5 comments about Michel Thomas Method French For Beginners, 10-CD Program (Michel Thomas Speak...).

1. Have tried various language tapes in the past, and these are by far the best ! I learned more from one CD than I learned in a year of college French.
   Michel Thomas teaches grammar without you knowing that he's teaching grammar. With the additional students on the recording, you don't feel alone or afraid to make a mistake. It feels like a real class setting.
   Would highly recommend these to anyone needing a quick, painless way of grasping the language.



2. I needed an audio course I could listen to while driving around (and working out)... I've learned more from the first few CD's than I ever did in a structured class... I've only worked through 5 of the CD's, but can speak more French now than I ever thought possible... only down side I can foresee, is that although I can now speak some French... I'm not very confident that I could comprehend the response back... I'm hoping that will come with time and practice...



3. I've struggled to learn even a sliver of a language in the past, eventually memorizing a few phrases and terms for travel in Japan and Mexico. Michel Thomas finds a way to enage the CD listener in the tutorial learning style and slowly builds pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, cultural awareness and confidence. His accent and the contrast between the skills of the two students are initially distracting, but eventually you feel like you are sitting with them, laughing about your progress in learning French. As a visual learner I have returned to a pocket phrase book to help reinforce the vocabulaire Francais.



4. Michel Thomas offers and unique, easy method to learn languages. No memorisation, no homework, just a logical and progressive approach to acquire vocabulary and concepts. I used his Italian program a couple of years ago before going on a trip to Italy. When I finished the series, I was very excited and knew I had a solid grasp of the language. That was confirmed when I arrived there. I was able to converse and get understood, it made the trip so much more enjoyable. Whatever language you want to learn, Michel Thomas is a great choice!



5. While listening to the adult "students" stutter through their halting answers is sometimes a little frustrating, I think it must surely be part of the method, which leaves you knowing that YOU are the brightest student in Michel Thomas' class! (Of course, YOU get to pause the CD and think of your answers before listening to the students' live-on-air attempts!) My 14-year-old son and husband are doing well with this method, too, and they've never had any language training at all. We'll go on to other sets now, but this set is a great introduction or re-introduction!

5 comments about Behind the Wheel - Italian 1.

1. I am traveling to Italy for the first time this spring and so I want to get started now on learning the language. I was surprised at how many products there are out there! So many and they are so hard to tell apart. Ultimately, I went with Behind the Wheel because 1)it had been around a while and had good reviews, and now was out with an updated and re-masterd version 2)it de-emphasized grammar (not my strong suit) and 3)it said it included English translations throughout the program. It didn't hurt that the packaging was so bright and inviting; very professional looking without being stuffy, which is not coincidentally, a lot like the program itself -- very profession but not stuffy.
   
   The audio tracks are fun to listen along to. Sometimes they move a little too fast and I have to go back, but most of the times I am right on pace. The Italian speaker is clear and easy to hear. I haven't really cracked the book just yet, but I like having it as reference. There are lessons and practice questions in there too, which I am sure are helpful but I just haven't gotten to yet.
   
   It's a solid program, and I am pretty confident now that I will be able to communicate effectively on my trip.



2. I'm so happy with my new CD's that I have to share this! One of my New Year's resolutions was to learn a new language and there I was in the middle of the year with "no time" to do this. I was so ready to start that spent almost an hour reading all the reviews online for all the programs available and BEHIND THE WHEEL was the right choice for me. Even when the traffic is heavy and I have to drive long distances, I'm relaxed with my CD in a learning mode, not feeling that I'm wasting time. The best part is that in Italian doesn't matter what you are saying because anything sounds good and sexy, so this is really making me feel good!
   I was searching for the best choice for the price. First I thought about Rosetta stone but the price did not convince me, what about if I never have the "time" do to this after speeding all this money? And I know once I get in home I have so many better things to do than learn a new language, that's why the Behind the Wheel for US $30 something for me sounds like a deal and the CDs are really good!
   I just finished my second CD; there are 8 in the total. I think each CD takes around an hour. I'm listening two times each CD before moving to the next one and its being a pleasure to learn Italian this way! I have to confess that I speak Spanish and Portuguese but I don't enjoy studying languages. I just learn English when I moved to US and I learned Spanish because I live in Miami (it sounds funny but is true). I tried to learn English in school back in home but I always felt that I was bad for languages because I hate grammar and I hate to read about grammar. But I love to learn in the "streets" probably that's why this CDs sounds fun! Even if you speak just one language this one it's really easy. It starts with an American saying the word in English than comes an Italian lady saying the same in Italian and you just have to repeat it. You will start with one word, than two words without even notice you will be saying and memorizing sentences. Even if you don't say it perfect you are alone in your car so you can go back as many times as you want and repeat in loud voice until you master. I loved it!!! Now my 9 years old son took my CD #1 to listen and practice in his room! I guess it is fun for all ages!



3. I've wanted to learn Italian for many years and after lusting after Rosetta Stone, and never seeing the price anywhere near my budget, I started searching for alternatives and came upon this CD on Amazon. I've listened for about 5 hrs now and cannot believe how well I am doing - in the pronounciation and understanding of the words. I'm only on the first CD, but am pleasantly surprised at the quality.
   
   The speakers are both professional and approachable, as if they were in your own living room. I admit to being intimidated as to the content of the other CD's in the package, but if they pace it and present it as they do in the first CD, I'll be just fine! Great value! Take a chance and I'll see you in the fast lane! Ciao!



4. The first six tapes had a female Italian speaker and the last two a male. Translations were different and confusing. The male speaker spoke too quickly so it was hard to understand. Overall, I thought the tapes were helpful, but sometimes the phrases were those that most of us would never use.



5. This works for me, because I speak French already, am familiar with Italian sounds. If I were you, I would go slowly and make sure you are familiar with how the vocali (vowels) affect how letters are pronounced. I am auditing an Italian class. This is a good addition for me. I don't like speaking broken Italian, and this CD system gets me speaking rather quickly. I would recommend listening to this over and over. Make sure you look at what you're learning to reinforce your learning. I like seeing and hearing. You have to connect the sounds with the letters.
   
   Posso imparare l'Italiano.
   
   Voglio (Vollio) Caminare=I want to walk. Voglio Viaggare (Vollio Viajarray), I want to travel.
   
   Benissimo! Adesso Devo Lavorare (work as in labor).

5 comments about Italian For Dummies Audio Set.

1. This is a very quick way to learn conversational Italian. If you have a good memory you've got it made.



2. The Italian for Dummies Audio CD set is a good way to learn some of the basics of Italian while doing something else, like driving or trying to ignore the kids squabbling in the back seat. The guide is good (but not while driving), as sometimes seeing the word written down makes it easier for me to pronounce, though the letters don't always sound the way they do in English.
   
   Each CD is divided into chapters allowing you to skip over the things you know and move on to things you aren't familiar with or need to practice more. The words are spoken clearly and slowly (much more slowly than most Italians speak!), first in English and then twice in Italian with a pause after each for you to repeat the word.
   
   If you are wanting to really learn Italian and converse beyond ordering food and getting directions, I don't think this is the right product. But if you are only going to be in Italy a short time and just want to know enough to get around, then this is a great item, especially at this price. We are stationed in Italy for three years, so the CDs were a good start but I think something like Rosetta Stone V3: Italian, Level 1 would have been a better investment for someone like me, despite the much higher cost. Of course, you can't do Rosetta Stone in the car, unless you have a laptop and someone else to drive!
   
   Ciao!



3. I LOVED THE FACT THAT THE ITALIAN ANNOUNCER SPEAKS EACH SYLLABLE OF THE WORD SLOWLY AND CLEARLY. I HAVE A COUPLE OF ITALIAN TAPES WHERE THE ANNOUNCER RATTLES OFF THE WORD SO QUICKLY THAT I HAVE A HARD TIME PRONOUNCING WHAT HE JUST SAID. WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE TAPES WAS THE CHOICE OF WORDS THEY TAUGHT. YOU LEARN TO SAY WORDS LIKE SOCIAL WORKER,JOURNALIST,NOTEBOOKS, ERASER ETC. WORDS I BARELY USE IN ENGLISH AND AM CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO USE ON A VACATION TO ITALY. I'D LIKE TO LEARN HOW TO ASK FOR AN EXTRA PLATE, OR FORK, SUGAR, NAPKINS ETC AT A RESTAURANT AND BLANKETS, PILLOWS AND STUFF AT THE HOTEL. NONE OF THESE WORDS ARE IN THE CD. I STILL HAVE NOT FOUND A LANGUAGE TAPE THAT INCLUDES MOST OF THE WORDS I WOULD ACTUALLY NEED TO KNOW FOR A VACATION.



4. I have always wanted to learn basic Italian, and this works well for that purpose. I will never work as a translator, but that isn't what I wanted. I recommend this set for a quick way to learn the basics.



5. I've always wanted to learn Italian and this audio set is a good start to that goal. The audio helps because you're able to hear the words and then you have the booklet to see the words. It is the basic beginnings of learning the Italian language, however it's a good start. I recommend this product!

5 comments about Baby's First Words in French.

1. I absolutely love the format of this disc and book set. It not only gives you several tracks of rhymes and songs that your baby will love, but it shows you which songs to introduce to your baby at specific ages. The tracks are broken up into 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months. The booklet also provides you as a parent valuable information about research and techniques used to back up this language learning program. Every second is so interesting! You need to start teaching now- or as early as possible- if you want you child to develop a native-sounding accent. I speak french, but I am American-born, so having a CD that allows my daughter to hear a native accent is crucial. You will love the songs and rhymes as much as your child, I guarantee it. They are beautiful and educational and so very easy to learn, even if you don't speak french! My English-speaking family has learned several songs and enjoy singing them to her. I highly recommend this CD and book set to all parents who have their child's bi-lingual capabilities in mind.



2. I recently purchased Baby's First Words in French and am very pleased! I speak French and the cd is definitely made by native French speakers. It is great to have something like this to familiarize your baby with the different sounds of the French language. There are several different voices used on the cd, so it is not monotonous. It is mostly music, with some rhymes. My 6 month old loves listening to it! The booklet that comes with it is great for the parents, in that it explains the best way to introduce your child to another language (not just French). Definitely worth the small cost.



3. This cd is great. The songs are done well. I find myself singing some of the songs while we are out and about. The book that comes with the cd makes the product really easy to use. It also has translation for all of the tracs on the cd.



4. This is one of the best developmental products for babies I have seen yet. Things I like are:
   
   --Parent guide explaining language acquisition in general, and bilingual/multilingual language development in particular. According to the package, the author is a professor of Speech and Language Pathology, and trilingual herself. The research cited in the book is worth the price alone. As a Psychologist, I truly appreciate when products are developed with a scientific basis.
   
   --Lyrics of all the tracks in French, with English translations
   
   --Songs and rhymes divided up by developmental stage to expose your child to sounds they are most sensitive to in that stage.
   
   I am not a native French speaker, so I cannot comment on the authenticity of the songs or accents. However, the research presented in the guide makes me trust this product more than others I have heard that just play English songs translated into a foreign language. Most importantly, my 10-month old seems to enjoy the songs while she plays. I am interested in other language CDs in this series. I hope they have the same kind of professionals developing them.



5. ...Absolutely the best product I have ever purchased. I wanted to introduce French to my daughter. I am hoping to get her to learn a second language. She loves listening it. She is now starting to sing the songs as well.Her favorite is "Joyeux anniversaire". She is now 19 months. The voices are very pleasant. Even I enjoy listening to it. We sing and dance to the songs almost every day. I definitely recommend it to any parent who wants to introduce a second language to his/her child.

5 comments about Spanish, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand Latin American Spanish with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon & Schuster's) (English and Spanish Edition).

1. This is very helpful for the student who wants to learn Spanish, and especially helpful for those with pronunciation problems.



2. There are already many other detailed and helpful reviews, so I'll keep mine simple. Buying this product for $25-$35 is well worth the money.
   
   No, you're not going to become fluent from $30 software. But they do a pretty good job, albeit at a slow pace. Now because of this slow pace and focus on core vocab and repetition you don't get very far (but you do get somewhere, don't worry).
   
   For this reason I would not recommend this course for someone who already has some Spanish background. This course is truly for a beginner or near beginner.



3. this tutorial was very helpful. i have never studied spanish. i listened to these lessons for a week before heading to s.america for 10 days and was able to get around just fine, i was able to order food, haggle at the market, and find my way on busses and trains. do not expect to be fluent after these short lessons, but you will be able to enjoy your visit to a spanish-speaking country.



4. Great CDs for learning easy conversational Spanish. Able to listen while doing other things like driving or cooking. Good introduction to the language.



5. This is a very useful step-by-step learning method. It uses repetition without insulting the user's intelligence. I am about to buy the next set since I have learned so much and so quickly!

5 comments about French, Conversational: Learn to Speak and Understand French with Pimsleur Language Programs (Pimsleur Instant Conversation).

1. The conversations are brilliant along with the drill. However there is no written transcripts for you to verify the spellings or the subtleties of pronunciation, and very often the tense changes with a minor twist in pronunciation, which our non french ears may not be able to decipher. Considering the high cost of the package the company should have included the transcripts, maybe in a soft form.
   
   The other thing is that grammar is not really explained during the course. Its more rote learning. I would strongly recommend the 10 CD Michel Thomas method along with the Advanced course. Not only are the transcripts there, but the tenses and grammar are explained very well, as well as its far cheaper.



2. Product was as promised - new, unused and in a sealed box. Price was excellent. Delivery was in four days. Seems like it will be helpful for our trip to Quebec. Thanks!



3. Pimsleur language programs are really good, and Conversational French is no different. This is an easy way (with repeated listenings) to learn a bit of another language. It won't make you fluent, but it will give you a familiarity with a language, its vocabulary and pronunciation, that will give you some confidence in using it.



4. I bought this course for my wife to help her review her French. She seems very happy with it. I used the Spanish counterpart of this product from Pimsleur, and it was very quick and easy. I found that I could speak Spanish without even thinking about what I was saying in English. This is definitely the best language instruction method I have ever tried -- and I have tried a few, including a year of Spanish in college.
   
   On caveat, the Pimsleur conversational course is designed to teach you how to speak and understand the spoken language. It is not particularly helpful for teaching you how to read and write the language. But if you want to learn to speak the language, this is your ticket.
   
   The vendor that I used, Language Secrets, has great prices and they ship quickly. I highly recommend them!



5. I got this after reading glowing reviews, but really just can't stand it. I had listened to an old series of cassette tapes I really liked and hoped this would be as good - it isn't. What you get here (and in all the other methods I've tried recently) is lessons in how to TRANSLATE from English - which is not at all what I want to do. I want to SPEAK FRENCH. Switching back and forth between English and French and English and French makes my head hurt. I think maybe Rosetta Stone is a full immersion course, but I can't afford it.

5 comments about Behind the Wheel - Spanish 2.

1. I finished Behind the Wheel Spanish 1 and had to get the next level. It seems so effortless to listen to these CDs in the car and really be able to learn enough to make your own sentences very quickly using the tables given in the book. Vocabulary is often introduced in sentences which is much less boring that listening to a list of words. You get practice making sentences plus get added vocab in context. I do miss Luis (the speaker on Spanish 1) who spoke so slowly and clearly, but I quickly got used to the new native speakers (there are several) and I appreciate that listening to them speak at a normal speed will help with understanding Spanish speakers out in the real world. Can't wait to get through to Spanish 3!



2. I'm a physician assistant and started learning spanish for an ER in the bronx. I got a good medical grounding with Mcgraw Hill Spanish for Healthcare Providers (Great product too)but got stymied whenever the conversation would stray from patient symptoms etc. I've used 3 or 4 other intermediate audio spanish products to listen to on the subway. This one is far and away the best. Great pace. Great vocabulary. Great for listening comprehension too as it sounds things out, then repeats them at conversational pace. Highly recommend!



3. I bought this based on using "Behind The Wheel Spanish I" which I enjoyed and learned from. It led Spanish learning in a step by step approach and added vocabulary by rote. This Part II take a different approach - learning by hearing speakers translate short English sentences in a short dialog into Spanish. I found this difficult for me to learn because Spanish words are used that are not in my vocabulary. I have to reverse the cd to hear the English sentence to match up the words - and do this several times. This is inconvenient when one is driving.
   
   The female voices speak too fast to understand the unfamiliar words or words not already in my vocabulary - so I have to wait to read the text in the provided book at a time when I am not driving. I suppose this technique would work well at home but is not suited for "Behind The Wheel" learning as part I was. As much as I enjoyed learning by part I, I am disappointed by part II.



4. This item retails for 50 bucks and to pick it up here at these prices is a real steal! As for the product itself: It's short phrase practical Spanish. Good Stuff. Of the 200 or so Spanish CD's I own it's definitely one of the best. Suggest if you are into Espanol...GRAB IT!



5. I enjoy the content of this almost as much as the First book/study. There are a few changes in here. For one, Luis Santa Maria is no longer on the audio. And he is replaced with two equally-good native speakers. I like the Male speaker, but the Female speaker, speaks alot faster and on the 2nd time of reapeating the sentence...she goes even faster. It is somewhat overwhelming when she goes faster on the second pass becuase its overwhelming when you cant get the information you need becuase you almost understood it on first pass. So i find it frustrating, im guessing it will take some time listening to the audio a few times before it really sets in. Other than that they are pretty good and time and repition + effort will make it more usuable and im sure easier. i guess level 2 should be harder then level 1 :D

5 comments about Basic Italian: Learn to Speak and Understand Italian with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon & Schuster's Pimsleur).

1. I'm only in the early stages (about to start lesson 3) but i have to say that it is the best experience i have ever had with learning another language. Very impressed!



2. My hat goes off to anyone who can use these while driving, I think. Dangerous!? It requires too much concentration for me to do that. In fact, I am now on Lesson 8 using earphones which are a great help.
   
   Like another reviewer, I had difficulty with some verbs as the speakers are so fast. Also, I found I could not continue past 4 or 5 lessons with no written materials even though I know one is supposed to just listen and repeat. I tried but wasn't successful enough (my standards) and so caved. A background of some Spanish has been very helpful though.
   
   I purchased this because we are going to Italy for 2 weeks in the fall and want to have some basic communication with the Italians. This fits the bill. IF I gain more confidence, I'll purchase the full beginning Italian by Pimsleur.
   
   This would be perfect for audio learners. I'm a visual learner but have been delighted with what I've been able to understand of the dialogues. Like toddlers, we understand more than we can say at first and that's why the Pimsleur method is a listen, understand, repeat, anticipate method. Those of us who are older with varying past language experiences don't want to learn this way. We resist. Of course, it is more difficult than having your own on-on-one tutor. No matter what your learning style, give this a try; it is work but worth the effort!
   
   Carol



3. This is a wonderful product. However, the shipping of same was
   extremely slow and took the maximun time to arrive.



4. The carefully programed material is repetitive and spoken clearly. It continues from simple conversational structured sentences to more complex. The female and male voices are Italian with authentic accents. Review of previous lessons continues throughout the following lssons. Great program for the price.



5. I have used these to develop my Italian and for review. there is nothing of course like being thrown into a country to learn the language, but this gets you prepped to do so. The only thing is YOU have to commit to it. You can't do one lesson wait a week then move on. The lessons are contingent on learning in levels, So you can't get through lesson 5 if you don't get through 1-4 etc.. My advice, don't move ahead a track until you have all the ones below down first. You can always repeat them to prepare.
   Voice Lessons To Go v.1-4 The Complete Set

5 comments about Behind the Wheel - Spanish 1.

1. The first thing this course does is give you phrases and sentences to memorize. I have a great deal of trouble learning by memorization. I prefer the Pimsleur method, in which you're told the meanings of the words and a brief explanation as to why they're put in that particular order. I learn by understanding what I'm saying rather than memorizing sounds.
   
   If you prefer the memorization method, then you'll probably like this course. The speakers are very clear and the pacing seems about right (not too fast or too slow.) If you're like me, however, you should look for a course based on the Pimsleur method.



2. I bought Behind the Wheel - Spanish 1 a few weeks ago as a complete novice without ever having previously studied Spanish. I have a long workday commute so this has been an excellent way to gain a basic understanding of the language, but more importantly, to practice speaking essential phrases to use in common travel, dining, and business settings in Spanish speaking countries.
   
   The first CD quickly dives into learning some basic verbs and vocabulary to allow a learner to communicate common 2 and 3 word phrases which become useful building blocks for the rest of the material. Luis, the native Spanish-speaker from Peru, is outstanding with his enunciation and cadence when sounding out each syllable. The English speaking narrator presents the English phrase and Luis repeats the Spanish translation twice slowly with a break after each phrase so that you can practice.
   
   The audiobook comes with 8 CD's and while a lot of material is covered, there is plenty of review and repetition on each CD. The information builds on itself and by the 4th CD you will be learning how to put together complete 5-8 word sentences for basic situations as mentioned above.
   
   While this is an outstanding value for less than $35 new--there is a reason this series does not cost hundreds of dollars. Were it not for the following flaws, I would have given the product 5 stars. For a few phrases, the speaker is inconsistent in translation and if you are paying attention you will notice. This appears to be derived and republished from an older audiobook so there are a few overdubs in places. 98% of the material is spoken by Luis who is fantasic, but the other 2% is spoken by a woman who falls into the stereotypical female Latin TV spokesperson. Her phrases are rattled off so quickly and the syllables so slurred that if you are new to Spanish you will not be able to understand any of it. Fortunately, she was used very little for this Edition.
   
   Overall, this product is an outstanding way to begin your journey in learning Spanish. I have no hesitation in giving it 4 stars and recommending it.



3. The Behind the Wheel Spanish is very well laid out and I have found it conducive to rapid learning. It has helped me to redeem the time when I drive.



4. Rosetta Stone is much better, but the price is outrageous. This is spoken repitition and difficult to use in traffic...better for long trips.



5. I wanted to try to learn spanish in the time I usually waste driving. I figured that I would give Behind The Wheel Spanish 1 a try and I have not been disappointed, The Cd's are very well done. And the main teacher seems to be very good at explaining things. I am actually starting to pick up some spanish. I would recommend these cds to beginners who want to learn spanish.

5 comments about Spanish For Dummies Audio Set.

1. everything seems to be scratch-free, and it was just what I was looking for. :)



2. I am just starting to use it and so far I am learning, not as fast I would like but I am not spending a lot of time on it.



3. This is a good product. I was specifically looking for cd's that i could listen to in the car (rather than having to sit at the computer)while traveling for work, and this offered me the ability to do such. I like it!



4. I picked this up because of the "Dummies" brand name and the cheap price. I was very happy with the sound quality. Some language courses have terrible sound quality. The course is very, very basic which is fine and it is a good place to start. My only regret is that the CD's that I purchased use the pronounciation found in Spain and not Latin America. Because I know the difference I do not pronounce the words as they are given, but as I know them. All in all a good purchase and no real waste of money given the price.



5. I ordered Spanish for dummies to refresh my knowledge for a second Spanish course and this helped tremendously. I was happy to learn quickly all that I had forgotten.