Twi [Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Pimsleur (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0671579541 | ISBN-13: 978-0671579548 | Publication Date: September 1, 1997 | Edition: 10 Lessons + Reading

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Pimsleur devoted his life to language teaching and was one of the world's leading experts in applied linguistics. After obtaining his Ph.D. in French from Columbia University, he taught French Phonetics and Phonemics, and supervised the language laboratory at UCLA. He went on to become Professor of Romance Languages and Language Education, and Director of The Listening Center at Ohio State University; Professor of Education and Romance Languages at the State University of New York at Albany; and a Fulbright lecturer at the University of Heidelberg. Dr. Pimsleur was a member of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), American Educational Research Association (AERA), Modern Language Association (MLA), and a founding member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). His many books and articles revolutionized theories of language learning and teaching. After years of experience and research, Dr. Pimsleur developed a new method that is based on two key principles: the Principle of Anticipation and a scientific principle of memory that he called Graduated Interval Recall. This program incorporates both of these principles to provide you with the most simple and effective learning method possible.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Pimsleur; 10 Lessons + Reading edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671579541
• ISBN-13: 978-0671579548
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.8 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,568,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Books on Cassette > Languages > African > Swahili

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are starting from scatch, buy this because..........., October 3, 2000

By 

Tim Fanning (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Twi (Audio Cassette)

It's a surprisingly easy way to learn some basic Twi. In terms of content, there isn't a great deal here. There are 10 lessons on 5 tapes - each lesson lasts about 30 minutes. I had to listen to each tape about 4 or 5 times before I really mastered it. But, when I went to Ghana, I was able to ask directions, ask for food and beer, tell a taxi driver where I wanted to go etc. (much to the amusement of every Twi speaker I met). As with learning most languages, it's one thing to be understood but quite another to understand any reply that comes back at you. Pimsleur will help you to be understood - after that you are on your own. (But, since almost everyone in Ghana speaks good English, they will probably help you out). There is also a very useful booklet that accompanies the tapes which lists every word or phrase used (in English-Twi and Twi-English) and tells you in which lesson it first appears. You are told on the tapes to just listen and repeat what you hear, and only refer to the booklet for the reading exercises. However, sometimes the speakers go fairly quickly and it's a little difficult to pick up what they are saying. I found it easier to look up the phrases in the book as they were being introduced, because seeing the words written down gave me more of an idea of the sounds I should be aiming for. In short, this course is a great place to start if you want to learn a little Twi.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant method of learning., September 18, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (London,England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Twi (Audio Cassette)

As long as you ae determined to learn an foreign language, this course is for you. It lays the basic foundations for more progressed learning and you really do remember the language meanings. My only criticism is that because Twi is an highly vocal language where sounds have real meaning, some parts of the tape do not take time to break-down some of the words being spoken. Overall a good priced learning aid.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Step in the Right Direction, May 27, 2000

By 

Cynthia Gyamfi (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Twi (Audio Cassette)

The Language program is excellent for those Ghanaians who struggle with their native language. It can add to whatever basic knowledge you may have, or it can guide you if you have no baseline to draw from. It's limitation is that it may be slow to start for those who know some Twi already, but it builds confidence, and it will help you the next time you're among Ghanaians!