3rd Place:Pimsleur Spanish Language Software
WHO SHOULD GET PIMSLEUR SPANISH?
If you are looking for how to learn Spanish fast and only want to learn conversationalist Spanish then
Pimsleur Spanish
is for you.
Pimsleur Spanish is the best way to learn Spanish if you like learning using audio CDs
since it is completely audio based.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Pimsleur Spanish's
singular goal is to get you speaking Spanish fast. While this does work to some degree I have to say it feels like much of what
I learned would have evaporated if I didn’t have the other courses to reinforce my knowledge.
Pimsleur focuses on teaching you the most common vocabulary and grammar used in the Spanish language. Their theme is communication and from the get go you are presented with tactics and strategies to handle common social scenarios.
For example, one of the first Spanish lessons teaches you to ask "Do you speak English?" in Spanish. Communication is easier if you can establish that you both speak a common language.
While I applaud them on their mission (heck, everyone wants a Spanish Course that will have you speaking perfect Spanish tomorrow!) their teaching methods are rather one-dimensional.
The Pimsleur method is completely audio based and is interactive only to the point of repeating what the narrator says. While this type of learning style may fit some people it leaves many hanging out to dry. Those who are visual learners or good with analogies will not get along well with Pimsleur and would be better suited for the multi-faceted teaching systems practiced by Tell Me More or Rocket Spanish.
I would only recommend Pimsleur if you are looking to get a quick fix (like if you are going on vacation to a Spanish speaking nation next month) and are not looking to learn and practice Spanish over the long term.
Pimsleur offers several products but their flagship program is their "Spanish Comprehensive Series", all available for purchase online. This series is made up of three parts, each sold individually.
Their Spanish Comprehensive 1 Course, priced at $209.00 dollars, is divided into 30 half hour long Spanish lessons with approximately 16 hours worth of strictly audio material. When you compare this to the hundreds of hours packed into Tell Me More and Rocket Spanish programs, Pimsleur just doesn't seem to stack up.
Their Spanish Comprehensive 1, 2 and 3 package retails for $597. When I contrasted this with Rocket Spanish, which retails for $99 and offers more audio material, engaging games and word association techniques, I began to wonder how Pimsleur stays in business.
Visit The Pimsleur Spanish Homepage
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