Since its introduction, the Pimsleur® Language Learning System (PLLS) has become the most successful programme of its kind. Based on the revolutionary research of Dr. Paul Pimsleur, the system teaches language in a way that is simple and effective, with none of the obstacles and disadvantages of more traditional techniques.
Students using the PLLS are amazed by the rapidity and ease with which they progress to everyday fluency in their chosen language.
Pimsleur courses come in a variety of levels. Each stage is carefully designed to give the student maximum fluency and proficiency to their desired level. All courses use native speakers to ensure accurate diction and accent.
Q. Why is the PLLS so effective?
A. Dr. Pimsleur’s research suggested that the way we learn our own language as a child is nothing like the way schools teach it. So he devised 'organic learning' where vocabulary, pronunciation and comprehension are presented simultaneously. The result is an understanding of the language as native speakers use it.
Q. How does the PLLS achieve great results in short periods of time?
A. Language can be divided into two distinct areas:
• Grammatical Structures (function words) and
• Concrete Vocabulary (content words)
Most of everyday conversation is composed of function words – for example, in the sentence "Could you direct me to the hotel?", only "hotel" is a content word.
By focussing on the on the function elements, the PLLS enables the student to comprehend and employ the structure of a new language quickly and naturally.
Q. How does the PLLS ensure that you remember what you have learned?
A. Pimsleur found that when essential information is repeated at precisely the right time, with the intervals between repetitions steadily increased, you are more likely to remember the information without being reminded. This timed recycling of information moves your new knowledge from short-term to long-term memory with the least possible effort.
Q. Why are there no accompanying books with the courses?
A. Dr Pimsleur is quick to show that we all learn to speak long before we can read or write. The audio-only approach encourages conversational fluency and confidence right from the start.
Dr Paul Pimsleur received a PhD in French from Columbia University. He was a renowned languages teacher in California and Germany, and Director of the Language Centre at Ohio State University. His ground-breaking research into how children and multi-lingual adults absorb languages has formed the basis of much recent linguistic study.
"The fact that they are only about 30 minutes in length makes it so easy to fit learning the language into daily life. I tend to listen to a lesson in the morning as I walk to work. It really is the best system I've found so far and I can't recommend it enough." - Jessica Ramage
"Over the years I have tried all kinds of systems for various languages. But I must say the Pimsleur Farsi was a wonderful surprise: by far the best audio approach I have found. I have just ordered the complete 1/A Japanese. I shall be back for the other Persian modules too. Buying the short course was worth it just for the introduction to your method." - Frank Case
"I just wanted to say how useful your course techniques have been. I have studied Pimsleur's Czech and found it to be the best resource available." - Chris Highway
"Within the first half hour I realised that this was everything an audio course should be. A revelation indeed. You can be sure I'll be re-ordering again and again." - Frank Case
"Coming from Japan, I already had some knowledge of English, but Pimsleur helped me become very relaxed when talking to my English friends."
"I sent my relatives a copy of Pimsleur English for Hindi speakers before they made their first visit to the UK. When I met them at the airport I was amazed to hear them ordering a meal as if they had lived here for years!"
"We learned enough French to get by in the time it took to drive from Ipswich to Nantes!"
"My husband's family is from Jordan. Being able to communicate with them has been a joy and a revelation."
"I have tried many times over the years to master a foreign language – all to no avail. With Pimsleur I have become something of a fanatic and am now tackling Russian."