Customer Reviews

Lithuanian: Learn to Speak and Understand Lithuanian with Pimsleur Language Programs

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As with other Pimsleur language courses, this is a great way to pick up the correct pronunciation. Lithuanian is difficult for English speakers, and sounds different than many languages we're used to so these cassettes are even more helpful. It starts with very simple pronunciation, breaking words down into sounds and goes through various phrases and sentences good for travelers. It is all audio, no book really. I'm waiting for them to do a complete course in Lithuanian!

I have only been through the first 4 lessons...not quite half the way through, and I love it! It has been made so simple. The only thing I would add so far is a book of some type that one could reference the spellings of the words and phrases being taught. I am afraid I may be able to verbally communicate with people when I get to Vilnius, but may not be able to read directions, menus and such. This program is a wonderful way to learn how to "get around" with the Lithuanian language. I may not end up fluent in the language, but I will be able to ask someone if they understand English! It is quick and enjoyable!

The Pimsleur learning method is definately a winner for me. Although I had previously studied a little of the language structure, I seem to have raced through the cassettes, and have just started 'unit 9'.
As an Englishman, I find the 'Sir' and 'Ma'am' bit a little tedious though. We don't say this in England, and during the many times that I've been to Lietuva, neither do they. Also, the conversations are conducted with people in the 'formal' manner. Whilst not confusing anyone, it would have been nice if the 'informal' forms were also given a mention, - i.e. as in French, 'vous' and 'tu', it is the same in Lithuanian.
As someone else has already written, it would be better if the speakers would at least spell some of the words they are teaching. This is because many letters are 'palletalised' (softened) in Lithuanian, and so, for example, I can't easily tell if they are saying a 'b' or a 'p' for the word 'lunch' (phonetic - 'piatowta').
Finally, I think my biggest gripe is that the commentator refers to the course as 'Pimsleur's Lithuanian One'. So far, I have not found 'Lithuanian Two'. It's a good start, but you could be left high and dry, with nowhere to progress.

I don't know if you've ever tried any of the other Pimsleur tapes - but I find them to be dreadfully monotonous and extremely basic. I have been studying Russian for several years and had the misfortune to listen to their Russian tape. It practically sent me screaming out of the room. It spent 30 minutes going over the dialogue that is usually covered by page one of a standard Russian textbook. If you expect to have an elementary-level conversation with a Lithuanian parrot - then this course might be the one for you!

No, seriously, if you want to work on basic pronounciation and rudimentary listening skills (listening to people with waaaay above average pronounciation skills) - then go ahead and buy the tapes. But you'll be stuck using the very basic phrases that they teach you. Without an understanding of Lithuanian grammar, you won't be able to come up with phrases on your own.