Russian I: Pimsleur Comprehensive [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Pimsleur (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999 | Series: Pimsleur Language Program

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: 0671315951
• ISBN-13: 978-0671315955
• Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 11 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,548,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars May not be your thing if you are a visual learner, July 31, 2000

By 

Jeffrey L. Guthery (Seoul Korea (South)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Russian I: Pimsleur Comprehensive (Audio CD)

I have studied four Asian languages to the advanced level in the last two decades, and decided to learn Russian with this system recently. I concede that the Pimsleur system is unique and innovative and very well organized. However, I believe that persons like myself, who study languages with great emphasis on absorbing new material visually and rely heavily on written text for memorization of vocabulary, absorbing grammar rules, and review of previously studied material, would do better with a well-written, convential textbook/cassette format. I believe the Pimsleur system is a great tool for listening and speaking proficiency, but I question how proficient a person will become at reading and writing the language through this system. If you do not have the time nor patience to sit down with a textbook, and would prefer to learn through vocal imitation of audio cues, by all means purchase this course. For those of us who favor a structured system that contains sections covering and explaining grammar and verb conjugation, etc., best go elsewhere.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, but prohibitively expensive, April 10, 2002

By 

Erik Johnson (Georgia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Russian I: Pimsleur Comprehensive (Audio CD)

I have lived and worked in a Russian speaking country for the past two years. When I arrived I had a relative send me Russian I. I found the process of speaking and listening and repeating very effective and even caught myself thinking in Russian after working through tapes. I would hear things on the street then hear them in the lessons and think, gee, so that's what that means. I quickly developed an ability to take the grammar framework and plug new words in. The speakers on the tapes enunciated clearly and at a perfect rate for me to develop new skills. In my opinion the program works as advertised.

My only complaints are that the language was a little more formal than what I needed in my particular situation and the lessons were too expensive for me to afford Russian II or III, which could have helped me a great deal.

35 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Works!, June 18, 2001

By 

Jason Cameron (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Russian I: Pimsleur Comprehensive (Audio CD)

Well, it's a long story but I'll try to make it short.....

While I was in college, I traveled to the Russian Far East many times. I was volunteering on A Siberian (Amur) Tiger rescue program (quite a story in itself). Many times I was out in the Siberian forest with 4-10 men that didn't know one word of English! I yearned to learn the language for many reasons. One, for survival purposes in the forest, and secondly (maybe this should be the first reason) while at headquarters (in Khabarovsk) I was dying to converse with the incredibly beautiful women there.

Back in The States I learned that a classmate had the Pimsleur tapes and wasn't using them anymore. So, I borrowed them and learned A TON! The Pimsleur tapes cut down the learning curve. You will be engaged in conversations in no time!

My pronunciation was so good that some Russians second-guessed whether or not it was my native language. For example, while at a restaurant my Russian friends told me to ask our waitress something. They told me what to say and I repeated it to her when she came to our table. I didn't know that I had just asked her to sleep with me (I was still on the first lesson)! But, my pronunciation was so true that she didn't know it was a joke. My friends were dying in laughter and I was looking at them with the word "TOTAL CONFUSION" stamped on my forehead! She said, "justa moment paleez." She came back and said "Eet wuldz be ah plezshur." Then looked at both my friends and stuck her tongue out at them! It was hysterical.

Well, the point is....these tapes first taught me basic conversation skills and later I could talk to any Russian speaking person with complete confidence. And the point I was trying to make with the "waitress story" is that your pronunciation will be 'native-like'!