Italian II [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Pimsleur (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 067131551X | ISBN-13: 978-0671315511 | Publication Date: January 1, 1999

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 (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067131551X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671315511
• Product Dimensions: 13 x 11.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,771,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pimsleur II - a continuation of the BEST !!, April 27, 2001

By 

A. Savona "digitalstone" (Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Italian II (Audio CD)

Pimsleur II will begin to take you beyond the very basics of Italian conversation. By no means will you be fluent; but if forced, you will be able to converse in a manner that natives will begin to understand. While level I introduces you with a solid foundation, Level II begins to add some weight to your Italian language skills.

When I completed Level II, I felt much more confident in my approach to Italian conversation. To provide the reader with an English equivalent - Level I brings you to this level of fluency: "Excuse me, my name is Tom. Where is the road to Rome? On the left, and straight ahead? Thanks so much!" Of course there is a bit more fluency than that, but that is about the level of conversation you can expect to be comfortable with. In level II, however, you will be brought to the following level of conversational skill: "Hi Mary! How are you? Do you know what time the department stores close today? I want to buy something for my daughter. I'm leaving Rome in a week. I really like it here in Rome. I went to the Vatican today, and now I need to go buy something for my oldest daughter." Again, that is a sample- you will have more fluency than that.

If you're considering Pimsleur II, you probably already know that this method is one that doesn't rely on books, other than some very minor reading, which is less than 5% of the course. The Pimsleur method gets you familiar with the language, and has a unique way of getting you to think in the language. You will find yourself automatically responding to the oral cues, which is truly encouraging! This means you're learning- and not memorizing! I found that spacing my lessons apart helped my comprehension greatly. Instead of repeating a lesson immediately that I did not feel totally comfortable with, I put the Cd away and repated the lesson again the next day. I found in doing this, things came much more naturally and easily (rather than straining to master 1 lesson each day). Some of the lessons are very easy (1 session), while others will require 2, 3, or rarely 4 sessions. The majority took me 2 attempts before I felt satisfied with my progress. I spent about 75-80 days on this level. (Including an occasion day off about every 5-6 days)

You certainly pay more for Pimsleur- but I assure you, if you want to be more than a tourist in vocabulary and command of Italian language, this is an enjoyable and rewarding investment. Consider listening to Italian radio on the internet, watching Italian movies subtitled into English, and trying out Italian chat rooms. It is also extremely valuable to learn the basics (the bare basics) of Italian vocabulary before you jump into this Italian language quest. I have found this to be a tremendous advantage in combination with the Pimsleur method.

Happy learning!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Needs MORE familiar (tu) conjugations, August 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Italian II (Audio CD)

I disagree with the previous reviewer on one point...many people buying this product certainly will be using it to speak with Italian friends, or to spend more than just a few days or weeks in Italy. Even at this rudimentary level, it's important to learn the second personal singular informal forms, which are used more than perhaps you might think in everyday usage. (Believe or not after speaking for a short while with someone in a social situation in Italy, it's not uncommon to ask the equivalent of "can I use the "tu" form with you?".) Italians are also rather forgiving with foreigners trying to learn their native tongue, and I think the situation of having to use the "Lei" form with close friends seems more awkward than using the "tu" form with strangers (who will be impressed you're able to say anything at all).

Other than that this is a pretty good way to learn a language (yes, a short grammar guide/word list would have been awesome). I recommend "Italian Verb Drills" and "Teach Yourself Italian"-- which is this cute if antiquated book (replace all the "egli" and "essa" with "lui" and "lei" if you're trying to learn how to speak). For vocabulary, do the Vocabulearn series. Do get a grammar book, it helps with the prepositions etc. which can be tricky.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fun and easy, and it works!, August 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Italian II (Audio CD)

I just finished my first year in college, and as I had a summer off, I decided I wanted to learn Italian so I can go to Italy next summer. I found Pimsleur to be absolutely perfect for mastering an accent, and making the language come natrually. I can say many things with ease now, and never doubt my accent or usage. I would suggest supplementing it with a grammar book so you will actually be fluent. I used Italian step-by-step by Berlitz. This is the perfect combination if you are SERIOUS about learning Italian. The Berlitz book is hard to stick with, but it is very thorough, and if you are disciplined, the two work together to make you very comfortable in Italian. Since I am a visual learner, it helps a lot to know what words I'm saying with Pimsleur, instead of just memorizing the sounds and having no idea how to write it. I'm just starting level III Italian, and I'm very excited, because I'm learning now in conversation the things I learned from the book a couple weeks ago. This has proved to be a perfect combination for me. I can't wait to start Pimsleur Spanish!