What do you think about the Pimsleur method of learning a language?

Question

Besides the fact that it doesn't teach you to write the language. So far, I have completed one unit of Pimsleur's French and I have a hard time remembering the words and phrases. Is this normal for the first unit?

Answer 1

I don't like it much. Yes, you learn very well (if you study enough) the sentences give, but their range is very limited. I have the Norwegian one. If I compare it to the "Teach yourself" series, it is not good. the later is better. At least for Norwegian.
I don't think it is worth the price.
If you are already using Pimsleur, maybe you'll find it useful to read along what they say.

Answer 2

Pimsleur is pretty good as far as audio courses go. However, I agree completely with previous answerers that it's much better to take a class. The major problem with self-study is that you don't have nearly the variety of interaction and reinforcement that you need to retain what you learn. Pimsleur, unlike other "Teach Yourself" courses, is good in that it forces you to process the language rather than just mindlessly repeating phrases, but it's not nearly as good as having to converse with classmates and having a teacher to correct you.

If you're having trouble remembering the words and phrases, you may need to repeat the unit a few times. Also, it's possible you are a visual learner like I am, in which case you should really supplement the Pimsleur with a textbook that will show you how the words and phrases are spelled; that will also help you remember them.

Answer 3

I'm using a section of Pimsleur Italian from the library, after about fifty class hours. I think Pimsleur should be preceeded by at least fifteen hours of small class study, with a teacher who can walk you through the pronunciation and the grammar and point you to a good intro textbook. Pimsleur complements such a regimen well, but I doubt people benefit as much from pure Pimsleur study unless they are already excellent linguists.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I dislike it intensely - I prefer traditional classes & textbooks.