Pimsleur Spanish Level 1 Language Learning Course Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

One of the products that I received to review is the Pimsleur Spanish Level 1 Language Learning Course set of 16 CDs.

Product Details

• 100% Audio Based
• Perfect for travelers, students, business executives, or anyone just looking to learn Spanish
• No reading, writing, textbooks
• No software
• Takes about 30 mins a day
• Can copy and download onto your MP3 player if more convenient
• 16 CDs of real-life speaking sessions
• Learn how to initiate and participate in Spanish spoken conversations
• Learn how to handle every day situations--ask for directions, information, give basic details about yourself-all in Spanish
• Establish rapport with others in Spanish speaking areas
• Learn how to pronounce Spanish words with native-like pronunciation

According to the website: Dr. Paul Pimsleur was a legendary linguist at universities around the world. His world-famous, scientifically-proven Pimsleur method has helped millions of people learn new languages quickly & easily. Featured on PBS - Purchased by the FBI.

My Thoughts on This Program

I was really looking forward to trying out this program, because although I already know a bit of Spanish, I have a long way to go before I'm fluent. My main issue has always been that I'm not sure that I'm pronouncing all of the words properly. Being around a ton of people who speak Spanish very well, especially on my Mother's side, I would love to be able to have a full conversation in Spanish well. I figured that I would give the Pimsleur Learning Course a try to see if it would help.

The product was well packed and arrived quickly. I like the packaging-It came in a black box-like folder, with the discs nicely organized in small booklets.

Customer service is very friendly and responds VERY quickly--I had one issue with a CD not working well and the company was great about it and quickly replaced it. Not all companies are willing to do that. 

I popped the first disc in and there was a lengthy introduction to the program, along with very helpful tips on how to get the most out of this program.

I really like the way that the course is done. You hear people conversing in Spanish first, and then you learn what each person is saying, one at a time. You are told when to repeat each word or phrase. There is a silence in between for you to say the word or phrase yourself. What is also unique about this program is the order in which you learn the words. You learn the phrase beginning from last word to first word. I found this very interesting.

What you do is pronounce each word or phrase that each person said, then YOU are asked questions and YOU respond. The words that you are supposed to respond with are then spoken aloud so that you can make sure that YOU are pronouncing them correctly. Once you feel that you are pronouncing them the correct way, you can move on to the next lesson.

Each lesson is done at a slow steady pace so you have enough time to listen and respond--I think that this is important. I also love that before each lesson ends, you've reviewed the phrases more than once.

If you get stuck on anything you can replay the disc as many times as you need to. It's a good idea to listen to one CD a day. It will help you learn a lot and keep everything fresh in your memory.

You can listen to it at home, in your car, in a CD player, computer that plays CDs, most DVD players...I even listen to mine on my PS3!

One of my favorite and coolest things about this program that I really enjoyed is the fact that my five year old son (who is being home schooled) is actually picking up so much Spanish because he likes to listen to the CDs with me. He's five! It's definitely a great age for kids to learn a language. He thinks it's a lot of fun and he has been asking me things in Spanish. If it is easy for him, then I'm pretty positive that it's great for all different age levels to learn.

After listening to the CDs for a few days I am starting to feel a lot more comfortable about speaking Spanish with other people that I know who speak Spanish on a regular basis. I honestly can't wait till I finish the entire course. I wish I had this set of CDs years ago. I feel I've learned more on these CDs that I could actually use in a conversation than I did in Spanish class at school when I was a child.

I'd love to try the next set, Level 2, if it's available.

This is really such a excellent program, it's so easy to follow and learn. I definitely recommend if you are having trouble learning Spanish through other programs.

 Buy Your Own Set of 16 CDs on Amazon

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.