Customer Reviews

Hebrew, Basic: Learn to Speak and Understand Hebrew with Pimsleur Language Programs

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful way to learn how to speak a new language. The lessons or units (as the narrator says) start off with simple conversations which are then broken down into words and those words are then broken down into sounds. I found myself picking up the new sounds and words very quickly.
As you progress through the units, the conversations that are presented get a little longer and a bit more complex. The pace of each unit was excellent. There was enough time to repeat what the speaker said, but not so much that the flow of the conversation was lost.
I should say that I did study Hebrew many years ago for a short time, so some of the units were a review of sorts, rather than something brand new.
The only thing with which I had an issue was the fact that there is no printed material with this set of CDs. Some of the sounds in Hebrew can be difficult to understand without having something written to verify the spelling of certain words. Luckily, I am around people who speak Hebrew, so I was able to consult them for clarification of some words though any good English/Hebrew dictionary should be able to help you if use the Pimsleur course.
I have also used the German version of this course, and it was also very good for basic understanding of a new language.

I tried 'Instant Immersion' software - pretty much a disaster. 'Living Israeli Hebrew' is just wonderful -- for reading and writing, which I actually am learning because I like the program so much. Figure I'll be able to read a few signs, anyhow.

But for speaking, gotta go with Pimsleur. I never used this system before -- learned pidgin Japanese with "Learn in Your Car" system which was fine -- but I'm a Pimsleur convert, now.

The words are pronounced with great clarity, brief explanations in English of key issues or cultural idioms are provided, and the mix of little one-item quizzes as you go gives unexpected confidence. The pacing is excellent, and the way vocabulary and phrases build carefully upon previous lessons is wonderfully reinforcing.

Unfortunately, I gather there is only 'basic' and the whole'level I.' Be awfully nice to be able to get Level I in stages 1-2-3.

I Love this program ! I orginally got the Vietnames program from the Library several year ago when I was planning a trip to Vietnam.I worked on it for several months before going overseas and had no problem communicating with native people group.My family is planning to go to Israel next year and I immediately thought of this program. It is very easy to use.Just pop a disk in the player and your ready to go! They give you complete pronouncations slowly at first breaking some words down into sounds.You just repeat after the speaker.It repeats it several times and goes on to the next word.After a few words,the speaker reveiws previously learned words and makes complete sentences with them.If a certain word is hard for you,stop the player and continue working on that word or phrase till it comes naturally to you.Each lesson is about a half hour.It is taking me about aa week to get through a lesson.We work on what we have learned through the week.I would also recommend a reading Hebrew program as well."Teach yourself to Read Hebrew" is great for adults and a kids version "Hebrew in 10 minutes a Day" is great and non-intimidating for the absolute beginner.I bought the "Lanuage Map" with this, to have a ready reference to the most common basic words you will use in the country.I believe you won't be disappointed !

This is a great way to learn basic Hebrew. This is my second language course with Pimsleur (Russian first); I found the course so helpful it is my go to CD course whenever I am traveling and want to learn to speak a bit.

This is fun, I find myself wanting to do more lessons per day than it's supposed to. I look forward to getting to the next level.
However, there is a major drawback - it's clearly aimed at american men trying to hit on israeli women, which for me - a non-american woman - is not that amusing. But it's worth it.

I have just started to use this program. I like the repetition that it uses on each disk. My memory isn't that great, so repeating words and sentences is good for me.

I thought this was a good introduction and a superior method than that which I have been trying. To actually buy one of the levels is really out of my ballpark financially. But I did struggle with the pronunciation and it will take some diligence before I can go further.

I got this to have a head start on learning Hebrew, my comute to work is exactly the same length of time of each lesson. It is very interesting the method and you must follow the instruction, I was very determined on doing that.
I have learned most of it, and I will repeat it. However I think I need to read as well, some of the words would make more sense if I could read to make sure I am saying correctly.
But for basic and practicality of the method, it is great, highly recommend.

I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn Hebrew. It's about having good ear, there is no written material.