The Pimsleur Method

I've seen the Pimsleur language courses at the store for a while and have wondered what their method was. I wasn't quite up to spending money to see, but when I ran into the some of the courses at the Akron Library I thought I'd try one to see how it worked. I'm far enough along with Mandarin to make that course too easy, so I went for Cantonese instead. The course is useful, but only in limited situations.

The main feature of the Pimsleur method is that you learn a language by speaking. The course comes with no written material. All learning is done by listening, repeating, and answering questions. There is a narrator to walk you through the process, explain things, and pose questions. Initially you just repeat words and sentences, and then as you learn more you will recall sentences, and later on form them.

I have been listening to the course while driving, and this is where I think this method works best. I have a 25 minute commute which gives me time to listen to most of a 30-minute lesson. I'm not sure this approach is efficient for home learning, though. Having undivided attention would be good, but it seems like one could learn faster by reading lesson material and then using the audio material for reinforcement.

This type of learning is definitely better than the rote memorization tapes, though. Nothing gets more boring than getting drilled through the same words over and over. With the Pimsleur method you advance through material so you will get periodic review while you learn more.