Pimsleur is one of the most well-known and long-standing language learning programs on the market today. Originally developed by linguist Dr. Paul Pimsleur in the 1960s, the Pimsleur method focuses primarily on developing listening and speaking skills through 30-minute audio lessons.
In this Pimsleur review, we will take an in-depth look at how the program works, its advantages and disadvantages, pricing options, and overall effectiveness for language learning. The main focus will be on evaluating Pimsleur's audio-based approach to building conversation skills and pronunciation in the target language.
The goal of this review is to provide an objective and helpful guide for those considering using Pimsleur to learn a new language. By evaluating both the strengths and weaknesses of the program, readers will get a clear sense of what they can expect to gain from the Pimsleur method.
Pimsleur is a renowned language learning program developed by Dr. Paul Pimsleur in the 1960s, focusing on audio-based learning. It provides a structured and gradual progression in language acquisition, helping learners build a strong foundation in their target language.
The method employs spaced repetition to reinforce learning and emphasizes practical vocabulary and real-life situations. Learners actively participate in conversations, strengthening their listening and speaking skills. While Pimsleur primarily emphasizes oral proficiency, it offers supplementary materials for those interested in reading and writing in the target language, making it a versatile tool for language learners seeking practical language skills.
Pimsleur's success and popularity over the years demonstrate its effectiveness in helping learners become proficient in a new language. Individuals often complement the Pimsleur method with other language resources to achieve a more well-rounded language proficiency.
Pimsleur's core features include audio-based learning, gradual progression, spaced repetition, a focus on core vocabulary, real-life situational lessons, active participation, and cultural insights. It offers a flexible, self-paced learning experience and is available in various languages.
While it emphasizes oral proficiency, it also provides supplementary materials for those interested in reading and writing. Pimsleur's effectiveness in helping learners acquire practical language skills has made it a popular choice in language learning for many years.
Pimsleur offers customer service support for its language learning programs. The program is available in several languages:
Pimsleur is an audio-based language learning program focusing on effective and practical verbal communication instead of reading and writing. The program is available in several ways, including library access, monthly subscription, and course purchase.
Pimsleur courses are generally divided into "Levels" comprising 30 lessons, and some language courses offer more levels than others, ranging from one to five levels. The program has a stickiness that many competitors lack, and it is especially good if learners want their pronunciation to be spot-on.
Pimsleur's language learning method utilizes the memory research conducted by Dr. Pimsleur and is proven to have learners speaking at an intermediate level in their target language. The method comprises a few fundamental principles:
Pimsleur courses accelerate learning, increase understanding, and activate new neural pathways in the learner’s brain by systematically asking for understanding, pausing for a response, and reinforcing the correct answer.
Pimsleur's language learning method is designed to help learners progress gradually and effectively. The Graduated Interval Recall we mentioned before is a method of reviewing learned vocabulary at increasingly longer intervals. This method helps learners move vocabulary into long-term memory and retain it for more extended periods.
Pimsleur courses are designed so that learners listen to one lesson per day, and vocabulary is repeated at specific intervals. The CDs are structured to present phrases in the target language first and then in the learner's mother tongue for translation.
Pimsleur employs spaced repetition as a critical component of its language-learning method. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves revisiting and reviewing previously learned material at specific intervals. Here's how Pimsleur utilizes spaced repetition in its program:
Pimsleur's Core Vocabulary is a limited set of words and structures essential for effective language communication. The Pimsleur Method builds upon the fact that in our daily communications in our mother tongues, people use remarkably little vocabulary.
The goal of the Pimsleur programs is not to teach as many disjointed vocabulary words as possible but to allow learners to use and manipulate the language, understand the structure, and to be able to construct their own sentences.
Each Pimsleur conversational lesson is approximately 30 minutes long and focuses on developing listening and speaking skills and helping learners remember what they have learned. Each 30-lesson course will teach between 300 and 500 new vocabulary items depending on the language and level.
However, the Pimsleur Method is not about memorizing vocabulary lists but rather about learning to use the language in context.
Pimsleur is designed to mimic real-life situations where learners converse with someone. The program focuses heavily on effective and practical verbal communication instead of reading and writing.
Pimsleur's language learning method emphasizes active learner participation as a critical component of success.
One distinctive aspect of the Pimsleur language learning method is its initial focus on speaking and listening skills, with less emphasis on reading and writing. Pimsleur believes in building a solid speaking and listening skills foundation before introducing reading and writing components. This approach is rooted in the idea that, in real-life communication, speaking and listening are often the primary modes of interaction.
It's important to note that Pimsleur's "No Initial Reading/Writing" approach may not suit everyone, as some learners may prefer a more comprehensive approach that includes reading and writing skills from the beginning.
However, Pimsleur's unique focus on oral proficiency is especially valuable for those who want to quickly develop practical speaking and listening skills for conversational use in real-life situations. Additionally, learners can always complement Pimsleur with other resources to address their reading and writing needs as they progress in their experience.
Pimsleur offers self-paced learning for its language learning programs. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing learners to go fast or slow, depending on their needs.
Pimsleur's language learning programs provide cultural insights by teaching learners about the customs, traditions, and social norms of the language they are learning. Pimsleur introduces learners to cultural aspects of the target language, such as customs, traditions, and social etiquette. This contextual information helps learners navigate cultural nuances and be more culturally sensitive when using the language.
Learners are often provided with information about the countries or regions where the language is spoken. This can include details about geography, landmarks, and important cities, helping learners to better visualize and connect with the culture.
The app also may guide polite language usage, formal and informal greetings, and appropriate behavior in various social situations. This ensures that learners are proficient in the language and knowledgeable about the cultural norms associated with it. Pimsleur may introduce cultural topics and discussions, such as holidays, festivals, cuisine, and art, allowing learners to explore and appreciate the cultural richness associated with the language.
Many learners and language experts have proven Pimsleur's language learning method effective. Check the following insights:
Pimsleur offers different pricing and subscription options for its language learning programs.
Pimsleur may offer discounts and coupons throughout the year, especially around major holidays like Christmas and New Years or in August when the school year begins.
The Pimsleur language learning method has pros and cons. While it is designed to mimic real-life situations and emphasizes active learner participation, it may not be the most comprehensive approach to language learning.
Learners may need to supplement their learning with other resources, and the method may not be suitable for those who prefer visual learning. However, Pimsleur's method has been proven effective by many learners and language experts, offering self-paced learning and cultural insights.
| PROS | CONS |
| Is designed to mimic real-life situations where learners are conversing with someone, which helps learners develop practical verbal communication skills. | Pimsleur, presents a relatively small amount of vocabulary and grammar, and the grammar introduction is often not explicit, which may bother some people. |
| Pimsleur's Core Vocabulary is a limited set of words and structures essential for effective communication in any language. | Pimsleur sometimes makes unrealistic claims, such as that learners can learn a new language to an intermediate level within 30 days. |
| Pimsleur's method emphasizes active learner participation as a critical component of success. | Pimsleur's method does not require initial reading and writing, which may not suit some learners who prefer a more comprehensive approach to language learning. |
| Conversational lessons are approximately 30 minutes long and focus on developing listening and speaking skills and helping learners remember what they have learned. | It may not be the most efficient way to learn grammar, and learners may need to supplement their learning with other resources. |
| Pimsleur offers multilingual support for its language learning programs. | Pimsleur's method may not be suitable for learners who prefer visual learning, as it is primarily an audio-based course. |
| Pimsleur provides cultural insights by teaching learners about the customs, traditions, and social norms of the language they are learning. | Pimsleur may not be the cheapest option on the market. |
Pimsleur is just one of many language learning options available, and the choice between Pimsleur and other language learning apps depends on your personal preferences, goals, and learning style
If you prioritize speaking and listening skills, especially for everyday conversations, Pimsleur is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you want a comprehensive approach that includes reading and writing, Rosetta Stone might be a better fit.
| PIMSLEUR | ROSETTA STONE |
| Focuses on effective and practical verbal communication. | Offers a more comprehensive approach to language learning that includes reading and writing. |
| Pimsleur's method emphasizes active learner participation. | Rosetta Stone's method is more passive. |
| Pimsleur's method is primarily audio-based. | Rosetta Stone's method includes visual elements. |
For spoken language skills, especially for practical conversations, Pimsleur is a strong option. However, if you seek a more gamified and interactive learning experience focusing on all language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), Mondly is a better option.
| PIMSLEUR | MONDLY |
| Pimsleur focuses on effective and practical verbal communication. | Mondly offers a more gamified approach to language learning. |
| Pimsleur's conversational lessons are approximately 30 minutes long. | Mondly's lessons are shorter. |
| Pimsleur's Core Vocabulary is a limited set of words and structures essential for effective language communication. | Mondly presents a larger vocabulary. |
If your main focus is on developing conversational skills and practical language proficiency, Pimsleur is an excellent option. On the other hand, Rocket Languages might be a more suitable choice if you're looking for a more well-rounded approach that encompasses reading, writing abilities, and cultural context.
| PIMSLEUR | ROCKET LANGUAGES |
| Pimsleur's conversational lessons are approximately 30 minutes long. | Rocket Languages' lessons can be longer. |
| Pimsleur focuses on effective and practical verbal communication | Rocket Languages offers a more comprehensive approach to language learning that includes reading and writing |
| Pimsleur initially places less emphasis on reading and writing, so if these skills are crucial to you, you may need to supplement your learning with additional resources. | Rocket Languages places a stronger emphasis on reading and writing skills compared to Pimsleur. |
If you want to develop your verbal communication ability and engage in everyday conversations, Pimsleur is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more well-rounded learning experience that encompasses reading, writing skills, and a gamified, interactive approach, Duolingo may be a better match for your language learning goals.
| PIMSLEUR | DUOLINGO |
| Pimsleur is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on spoken language skills, making it practical for improving conversational abilities and pronunciation. | Duolingo offers a holistic approach that includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing, making it a more well-rounded learning experience. |
| Pimsleur provides courses in a variety of languages, but the number is more limited compared to some other language learning platforms. | Duolingo has more language learning options. |
| The program offers a structured curriculum with a gradual increase in complexity, ensuring a solid foundation is built. | Duolingo's approach is often seen as less structured compared to Pimsleur's, which provides a more guided learning path. |
If your primary goal is to enhance your ability to engage in spoken language and practical conversations, particularly in real-world scenarios, then Pimsleur emerges as an excellent choice. But, if you find appeal in a platform that provides a wide array of user-generated content, fosters interactive learning, and allows you to craft your own courses, Memrise could better match your language learning needs.
| PIMSLEUR | MEMRISE |
| Pimsleur's method is primarily audio-based. | Memorise's method includes visual elements. |
| Pimsleur focuses on effective and practical verbal communication. | Memrise offers a more visual approach to language learning. |
| Pimsleur's conversational lessons are approximately 30 minutes long. | Memrise's lessons are shorter. |
In summary, Pimsleur can provide an effective starting point for gaining basic conversational skills and pronunciation in a new language. The audio-only approach forces learners to listen attentively and begin constructing sentences from memory.
However, on its own Pimsleur is unlikely to take you beyond a beginner level of proficiency. The lack of reading and writing practice limits growth in vocabulary and grammar. And the cost of purchasing multiple levels can become expensive compared to other programs.
Pimsleur is best suited for auditory learners who want a solid foundation in listening
comprehension and speaking. It could be a useful supplement to other resources that build reading and writing. But those looking to achieve fluency may need to eventually transition to a more comprehensive language learning method.
Overall, while Pimsleur has its limitations, its focus on conversational skill development through spaced repetition audio lessons is a unique approach. For the right type of learner, it can provide a strong boost in oral proficiency and confidence speaking a new language. But reaching advanced fluency will likely require incorporating Pimsleur with other learning materials over the long term.
What makes Pimsleur different from others?
Pimsleur stands out for its strong emphasis on spoken language skills and practical conversations. It focuses on building real-life conversational abilities with a structured approach, gradual progression, and spaced repetition.
Can I use Pimsleur to learn a less commonly taught language?
Pimsleur offers courses in several languages, including some less widely taught ones. However, the availability of courses can vary, so it's best to check if your desired language is offered.
Is Pimsleur suitable for beginners?
Pimsleur is designed to accommodate learners of all levels, from beginners to more advanced speakers. The gradual progression and spaced repetition make it accessible and practical for learners at various stages of language proficiency.
Can I supplement Pimsleur with other language-learning resources?
Yes, many language learners choose to supplement their Pimsleur studies with additional resources, especially if they want to focus on reading and writing skills. Pimsleur can be part of a broader language learning toolkit.
How does Pimsleur compare to other popular language apps?
Pimsleur differs from apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone's strong focus on spoken language skills and practical conversations. While Pimsleur offers a structured approach, other apps may provide a more comprehensive learning experience with reading, writing, and cultural insights. The choice depends on your specific language learning goals and preferences.
