulary and sense of grammar.
Each lesson also throws in content from previous lessons, reinforcing what you have already learned. This is a very solid method of making permanent what you have learned. Soon, the reinforced words and grammar become second nature, and you no longer have to think about it.
These 30 minute lessons are also great for another major reason. They are convenient, basically you can do a lesson at any time, and not have to set aside a chunk of your day. If you have a 15 minute ride to work everyday, that is perfect. Listen to one half on the way there, and the other half on the way home. Have chores to do in the house? Listen to a lesson while you do those chores. There are so many great times to do a lesson, that I cannot list them all.
Pimsleur Approach Review: Straight to the Point
Another great thing about the Pimsleur Approach is how it doesn’t bombard you with content. Take conjugation for example. Many languages have very different forms of complicated conjugation. Some classes and language learning software will throw you an entire verb’s tenses and uses at once. This makes it very difficult to actually learn. The Pimsleur Approach gradually teaches you the tenses of the verbs, one at a time. This slower, relaxed pace makes it easier to learn and understand.
While the Pimsleur Approach is a very useful and rewarding tool to use to learn a new language, it may not be for everybody. As the Pimsleur Approach is an audio only course, there are no videos, or textbooks, etc. You rely solely on learning by listening and repeating. Some people may need more involved work, such as homework, activities, and so on. For a good example of software like this, see my Fluenz French review.
The Pimsleur Approach also takes time. While many products attempt to teach at a fast rate, the Pimsleur Approach uses a slower approach to gradually build a vocabulary, and to reinforce it with many repetitions. There may be lessons that you do not learn anything new, but instead focus mainly on past content. Which is not necessarily bad, this just strengthens what you have learned.
Pimsleur Approach Review: Conclusion
Are you the type of person that learns by listening, and repeating? Do you want to build a solid foundation of a foreign language, slowly buy surely? If so you should seriously consider giving the Pimsleur Approach a try.