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Pimsleur Japanese is one of several language learning courses in the Pimsleur Language program developed using the Pimsleur Approach. Among the languages included are Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Italian, Russian and Greek, to name a few.

The Pimsleur Approach is based on the principle that a person learns to talk first through listening before he can read or write. A baby says the word “Mom” or “Dad” before he learns to whom these words are associated to. This is the same principle from which the course operates.Learn to Speak and Understand Japanese with Pimsleur Language Programs

Everyone has gone through this stage. What makes it easier for a child to learn a language is that there is no preconceived notion about things like grammar, sentence structure, correct use of words and everything associated with a language. It always starts with mimicking and eventually progresses to associating then to understanding.

The course allows the listener to be familiar with the sounds of words as used in conversation. Since the lessons are rooted in an exchange of words, it is easier for the learner to correlate the words to the context and recognize the circumstance to which the phrases or sentences are used.

The course comes in a set of three audio CDs. Each disk has 30 lessons, each one about 30 minutes. The tutorial starts with a brief conversation in Japanese. This is followed by a series of questions in Japanese for which the listener is expected to answer in the same language. Ample time is given after each question for the learner to provide a reply. After which, a native Japanese speaker will give the correct answer to the question. The learner will then repeat what was said and will be followed by the Japanese speaker saying again the answer.

Advantages of Pimsleur Japanese

 

Maximizing time. The lessons can be learned while driving, being in commute, jogging, gardening or just any other activity which does not require you to use your ears. Since you just need to listen, your hands are free to do other things. You don’t need to sit down just for this course alone. Furthermore, the course is designed so that there is no information overload since each lesson lasts about 30 minutes only.

Context Learning. You get to become familiar with words and sentences because these are used within a conversation. As such, you get to learn sentence structure and meaning of words without going through the rigors of grammar.

Repetition and Memory Recall. The Pimsleur challenge-and-response technique allows you to think before responding, all within the context of the lesson you are currently taking and the previous courses you have finished. Although each course focuses on a specific topic, it is further reinforced by previous themes taken. There is a build-up of knowledge as you progress through the modules. The interweaving of new and old lessons ensures retention of subject matters learned.

Foundation Building. The course is designed to make learning how to speak Japanese fast and easy. It provides you, the learner, with the basics of the language from which you can anchor further development. As you become familiar with the words and get comfortable speaking the language, supplementary studies can help you become even more proficient.

Perceived Disadvantages

 

One-dimensional. Since the course is designed to use the sense of hearing, it does not provide the learner with a visual experience. This may prove to be a challenge for those who are visual learners or those who learn quickly while doing activities.

Limited Vocabulary and Lack of Grammar Lesson. The lessons in the course are contextual; therefore, the words used and the sentence construction are restricted to how those are used in the framework of the topic. It is not intended to provide lessons in grammar and it does not offer learners vocabulary growth outside the lessons provided.

Is Pimsleur Japanese for You?

 

The course will work best for you depending on the goals you have set for yourself. You have to ask yourself some questions: “Why do I want to learn Japanese?” “What type of learner am I?” “Do I have the time to learn to speak Japanese?”

Whatever your goals are, it can surely facilitate your learning of the Japanese language. It provides you with a solid foundation for learning, and this is not limited to speaking alone. Once you get accustomed to the sound and usage, reading and writing will come easily—very much like when you were on your first day in school. With this firm base, you can effortlessly overcome the perceived disadvantages of this course.

Learn to Speak and Understand Japanese with Pimsleur Language Programs

Filed under: Japanese Language Courses

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