Pimsleur is one of the most recognizable names in language learning. Learn more about it and the Pimsleur Spanish alternative that might help you.
Pimsleur Spanish
Dr. Paul Pimsleur developed the first language program in 1963 to develop a complete language course that could teach someone without the need for a teacher. Pimsleur courses are popular with language learners because they are easy to follow and can be completed at any time.
The language classes are primarily audio lessons that aim to improve your listening and speaking skills. The lessons break down everyday speech into bite-sized chunks, and you practice listening to and repeating what native Spanish speakers say.
The additional activities and games help to reinforce what you’ve learned in the main sessions. This will assist you in recalling everything later.
What is wrong with Pimsleur
There are some disadvantages to using Pimsleur Spanish. The context in use had nothing to do with me. Pimsleur is the language course for you if you’re a married businessman with children who wants to go shopping and dine out. If you’re like everyone else, you’ll discover things that shouldn’t be prioritized at first.
For example, I rarely use the formal “you” because I socialize with people my age, but, except for a brief mention in one unit, almost the entire course uses this formal “you.” The course also makes extensive use of English. The audio is almost entirely in English!
Later in the course, “listen and repeat” is switched to the target language, but aside from that, you’re just following directions to translate stuff from English to Spanish. This mindset will always stymie your progress, making it difficult to progress past the beginner level and improve your language skills.
Pimsleur alternative for the Spanish language
If you want to learn authentic spoken Spanish as a beginner, intermediate, or advanced speaker, I recommend the “Think in Spanish” courses as a Pimsleur Spanish alternative. The audio courses will guide you through the process of gradually exposing yourself to the language, allowing you to converse with native speakers in a variety of real-life situations.
This course is unique in that, rather than translating everything in your head, you will be able to think and speak in Spanish naturally. Rather than learning specifics about your language, this course immerses you right away, giving you plenty of opportunities to practice speaking without feeling overwhelmed.
So, are you ready to speak Spanish like a native?
