French III, 2nd Edition (Pimsleur Language Program) [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Pimsleur (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0671315552 | ISBN-13: 978-0671315559 | Publication Date: 1998

With Pimsleur Language Programs you don't just study a language, you learn it -- the same way you mastered English! And because the technique relies on interactive spoken language training, the Pimsleur Language Programs are totally audio -- no book is needed!

The Pimsleur programs provide a method of self-practice with an expert teacher and native speakers in lessons specially designed to work with the way the mind naturally acquires language information. The various components of language -- vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar -- are all learned together without rote memorization and drills. Using a unique method of memory recall developed by renowned linguist, Dr. Paul Pimsleur, the programs teach listeners to combine words and phrases to express themselves the way native speakers do. By listening and responding to thirty minute recorded lessons, students easily and effectively achieve spoken proficiency.

No other language program or school is as quick, convenient, and effective as the Pimsleur Language Programs.

The Comprehensive Program is the ultimate in spoken language learning. For those who want to become proficient in the language of their choice, the Comprehensive programs go beyond the Basic Programs to offer spoken-language fluency. Using the same simple method of interactive self-practice with native speakers, these comprehensive programs provide a complete language learning course. The Comprehensive Program is available in a wide variety of languages and runs through three levels (thirty lessons each) in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. At the end of a full Comprehensive Program listeners will be conducting complete conversations and be well on their way to mastering the language. The Comprehensive Programs are all available on cassettes and are also on CD in the six languages in which we offer the Basic Program on CD.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Pimsleur (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671315552
• ISBN-13: 978-0671315559
• Product Dimensions: 13 x 11.8 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,233,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, expensive, but if you can afford it, well worth it ...., June 24, 2000

By 

James Rhea McCoy - See all my reviews

This review is from: French III, 2nd Edition (Pimsleur Language Program) (Audio CD)

It's too bad that the cost of the Pimsleur system almost makes it prohibitive to use, because it really is an excellent system. Pimsleur Level III continues the approach of focusing on a basic, high-frequency vocabulary and engaging the listener in using what he or she has learned. I have acquired quite a few cassette learning systems in my attempt to learn French on my own and the Pimsleur approach is probably my favorite. Because virtually all of my time is spent while driving, I very much appreciate that I don't have to refer to a book and that I'm not constantly rewinding a tape.

I also appreciate that it is about as interactive as a cassette tape can be ... the listener responds with material that he or she has learned in prior tapes and gradually and solidly acquires a substantial number of language building blocks. Although there is repetition, it is varied and subtle, and is not the mind-dulling lists of phrases, vocabulary or sentences that seems to be the norm in the language tape business.

It is important, however, to place the Pimsleur system in context: if you want to understand the theory of the grammatical rules of what you are learning, you must find that elsewhere. For example, if you'd like to see the rules on how present tense "-er" verbs are conjugated, that's not here. You would in fact be learning to do it, but you wouldn't "see" it on paper or read the rules on how it's done. Or if you want to increase your skill in understanding a native speaker talking a full speed, that's not its strength either. But, if you want to develop a working command of some core phrases and vocabulary that will be yours and stick with you, there is no better approach.

Let's put it this way: I was sorry when I finished it and I wish there were a Level IV, V, VI .... and so on.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Turbo-charge your French learning, January 17, 2002

By 

D. Hibberd (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: French III, 2nd Edition (Pimsleur Language Program) (Audio CD)

I've tried a lot of different methods for learning French over the years, and while I have made steady progress, it was pretty haphazard. I agree with the other reviewers that this course is not the only instruction you need, but in my opinion it's a must have. The Pimsleur courses give you the strong foundation in understanding and speaking the language that you can then leverage to fill in the gaps in grammer and vocabulary.

This course is the closest I have seen to the method that children follow to learn their native language. My two year old has no idea what a verb is, but he can communicate in well formed sentences using the correct tense and pronouns, because he has learned through aural feedback what the correct structure should be.

Pimsleur courses immerse you in the language to the extent that you will learn by hearing and speaking. Kind of like you know that if I were to say "He was learned to speak French" that it just sounds wrong. Now I may not be able to tell you which grammatical rules I broke, but I know it should be "He was learning to speak French."

The bottom line, is that these courses give you a great start that helps you advance more quickly through your more formal study and coversational practice with native speakers. The material is fun and never boring. Great for filling in your morning commute.

Bon Chance!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pimsleur III review, December 30, 2001

By 

"dfspc" (Rockport, Me United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: French III, 2nd Edition (Pimsleur Language Program) (Audio CD)

I have purchased all three Pimsleur series and believe they are some of the best out there to help one learn to speak French. I would recommend them to anyone and have purchased the German series for my wife. By the time you have finished, you can actually speak and understand some of the language. I also think that it is necessary to couple this series with either lessons or a formal course to learn the why's of what you are doing and to see the vocabulary written out. I found that combining this series with the Barron's series improves one even faster. However, Barron's requires the use of a book and Pimsleur can be done in your car without any supplemental reading material. For me, the Pimsleur series was the best I have run into for learing a language from scratch.