Customer Reviews

Berlitz Rush Hour Express French CD ( Berlirz Rush Hour Express Series) (English and French Edition)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This is another very reasonably priced language entry from Berlitz. It's just one CD. You can print the script from their website, but it's not necessary because the material is repeated clearly throughout the hour-long program. The strategy here is to set the key phrases to music over a sketchy narrative. It's like listening to a loony musical. You will find yourself singing the phrases and some will loop through your mind. Good idea. I have a little difficulty with the promise on the CD box: "Learn a new language in just one hour". Hardly. However, beginning students will hve fun learning some useful words and phrases.

While I have a few gripes about this CD--it's too short, not enough of the basics, and while the date idea may be cute, it's not the only scenario you'll face while traveling :). The music was way too cutesy for me...

*However*, I did find that it's an inexpensive way to get back into speaking French. I did go to Paris after listening to this and was able to use some basic phrases. The music I found cheesy was probably a good way to memorize some of these phrases.

All in all, not a bad way to begin, but if you want to be able to count above 10 or ask more questions than name and where are you from, then you'll need another CD.

Although I have been studying french for many years, I can only impress people who do not know french, and when I am in france I can get any of its citizens to speak impecable english - after only 2 of my french sentences.

Now that we know I am not the one to ask for advice ...

This is a great tool - especially for singular, plural, masculine, feminine and basic communication opposites - all delivered enjoyably.

I bought the $10.00 single CD and within two weeks I ordered the 3 CD version with the book which includes the transcript - for only about $8.00 more and I am pleased I did - so the 5 stars apply to it also.

This has been more fun than any of my CD's and when I wake up early and cannot sleep I play and listen and learn - especially pronunciation.

C'est tout

As opposed to another reviewer, I found the scenarios on the CD to be a helpful and fun way to learn about various situations I'd run into. The words and phrases learned in the "date" scenario work equally as well for any meal situation. And I LOVED the music! It seemed to make the words "sink in" more quickly for me. I listened to this multiple times before I went to France last Fall (my second trip) and felt very comfortable using the few words and phrases that I had learned. I'm headed to Greece soon and just wish they had one for Greek (they don't).

Great way to learn the language... like a little kid!!! They use Sesame Street like songs to get deep into your "inner child" very effective. The songs are a mixture of catchy and corny .... BUT very effective. If you can cope with that I WOULD GREATLY RECOMENDED as an introductory course.

An easy and excellent way to learn very basic French greetings and words for someone who has never ever taken French in school. For those who have had any French language lessons, it's too easy, so they should purchase a more intermediate cd.

Didn't care for this. I found that it was irritating to listen to and I resold it within a week.

Terrible attempt at teaching a new language. The irritating music that is constantly playing will drive you nuts! It doesn't even give you key phrases but you will learn to count from 1 to 10.

This CD is a total waste of time and money. The songs are stupid and childish but it isn't for kids because the dialog is about a man trying to hook up with a woman. We are going to Paris for our honeymoon and don't know a word of french so I was looking for something for beginners. Listening to a man talk about going on a date with a french women and then a french woman singing a song about it did not teach me french. I hope I can get my money back.

I gave this language course to my granddaughters as a present. They were happy to receive it. This course is especially interesting for them as they are German and must learn both languages, English and French, at school. So, with this CD they can repeat their English, which is the first foreign language to be learned, and study French at the same time. I like this course very much. I think it has been made especially for young people. I'm glad I found it at Amazon.com. I'd like to give 5 stars for this item.
Ursula Krauß.