Pimsleur Persian: An Objective Review
If you are looking to learn Persian, you may have come across Pimsleur Persian, a language learning program that claims to help you speak Persian in just 30 minutes a day. But is Pimsleur Persian really worth your time and money? In this objective review, we will take a closer look at what Pimsleur Persian is, whether it is good, and whether it is worth it.
What is Pimsleur Persian?
Pimsleur Persian is a language learning program that focuses on teaching conversational Persian through audio lessons. The program consists of 30 lessons, each about 30 minutes long, and covers basic Persian grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The program uses a method called spaced repetition, which involves repeating words and phrases at increasing intervals to help learners retain the language better. Pimsleur Persian also emphasizes active participation and encourages learners to speak out loud during the lessons.
Is Pimsleur Persian good?
The answer to this question depends on your learning style and goals. Here are some things to consider:
Pros:
- Emphasis on speaking: Pimsleur Persian puts a lot of emphasis on speaking and encourages learners to practice speaking out loud. This can be beneficial for learners who want to improve their conversational skills.
- Spaced repetition: The spaced repetition method used by Pimsleur Persian can help learners retain the language better and build their confidence in speaking.
- Structured lessons: Pimsleur Persian's lessons are well-structured and follow a logical progression. This can help learners build a solid foundation in the language.
- Portable: Pimsleur Persian is available in both digital and physical formats, making it easy to learn on the go.
- Money-back guarantee: Pimsleur Persian offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which can give learners peace of mind when trying out the program.
Cons:
- Limited vocabulary: Pimsleur Persian covers only basic vocabulary and grammar, so learners who want to learn more advanced Persian may need to supplement their learning with additional resources.
- Repetitive: Some learners may find Pimsleur Persian's emphasis on repetition too tedious and boring.
- Lack of visual aids: Pimsleur Persian is an audio-only program, so learners who prefer visual aids such as pictures or videos may not find it as effective.
Is Pimsleur Persian worth it?
Again, this depends on your learning style and goals. Pimsleur Persian can be a good investment for learners who want to improve their conversational Persian skills and are willing to commit to the program's structured lessons and emphasis on speaking. However, learners who want to learn more advanced Persian may need to supplement their learning with additional resources.
How a Frequency Dictionary would complement Pimsleur Persian
One resource that can complement Pimsleur Persian is a frequency dictionary. A frequency dictionary is a reference book that lists words in a language in order of frequency, based on how often they are used in everyday conversation or written language. By focusing on the most frequently used words in a language, learners can build their vocabulary more efficiently and effectively.
Here are some ways a frequency dictionary can complement Pimsleur Persian:
Supplemental vocabulary: Pimsleur Persian covers only basic vocabulary, so learners who want to learn more advanced Persian can use a frequency dictionary to supplement their learning and expand their vocabulary.
Contextual understanding: A frequency dictionary can provide learners with context for the words they are learning in Pimsleur Persian, helping them understand how they are used in different contexts.
Self-study: A frequency dictionary can be used for self-study outside of Pimsleur Persian's structured lessons, giving learners more flexibility in their learning.
Conclusion
Pimsleur Persian can be a good option for learners who want to improve their conversational Persian skills and are willing to commit to the program's structured lessons and emphasis on speaking. However, it may not be the best fit for learners who want to learn more advanced Persian or prefer visual aids. A frequency dictionary can complement Pimsleur Persian by providing learners with supplemental vocabulary, contextual understanding, and self-study opportunities. Ultimately, the effectiveness of Pimsleur Persian will depend on the learner's goals and learning style, but it does offer a money-back guarantee which can provide learners with peace of mind when trying out the program.