|
 |
Illiterate? | ||
Share with:
| ||
 Language Learning Forum : Learning Techniques, Methods & Strategies |  | |
| frageelee Newbie United States Joined 4629 days ago 1 posts - 1 votes | Message 1 of 2 18 January 2012 at 3:05am | IP Logged |
|
So if the pimsleur approach focuses around the spoken language, does that mean it leaves you functionally
illiterate? I am not saying that is a bad thing, that is the order in which I learned English, but French is a wacky language to my eyes. When I saw for the first time that "Comment allez-vous" was spelled the way it was, I started wondering if reading and writing would serve as a problem. And before you say anything, I do understand I only think its crazy spelling because I don't speak it natively (I am aware "tomb" does not sound like "bomb"), but even if I were a frenchman learning English, my questions would be the same. So my questions to you are this: Does the spoken-only approach serve as a plus or minus for learning the french language? and What is the best way to transition from illiteracy to literacy after the program? 1 person has voted this message useful | |
| iguanamon Pentaglot Senior Member Virgin Islands Speaks: Ladino Joined 5196 days ago 2241 posts - 6731 votes  Speaks: English*, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Creole (French) | Message 2 of 2 18 January 2012 at 3:37am | IP Logged |
|
Pimsleur shouldn't be used as a stand-alone program in my opinion. I feel that it works best when combined with another method that teaches, grammar and the written language. Pimsleur is good to train pronunciation and beginning conversation. When combined with other methods it is a good supplement, if the price is right. Whatever that other method may be is up to the individual but it should include the other aspects of the language that Pimsleur doesn't cover.
That being said, many people can't stand the program. It is oriented towards business travelers. It uses business vocabulary to a larger extent than necessary. It's true that it only teaches a limited vocabulary, however; in my opinion, it teaches that limited vocabulary very well. In order to learn from the program you must be an active participant. There are transcripts available online, but that defeats the purpose of the program which is to train your speaking and listening skills. Its advantages are that it is audio based, so you can listen and learn anywhere. You're not tied to a computer. The graduated interval recall system helps you to start to think in the language. It serves as a good introductory foundation to a language upon which you can build a more solid structure. No one program or course will teach you a language from zero to proficiency, despite the advertising to the contrary. In order to really learn a language you must use it. You must use it by engaging with native materials and native speakers. Edited by iguanamon on 18 January 2012 at 3:40am 4 persons have voted this message useful |
If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login. If you are not already registered you must first register
|  | 
Printable version
|
| Copyright 2024 FX Micheloud - All rights reserved No part of this website may be copied by any means without my written authorization. |
