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At gbarto.com,
we've been interested in languages and language learning for a long time.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of stuff out there that isn't particularly
useful. Too often, programs simply ask
you to listen and repeat words and phrases, but you don’t really learn to
use the language. This is our
objection to Language 30, Berlitz one cassette programs and
Barron’s. Living Language is
a little better, but far from perfect. On
the other hand, the programs below make you use
the language, so that it is learned more naturally. Because similar programs are available
for different languages, we’ll offer descriptions for the programs. You can order the program for the
language you’re interested in.
Additionally, you can visit our language
pages and see if we have anything for your language yet.
Pimsleur and Michel Thomas sets are featured on this page. Because the programs use the same format for all languages, we've put descriptions of each type of program after the item listings. Scroll down to learn about these programs.
French
Pimsleur Quick
and Simple French. Eight
introductory lessons. Very basic communication.
Pimsleur Instant Conversation: French. Sixteen lessons.
Basic communication.
French
I: Pimsleur Comprehensive. Large
program. Everyday
conversation possible at end.
Michel Thomas Introduction to French. Two CDs.
Michel
Thomas Deluxe French set. Eight CDs.
Spanish
Pimsleur Quick
and Simple Spanish. Eight
introductory lessons. Very basic communication.
Pimsleur Instant Conversation: Spanish. Sixteen lessons.
Basic communication.
Spanish
I: Pimsleur Comprehensive. Large
program. Everyday
conversation possible at end.
Michel Thomas Introduction to Spanish. Two CDs.
Michel
Thomas Deluxe Spanish set. Eight CDs.
Italian
Pimsleur Quick
and Simple Italian. Eight
introductory lessons. Very basic communication.
Pimsleur Instant Conversation: Italian. Sixteen lessons.
Basic communication.
Italian
I: Pimsleur Comprehensive. Large
program. Everyday
conversation possible at end.
Michel Thomas Introduction to Italian. Two CDs.
Michel
Thomas Deluxe Italian set. Eight CDs.
German
Pimsleur Quick
and Simple German. Eight
introductory lessons. Very basic communication.
Pimsleur Instant Conversation: German. Sixteen lessons.
Basic communication.
German
I: Pimsleur Comprehensive. Large
program. Everyday
conversation possible at end.
Michel Thomas Introduction to German. Two CDs.
Michel
Thomas Deluxe German set. Eight CDs.
The Pimsleur sets are
formulated upon the principle that we typically learn best in half hour
chunks. The typical lesson is just
under half an hour. In the lesson,
the learner hears a conversation, learns to play the parts in that conversation
and learns to plug new information into the conversation. This is accomplished not only by
listening and repeating but also by filling in blanks, providing information
based on earlier lessons and being asked to recall individual words and
phrases. The effect of the lesson
is to make the learner concentrate on producing
(as opposed to simply repeating) snippets of the language and putting snippets
together. At the end, the learner
participates in a similar conversation.
Pimsleur sets cover less ground per lesson
than many other programs, but they do so far more effectively. Other sets may offer more vocabulary or
grammar, but it is gone as quickly as it is learned. When the user finishes a Pimsleur set, by contrast, he or she usually has a very
thorough command of everything covered in the lessons.
Our book pages offer direct links to three kinds
of Pimsleur sets:
Quick and
simple programs teach you to introduce
yourself, order a drink and other very basic skills. If you’re going to Rome for the
weekend and will have English speakers to help you with the big stuff, this is
a great way to get just enough to manage when you’ve got a little spare
time to kill and want to see the sights.
Instant
conversation programs begin with the
lessons in the Quick and simple sets,
then move on to basic grammar, more possibilities for improvisation and the
first steps into having a conversation with a native.
Comprehensive programs build from the Instant conversation pack and get you up to speed on everyday conversation
so that you can not only get what you need but can participate (to a limited
degree) in the local culture. We
haven’t had the chance to use one of these so are relying in part on the
reviews of other users. However,
the principles of the programs are sound.
Pimsleur sets come in a variety of sizes and languages not listed
here. If you’re looking for a
different language or different size set, you might try the search box at the
bottom and see what’s available.
Michel
Thomas
If you’ve seen these in the bookstores, you
know that Michel Thomas is language teacher to the stars. But for once the celebrity endorsements
seem to be warranted. In these
sets, Thomas has two pupils whom he teaches in his introductory class. You’re the third pupil, though he won’t correct you (he does correct
the other two). Like the Pimsleur sets, these require the learner to come up with
his or her own responses, thus learning to use
the language, not just repeat without understanding. As to the lesson structures, Thomas goes
grammar point by grammar point, interspersing with lessons in vocabulary and
explanations as to how the languages relate to English. Best of all, he gives tricks for
guessing what a word might be in the new language based on what it is in English. These and other tips aren’t
infallible but they give the user a way of progressing faster and relating more
easily to the new language.
Michel Thomas sets come in two sizes. The introductory sets have two CDs and
teach you just enough to be dangerous.
The large sets are 8 CDs and will leave the user reasonably comfortable
talking about a variety of situations in the past, present and future tenses.
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