Italian I

Pimsleur Comprehensive Italian

by Pimsleur

With Pimsleur Language Programs you don't just study a language, you learn it -- the same way you mastered English! And because the technique relies on interactive spoken language training, the Pimsleur Language Programs are totally audio -- no book is needed! The Pimsleur programs provide a method of self-practice with an expert teacher and native speakers in lessons specially designed to work with the way the mind naturally acquires language information. The various components of language -- vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar -- are all learned together without rote memorization and drills. Using a unique method of memory recall developed by renowned linguist, Dr. Paul Pimsleur, the programs teach listeners to combine words and phrases to express themselves the way native speakers do. By listening and responding to thirty minute recorded lessons, students easily and effectively achieve spoken proficiency.

No other language program or school is as quick, convenient, and effective as the Pimsleur Language Programs.

The Comprehensive Program is the ultimate in spoken language learning. For those who want to become proficient in the language of their choice, the Comprehensive programs go beyond the Basic Programs to offer spoken-language fluency. Using the same simple method of interactive self-practice with native speakers, these comprehensive programs provide a complete language learning course. The Comprehensive Program is available in a wide variety of languages and runs through three levels (thirty lessons each) in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. At the end of a full Comprehensive Program listeners will be conducting complete conversationsand be well on their way to mastering the language. The Comprehensive Programs are all available on cassettes and are also on CD in the six languages in which we offer the Basic Program on CD.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language, Italian Literature, Audiobook, Travel

Audio Cassette

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Io capisco un po l'italiano e'd io parlo un po. :)

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn a language! I started learning Italian in 2019 because I want to travel there a lot in my life and be able to chat with people. I was doing private lessons until COVID hit then I switched to Duolingo. I used Duolingo for quite a while on and off until they completely redid their app and I hate it now 🤷‍♀️ Duolingo was great for learning new words but it was terrible for what my goal actually was. To be able to speak italian. Pimsleur is 30 minute lessons for 30 days for each level, with 5 levels to complete. I feel like my listening and speaking abilities have made a lot of progress and the course really focuses on the most useful words and phrases to know to be able to communicate. I’m excited to continue onto the next level!

Pro tip: you can buy the courses or pay for a subscription with their app ($$) but I found all the levels available through my library cards.

[Jeff Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked these Italian programs. As embarrassing as it is they actually helped keep me awake on long drives by regurgitating and trying my best to match pronunciation (at 3:30 am every morning). Great language program.

[Suzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand why they don’t want you to read while going through the course but seeing the transcripts would help me to understand if I am hearing the correct information.
I like Paul Noble much better. He also provides a bit more explanation of grammar. And his stuff is not as expensive.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn Italian Pimsleur is the best place to start. Do the lessons every day.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best language course I've ever taken. The method is superior to anything else I've tried.

[Dave Maddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did this series twice--once last summer right before a trip to Italy and just now for review in preparation for more serious study. My snobbery makes me want to look down on this course as too simple and slow, but I have to confess it is effective. Each lesson is 30 minutes for a total of 15 hours. You can listen to one per day and rarely does a lesson need to be repeated because repetition is already built into the content. I do it while getting ready in the morning.

Frankly, the phrases that it teaches are largely geared toward getting American businessmen laid. I suppose that could be a plus or a minus depending on your needs... I'll be continuing on to series II and III while working through a grammar book at the same time.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first lesson of Italian is fantastic. I went through it twice in preparing for an upcoming trip to Italy and it really helped to have a little Italian once I arrived. I feel that the lessons, the repetition and the topics covered are excellent and I'm thinking about continuing with the rest of the lessons! Highly recommended!

[Heather Valachovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and effective for a visitor to Italy. It has short lessons so one doesn't get overwhelmed. I am looking forward to the next series, but need to do some outside study to get more vocabulary rather than that which surrounds traveling, shopping and food. :)