Pimsleur Language Program Japanese

Rating:
Summary: Excellent sample but light
Review: This is an easy and effective way to learn Japanese at a great pace. HOWEVER, I didn't realize that this was a sample of the full course until I read the review here.

Excellent material but not enough to really function.

Rating:
Summary: Great! (but, with a catch)
Review: This is the best language-learning method I have discovered. The structure is well thought out and, even though it is audio-only, it provides an excellent base for learning written Japanese as well. The tapes require you to think and make use of the vocabulary and grammar that it teaches. It is not simply a memorization tool. However, there is one import catch that is not obvious until you complete the 8 lessons the package contains. What you have purchased is a SAMPLE not a course. The intermediate tapes begin with what is essentially lesson #31. The complete beginning course (30 lessons) is available only through Pimsleur and costs $250. I was hooked and will probably continue with the program. The comparitivly modest cost of the "sample" is deducted from the price of the full course. According to their telephone sales rep, one should only buy the intermediate package that is available through retail channels if you already have some knowledge of the language and are planning to start your "real" lessons at that point. In my opinion, this is an excellent product that doesn't need to be marketed in a way that borders on the deceptive. Ric Getter

Rating:
Summary: This is a wonderful intro to Japanese.
Review: This was a wonderful introduction to the Japanese language. It was easy to follow, unlike other Japanese language tapes I've heard, and each lesson built on the material from previous units. I thought the methodology and pacing made this an easy way to learn a 'difficult' language, and I did the entire set in my car while driving around over the past six months. I am disappointed that the full course is not available here.