Pimsleur is a great way to learn Russian. The audio-based format is simple and effective, allowing you to focus on pronunciation and comprehension without getting bogged down in grammar. The courses are also reasonably priced and convenient to use. Overall, Pimsleur is an excellent option for anyone looking to learn Russian.
The main weakness of Pimsleur, like with most other languages, is that it doesn’t offer advanced levels. So, once you’ve completed the Pimsleur course, you’ll need to find another resource if you want to continue learning. Additionally, some people find the audio-only format to be a bit limiting and prefer a more visual approach to learning. Nevertheless, Pimsleur remains one of the best options out there for learning Russian.
What Pimsleur offers for Russian
There are 5 levels to the Pimsleur method for Russian. You will start with basic conversation and progress to more difficult topics as you complete each level. The course is designed so that you can learn gradually and effectively, without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the main advantages of Pimsleur is that it uses a natural approach to language learning. This means that you will learn to speak Russian in the same way that you learned your first language. The audio-based format also allows you to mimic the pronunciation of native speakers, which is essential for mastering a new language.
What is the Pimsleur Method, and how does it work for Russian?
Pimsleur uses what’s called the “Pimsleur Method”, named after the linguist Paul Pimsleur. He believed that the best way to learn a new language was through memory, and that the job of learning a language was about introducing words and principles to your memory.
Learning a language is then about how fast you can go from hearing a new word to taking it to your short-term memory and then your long-term memory.
Pimsleur (the app) also incorporates what’s called the “Principle of Anticipation”, which basically means that each new piece of information is presented just before you need to use it. So, for example, you might learn a new word, and then immediately be asked to use it in a sentence. This helps to cement the new information in your memory.
Finally, Pimsleur employs the “Core Vocabulary Method”. Instead of trying to learn every word in a language, the app focuses on just the words that are most commonly used. This means that you’re more likely to actually use the words you learn, and less likely to forget them.
All of these methods are present in Pimsleur’s Russian courses: memory-oriented learning, the principle of anticipation, and the core vocabulary method.
Is Pimsleur good for beginners in Russian?
Pimsleur is an excellent option for beginners in Russian. The audio-based format is easy to use and follow, and the courses are designed to gradually introduce new concepts and vocabulary.
Pimsleur Russian level 1 has 16 hours where you learn:
- Carry simple conversations in Russian
- How to read and pronounce Cyrillic
The second beginner level (level 2) will teach you:
- Increase your vocabulary in Russian
- Continue to practice reading Russian
Pimsleur level 3 focuses on:
- Carry every-day conversations in Russian
- Expand your vocabulary even more
Is Pimsleur good for intermediate learners in French?
The last two Pimsleur levels in Russian are designed with intermediate learners in mind.
Pimsleur level 4 (intermediate) focuses on:
- Learn how to carry dynamic and more advanced conversations
- Learn how to speak and listen to native speakers in Russian
Pimsleur level 5 in French focuses on:
- Enabling you to read short stories
- Relatively advanced vocabulary
Is Pimsleur good for advanced learners in Russian?
Pimsleur does not offer anything specifically for advanced learners. However, the last two levels of Pimsleur Russian (4 and 5) are still quite challenging, and may be suitable for advanced learners.
In general, Pimsleur is a great option for anyone looking to learn Russian.