Mastering French: Level One (The Foreign Service Institute Language Series) (Audio Cassette)

~ Mastering (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Using a four-part program of hearing, speaking, writing, and reading, Mastering French combines audiotapes and written coursework for the fastest, most in-depth French language instruction currently available. In fact, Mastering French is the same course used by the U.S. government to train its diplomats for complete fluency. In each of the program's five units, students read and listen to a dialogue on which the rest of the chapter is based, including grammar, vocabulary, drills, and written exercises. The program's combination of learning modes is the best way to absorb and retain a new language and is perfect for learning on your own.

Product Description

This remarkable and proven approach is the same course used by the U.S. government to train diplomats. These intense, comprehensive courses contain spoken drills and written exercises for mastering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational skills. Each package contains an in-depth text and 12 90-minute cassettes (Japanese-8).

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; Cas & Book edition (November 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812073215
• ISBN-13: 978-0812073218
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 9.9 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #930,983 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars can't do better for an audio based course, September 6, 2000

By A Customer

I currently live in France but only on the weekends and had been a little embarassed at my stagnating level of language skills, so I went for these. I should also mention that I previously went through all three levels of Pimsleur courses; ~$750 worth! Barron's course is a far, far better value... but that's not why I got them; I don't care about the cost. I got them because there's an upgrade path: Barron's sells levels I (15 hrs) and II (25 hrs) and other companies (Audio Forum, for example) sell the remaining 2 levels (54 more hrs!) in the original FSI series. So, it's pretty clear that you're going to be able to get very deep with the language. Having said that, the Pimsleur courses are best if you want to get as much useable minimum, essential French ASAP and you can afford it.

I'm almost done French level 1 and I'll say that they are great. Yes, the technique is brute-force, but it does work. It greatly removes one's hesitancy to speak (improves confidence) and perfects pronunciation. Best for me: it's already smoothed over several tenacious problems I was having what had seemed to be "tricky" grammar points -which the Pimsleur ones didn't cover adequately-... to me, this seems a sign that it's very well designed to get students through the rough spots.

I should also mention that the instruction book doesn't come out any say it, but the way to use it most effectively is: (1) totally memorize a dialog, then do the drills... (2) if you can respond "in time" (i.e., before the answer comes) at least 80% of the time, you move on. Otherwise, go back. I would strongly recommend that when using these (or any audio course) that you respond at full speaking volume, if at all possible... there's a big difference between "responding" to a question in your head and actually responding.

Lastly, years ago I used the Barron's Korean and had two observations: Again, they totally perfect pronunciation, etc... my offices colleagues were totally blown away when a non-asian walked in speaking their language. However, I gave them up thinking the technique was "too boring." In fact, I don't currently have that issue with the French ones. Moral: if you really like the target language, it makes all the difference in the world.

Will try to post a followup.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Arguably the best French self-study course, June 29, 2000

By	Oscar Arguijo (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

Yes, yes, this old course belongs to the trite "listen andrepeat" category of self-study language courses. But it's reallythe only way to learn and absorb and "live" a foreign language. Some other courses claim to make you learn a language in record time by simply listening on your Walkman-style tape player while you're exercising or cleaning house. Listen up, fellow Francophiles: It can't be done. A fair amount of actually studying the course material is still required. In other words, technology hasn't yet replaced (eliminated) old-fashioned studying.

I really like this venerable old course, the very same one used to train government agents in the Foreign Service. What sets it apart from more modern, streamlined courses is its emphasis on spoken French. If you're not fortunate enough to live in France or any other French-speaking country, the next best thing is to listen, and listen, and listen some more. There's just no substitute for training your ears in listening comprehension, and these cassettes serve that purpose more than adequately.

This course originally came out in 1960! Not surprisingly, some of the French used is a bit dated and overly formal for today's quick-fix crowd. But if you make a conscientious effort with this course, it still delivers results. And if you're especially ambitious in your studies, you'll acquire the coveted spot-on French accent without even realizing it. How many courses can deliver this kind of aesthetic result?

But the main reason why I'd strongly advise purchasing this course is that Barron's offers it at a truly bargain price.( ). Need I say more?

A time-tested, dependable, flexible course that delivers results--and at an affordable price, too. Sounds like a good deal to me. Purchase this course, apply yourself, and you'll be amazed with the results.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Boring but very useful, March 23, 2000

By A Customer

I have tried many fancy language learning products. Many of them are indeed wonderful. The problem is that while those programs may make you think that you have learned a lot, they don't drill you enough so that you can respond instinctively in a real life situation. The FSI tapes, while repetitive and boring, do drill you so thoroughly that, when you have to talk, the words pour out of your mouth before you even know it. My suggestion:Use whatever methods to keep your interest in the language going, but grit your teeth and do FSI drills. Your efforts will be richly rewarded.