Table of contents
Effective Methodology
Pimsleur uses a scientifically-backed methodology focused on audio learning, which helps with pronunciation, listening, and speaking skills.
Learning on the Go
The audio-based approach allows users to learn while doing other activities, such as commuting or exercising, providing flexibility.
Native Speaker Audio
Lessons include native speaker audio, which aids in learning correct pronunciation and intonation.
Incremental Learning
Lessons build on previous ones, reinforcing material slowly and ensuring that users retain what they've learned.
Focus on Practical Vocabulary
Pimsleur emphasizes commonly used phrases and vocabulary, which can be immediately useful in real-life situations.
Pimsleur is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their speaking and listening abilities in a new language. It is particularly beneficial for beginners who wish to build foundational conversational skills or for those who want to focus on pronunciation and oral comprehension. However, it may not cover in-depth grammar or reading skills, so users might want to supplement it with other resources if they are seeking a more comprehensive language study.
We have collected here some useful links to help you find out if Pimsleur is good.
Check the traffic stats of Pimsleur on SimilarWeb. The key metrics to look for are: monthly visits, average visit duration, pages per visit, and traffic by country. Moreoever, check the traffic sources. For example "Direct" traffic is a good sign.
Check the "Domain Rating" of Pimsleur on Ahrefs. The domain rating is a measure of the strength of a website's backlink profile on a scale from 0 to 100. It shows the strength of Pimsleur's backlink profile compared to the other websites. In most cases a domain rating of 60+ is considered good and 70+ is considered very good.
Check the "Domain Authority" of Pimsleur on MOZ. A website's domain authority (DA) is a search engine ranking score that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). It is based on a 100-point logarithmic scale, with higher scores corresponding to a greater likelihood of ranking. This is another useful metric to check if a website is good.
The latest comments about Pimsleur on Reddit. This can help you find out how popualr the product is and what people think about it.
I'm in the USA, but when I go to pimsleur.com and click on German, there's a big box titled Premium and has a price of $19.95/month. There's also an All Access box (get all languages) for $20.95/month. Source: over 2 years ago
Before you take any formal language course, go through level 1 of Pimsleur. It’s around 15 hours of audio and should take you about a month to complete, but it really made all the difference for me. Pimsleur is all audio-based (so no accessibility issues to worry about – you can ignore the printed materials) and it really helps jump start your developing good pronunciation and comprehension. Source: almost 3 years ago
Oh and if anyone's wondering; pimsleur.com has these lessons for $20 a month or so. Source: over 3 years ago
Https://pimsleur.com/ - this, combined with some time around native speakers to correct some of the textbookisms from the course, will get you speaking basic Tagalog comfortably in about two months. You will be able to communicate basic thoughts and it's a great jumping-off point to begin expanding your vocabulary, since you'll have the mental framework to construct correct sentences using new words. Source: over 3 years ago
Pimsleur is a prominent player in the language learning app market, often evaluated alongside well-known competitors like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone. Based on an extensive review of recent discussions and product mentions, the general public opinion on Pimsleur reveals both praise and critique, focusing on its unique learning methodology and its perceived limitations.
Strengths:
Audio-Driven Learning: A core strength of Pimsleur is its reliance on audio lessons that are designed to fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. The method emphasizes speaking and listening skills through daily 30-minute audio sessions, which can be particularly appealing for learners who are on-the-go or prefer learning by ear. The app’s driving mode further supports this as it allows users to learn without visual distraction, making it ideal for multitasking.
Efficient Vocabulary Retention: Employing the Pimsleur Method, which utilizes spaced repetition and graduated interval recall, ensures that learners revisit vocabulary at strategic intervals, aiding long-term retention. This technique has been appreciated for its simplicity and its potential to help users start speaking from day one, even in languages they have never studied before.
Wide Language Selection: Pimsleur offers courses in over 51 languages, providing a wide array of options for users. This diversity allows learners the freedom to choose less commonly taught languages, making the app attractive to a varied audience.
Criticisms:
Lack of Comprehensive Grammar Instruction: A recurring critique is the app's limited focus on grammar. While it excels in oral skills, users may find it lacking in providing comprehensive explanations of grammatical rules, syntax, or writing skills. This can be a drawback for learners who prefer a well-rounded language education that includes reading and writing.
Pricing and Financial Commitment: The cost of accessing Pimsleur’s resources has been noted as a potential barrier for some users. With options ranging from $119.95 for an audio-only level to $20.95 per month for all-access digital features, the app requires a considerable financial investment in comparison to some free alternatives like Duolingo.
Specific Audience Targeting: Pimsleur has been perceived as somewhat generic, with a leaning towards professional or business contexts. While effective, this approach might not cater to learners seeking specific cultural or colloquial language skills, thus limiting its appeal for certain demographics.
Overall Impression:
Public opinion indicates that Pimsleur is best suited for individuals looking to improve their conversational language skills quickly and efficiently. Its auditory approach is especially beneficial for auditory learners or those needing flexibility in when and how they study. However, learners seeking in-depth grammatical knowledge or those on a tight budget may find more comprehensive or cost-effective alternatives more appealing. As with any language learning tool, the effectiveness of Pimsleur largely depends on individual learning goals and styles.
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