Customer Reviews

Italian (Pimsleur Quick and Simple)

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This set contains the first 4 CDs from Pimsleur's Italian I course. The Pimsleur method only teaches you to speak and to understand a language, no written material is included in this package.

The set contains 4 CDs with 8 30 minute lessons. Each Lesson starts with a little conversation (using words and expressions learned in the previous lessons plus one or two new expressions). Next, the previously learned material is repeated and some new words, expressions or phrases are added. Most lessons end with another conversation, but this time you're supposed to take part in it.

I very much like the way, a language is taught using the Pimsleur method, but don't expect to take part in a real world italian conversation after this brief course. It really only is a sample on how the Pimsleur program works. In order to learn the language, you will have to buy the whole program (Pimsleur's Italian I - III) which is very expensive.

Basically, I believe it's a good idea to have a way to "test learn" such an expensive program, but the Pimsleur web page also contains the audio streams for all first lessons of their language program. Which should be good enough to decide whether to go with the Pimsleur Method or not.

As usual, the Pimsleur method, in my opinion is the best way to learn a foreign language. As of today, I own five Quick and simple language programs (French, German, Italian, Japanese and Cantonese) and I've enjoy every one of them immensly. I could not believe the beauty and simplicity of the Italian language. I retained most of the information learned after listening to the CD's once. I wish I'd known about Pimsleur prior to my college years. It would've save me a lot of wasted time and energy learning a language in a university. It makes me wonder,"Why don't they use this method in the American educational system?" If they did most Americans would embrace learning a new language instead of shunning it. One of my dreams was to be able to speak several languages and Pimsluer has made that possible. I would also like to note that the Italian lessons seem to go into more detail than the others but I'm learning a lot and having a great time. My computer is now my language lab. Final grade A++++.

This is the first 8 lessons that is available on the Pimsleur Comprehensive Course I(30 lessons), & the Traveller's Course(16 lessons). It is the same product as the Basic tape series(CD & Tape). Pimsleur is the best way to learn a foreign language. If you like this mini-course, you will LOVE the Full course (the price is high though). There is a coupon to make up for the cost of these 8 lessons when you buy the full course.

I bought this because it was fairly cheap and short (8 lessons).

I like that fact that it is totally audio! Each lesson is about 25-28 minutes.

I did have to repeat each lesson for it to totally sink in.

After about lesson 4, the lessons seem to be geared towards a single traveller, trying to strike up a conversation in a bar or hotel. I was looking for general lessons like how to ask where the bathrooms are, or how to purchase train tickets, etc.

However, the CD's are really good for practicing pronunciation, even if you aren't going to the bars.

I was turned onto these cds by a friend. He lent me the first cd and I found a couple of things very quickly:

1. I can actually learn a foreign language. Shocking to me, I always thought it was too difficult.
2. I wasted 4 years of my life in High School learning the wrong way. That part really gets me. Why schools don't use this approach will baffle me.

The method is all it is cracked up to be. Very effective, leaving you confident you can learn the language given enough time and lessons.

These cds give you a glimpse of what to expect if you proceed with the Pimsleur approach. I zipped through al eight lessons in 3 weeks and have just ordered the next set of lessons (which are around $200...be prepared for the price hike). But I figure I am actually learning the language and enjoying it.

One last note. From all the reviews I've read there is no doubt that you learn the language using this approach. The complaints have been the content of the language you learn, the fact you do not learn how to write the language and the cost. But no one said it did not work for them.

Could not be happier.