Pimsleur Persian Review: Is it Worth Trying?
What is Pimsleur Persian?
Pimsleur Persian is a language-learning program that teaches Persian, also known as Farsi. It is an audio-based program that is designed to help learners develop their listening and speaking skills. The program uses a method called "spaced repetition," where learners are presented with new material at intervals that are optimized for retention and recall.
Is Pimsleur Persian Good?
Pimsleur Persian has been around for many years and has received generally positive reviews from users. The program is well-regarded for its emphasis on speaking and listening skills and for its use of the spaced repetition method, which has been shown to be effective for language learning.
Is Pimsleur Persian Worth It?
The answer to this question depends on the individual learner's needs and preferences. Pimsleur Persian is a relatively expensive program, and there are many other language-learning options available, both free and paid. However, for those who are serious about learning Persian and are looking for a structured, audio-based program, Pimsleur Persian can be a valuable investment.
Pros of Pimsleur Persian:
- Emphasis on speaking and listening: Pimsleur Persian focuses heavily on developing learners' speaking and listening skills, which is a valuable feature for those who want to use Persian for communication.
- Spaced repetition method: Pimsleur Persian uses the spaced repetition method, which has been shown to be effective for language learning. This method ensures that learners are presented with new material at intervals that are optimized for retention and recall.
- Structured program: Pimsleur Persian provides a structured program that guides learners through the language-learning process, making it easier to stay on track and make progress.
- Native speaker audio: The audio in Pimsleur Persian is recorded by native speakers, which is important for learners who want to develop accurate pronunciation and intonation.
- Money-back guarantee: Pimsleur Persian comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows learners to try the program risk-free.
Cons of Pimsleur Persian:
- Limited vocabulary: Pimsleur Persian covers a limited vocabulary, which may not be sufficient for learners who want to use Persian in a wide range of contexts.
- Expensive: Pimsleur Persian is a relatively expensive program, which may be a barrier for some learners.
- Limited interaction: Pimsleur Persian is an audio-based program, which means that learners do not have the opportunity to interact with other speakers of the language.
How a Frequency Dictionary Would Complement Pimsleur Persian:
A frequency dictionary is a valuable tool for language learners, as it provides a list of the most commonly used words in a language, ranked in order of frequency. This can be helpful for learners who want to focus on the most important vocabulary first. A frequency dictionary would complement Pimsleur Persian by providing learners with a resource that they can use to supplement the vocabulary covered in the program. Learners could use the frequency dictionary to identify high-frequency words that are not covered in Pimsleur Persian and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the language. Additionally, a frequency dictionary could be used to create custom vocabulary lists that learners can use to practice and review new words on their own.
Conclusion
Pimsleur Persian is a well-regarded language-learning program that is designed to help learners develop their speaking and listening skills in Persian. The program uses the spaced repetition method, which has been shown to be effective for language learning, and provides learners with a structured program that guides them through the language-learning process. While Pimsleur Persian is relatively expensive and covers a limited vocabulary, it can be a valuable investment for those who are serious about learning Persian.