Customer Reviews

Ukrainian, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand Ukrainian with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon & Schuster's Pimsleur)

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I got this course 6 weeks before I left for Kiev and studied it during my commute to work. I was able to get around Kiev easily (I did also memorize the Cyrillic alphabet so I coudl read signs, as well). Several people assumed I was fluent in the language -- the range of my conversation was excellent and my accent was impeccable.
I also learned Pimsleur Brazilian Portuguese before going there, using Pimsleur -- I love the courses!!!

I have purchased and worked my way through three other language programs, but keep coming back to the Pimsleur method. The great advantage of Pimsleur presentations is the timing intervals between when a word is introduced and when the programs asks me to recall the word. In the intervening time the program reviews other earlier words and sentences to which I have already been introduced. This timing is based upon scientific measurements of how long a new word can be remembered. The method works for me.

One very pleasant discovery is that Pimsleur carefully introduces the pronunciation of each new word syllable by syllable, starting with the last syllable which is of course the easiest to recall! Again this method helps me to learn good pronunciation. Pimsleur also uses both male and female voices to repeat each word. The result of this technique is good pronunciation. Sometimes the pronunciation of certain letter combinations is strange to my English ear, but the program repetition causes my ear to eventually tune to correct speaking in a foreign language.

I have used Pimsleur programs for two languages and do prefer this program method over others which I have encountered.

We used this set to learn basic Ukrainian before going there for an adoption trip. I was complemented by several native Ukrainians on my accent and the system was easy to use. We plan to get the next Pimsleur set to increase/improve our Ukrainian. You can't go wrong with this, for the price and the effectiveness!!

This review is for the entire Pimsleur Ukrainian 16 CD course. I also own the Conversations Ukrainian set.
The approach is sound. I've tried every language learning audio program out there. Rosetta Stone does not have a Ukrainian program, so I can't compare it to that. However, this CD moves you forward bit by bit and has you speaking almost instantly (albeit in a very limited sense). Sometimes the advances between lessons seem a bit daunting, but with determination they are not insurmountable. They supply the tools needed to figure it out. I like the review, the repetition, the focus on pronunciation, and I like the building block approach. The speakers are native, and have exemplary accents.
The limitation which is common to all such programs is that although you finish with a good basic grasp of the language, your conversations are limited to those subjects that were covered in the audio lessons. Don't come away expecting to understand random conversations on the street, follow the local evening newscast, or debate philosophy with your new Ukrainian acquaintances. That is not the goal of the program. You will be able to address the waiter in the restaurant, count, ask how much something costs, ask for directions, and introduce yourself using proper Ukrainian grammar and pronunciation.
The lessons are 1/2 hour in length. This was perfect for my 30 minute commute. It easily worked into my daily routine and steady progress was the result. There was a definite sense of accomplishment when the last CD was completed. Left me wanting more. Unfortunately, Ukrainian is not one of the languages with extensive Pimsleur programs.

be careful about buying things which are from'abroad'-I got stung for a customs charge on educational material -AND- and extra fee from the post office to collect the customs fee..added £13 to an item which cost £30..and hefty postage on top.

but I could not source the item anywhere else

The pimsleur method of language learning with endless repetition is necessary and effective when the language is a very different one;it certainly gets you speaking where say 'TEACH YOURSELF' tends to make me give up where so much dictionary searching is needed to make any progress;I wish the Learn in your Car series was more extensive