Pimsleur Language Programmes
As the world shrinks and foreign travel becomes a part of almost everyone's life, there has never been a better time to master a new language.
The audio-only format of Pimsleur Courses, with no phrase books or texts, make them the ideal 'in-car' learning method.
Dr. Paul Pimsleur
Born in America of French ancestry, the late Dr Paul Pimsleur received a PhD in French from Columbia University. He was a renowned language teacher at universities in California and Germany and director of the Language Centre at Ohio State University. His ground-breaking research into how children and multi-lingual adults absorb languages has formed the basis of much recent linguistic study.
How The Pimsleur System Works
Since its introduction, the Pimsleur Language Learning System (PLLS) has rapidly become the most successful programme of its kind. Based on the revolutionary research of Dr Paul Pimsleur, the system teaches language in a way that is both simple and effective with none of the obstacles and disadvantages of the more traditional techniques. Students using the PLLS are amazed by the rapidity and ease with which they progress to everyday fluency in their chosen language. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Why is the Pimsleur System so effective?
Dr Pimsleur's research suggested that the way we learned our own language as a child was nothing like the way we are taught languages at school. With this in mind he devised what he called 'organic learning', where vocabulary, pronunciation and comprehension are presented simultaneously. The result is an understanding of the language as native speakers use it.
How does the Pimsleur System achieve so much so quickly?
Language can be divided into two distinct areas: Grammatical Structures (function words) and Concrete Vocabulary (content words). Most of everyday conversation is composed of function words - for example, in the sentence "Could you tell me the way to the hotel?", only 'hotel' is a content word. By focusing on the function elements, the PLLS enables the student to comprehend and employ the structure of a new language quickly and naturally.
How does the Pimsleur System ensure that you remember what you have learned?
Another key component of Dr Pimsleur's method is Graduated Interval Recall, where essential information is repeated at precisely the right time for you to retain it. The intervals between repetitions are gradually increased until you remember the information without being reminded. This timed recycling of information moves your new knowledge from short-term to long-term memory with the least possible effort.
Why are there no accompanying books with the courses?
Dr Pimsleur's answer to this was very simple. We all learn to speak long before we can read or write. By using a completely audio-based approach, the PLLS encourages conversational fluency and confidence right from the start.
The Courses
Pimsleur Language Courses are available in a variety of levels on both audio cassette and CD. Each stage is carefully designed to give the student maximum fluency and proficiency to their desired level. All courses use native speakers to ensure accurate diction and accent. Pimsleur offers an unrivalled opportunity to become truly multi-lingual. The aims of each course type are:
The Short Course
Designed to give the beginner a working knowledge of the language by developing proficiency in common vocabulary and situations. Particularly useful for the holiday or business traveller who wishes to converse confidently and clearly in everyday circumstances. The Short Course comprises eight half-hour lessons on audio cassette or CD.
The Complete Course
Expanding on the themes and techniques used in the Short Course, the Complete Course will take the student from beginner level, through intermediate to an advanced comprehension of their chosen language. Complete Courses are broken down into convenient half-hour lessons across 9 cassettes or CDs. Parts 1A and 1B are available for all Complete Course languages, with some of the more popular languages extending to parts 3A and 3B, where even higher levels of understanding can be achieved through more complex and abstract linguistic constructions.
The World Citizen Course
Developed as a stand-alone course in a wide variety of less common languages, the World Citizen Course provides the student with a thorough grounding in everyday language and vocabulary. Ten half-hour lessons on audio cassette or CD.
English as a Second Language
ESL courses are aimed at non-English speakers and use the same revolutionary Pimsleur techniques. Available in eleven languages and both the Short Course and Complete Course formats.
Available Languages
Language Courses
World Citizen Courses
English as a Second Language
Complete Title List
To view a complete printable list of titles, complete with thier ISBNs and Prices, please click the appropriate link:
Comments from Pimsleur Users
“I have tried many times over the years to master a foreign language - all to no avail. With Pimsleur I have become something of a fanatic and am now tackling Russian.”
“We learnt enough French to get by, in the time it took to drive from Ipswich to Nantes!”
“The inability to speak another language has always been a source of embarrassment and frustration for me. Pimsleur has put all that in the past.”
“My husband's family are from Jordan. Being able to communicate with them has been a joy and a revelation.”
“Coming from Japan, I already had some knowledge of English, but Pimsleur helped me become very relaxed when talking to my English friends.”
“I sent my relatives a copy of Pimsleur English for Hindi speakers before they made their first visit to the UK. When I met them at the airport I was amazed to hear them ordering a meal as if they'd lived here for years!”
How To Order
To order Pimsleur Language Programmes please contact your regional sales representative, or contact us here at W. F. Howes using the details listed on our contact page.
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