Thai

Rating:
Summary: Great but Cut short.....
Review: First of all, I think this is the best way to learn a new language. NOW, There are only 10 lessons that leaves you short if you want to continue. That means after 10 days, you are just past the beginner stage and you have nothing else. I used this for Japanese and am fluent now, If they had more for thai I would buy it too, but they don't....

Rating:
Summary: Great but Cut short.....
Review: I have found Thai to be an extraordinarily difficult language to learn and have tried quite a few of the beginning courses. This one was the first to actually give me a working knowledge of the language on an elementary level. It has proved useful as a stepping stone to other courses which had various drawbacks for the beginner but are more comprehensible with this as a backdrop. I agree with the oft repeated criticism that this course isn't long enough, but it is so much better than anything else out there for what it does offer that I would recommend starting with nothing else.

Rating:
Summary: Still the Best
Review: I have found Thai to be an extraordinarily difficult language to learn and have tried quite a few of the beginning courses. This one was the first to actually give me a working knowledge of the language on an elementary level. It has proved useful as a stepping stone to other courses which had various drawbacks for the beginner but are more comprehensible with this as a backdrop. I agree with the oft repeated criticism that this course isn't long enough, but it is so much better than anything else out there for what it does offer that I would recommend starting with nothing else.

Rating:
Summary: Too short, but probably the best!
Review: I hope they can have 90 lessons (just like the Chinese, Japanese, French programme) for Thai, I like this learning method very well. Learning a tonal language can never be easier! You really have to listen and listen until you get used to the tones, so here's the way.

Rating:
Summary: Good Introduction
Review: I used this program as a refresher before going to Thailand for a month, and found it very well structured for review and learning. A shortcoming is the length. I wish there was a longer program like for other languages. The negative comments have some merit but I still would recommend this tape for someone who has never spoke Thai. Just realize there is no magic method of learning another language. It's practice and use of the language in natural settings There are several other very good programs, but I strongly recommned the FSI tapes.

Rating:
Summary: Pimsleur Thai is great but ...
Review: I've used the Pimsleur courses with great success in a variety of different languages. I'm a fan of the method - no rewind; proper pronuciation; yada yada - rules in the car. But the Thai course is 1) far too short and 2) why no CD option. It seems that the publishers are short sighted by not improving the Pimsleur product and marketing it more aggresively. This product is great for a quick knowledge of some basic Thai, a difficult tonal language. Perfect for vacation speak. But if you want to learn the language this offering is too light. No excuse for the lack of CDs.

Rating:
Summary: Quality Repetition; No Need Constant Rewinding
Review: It IS extremely frustrating that the Pimsleur Thai course only lasts 4 hours total. It's certainly repetitive, but it works very well: your vocabulary will not be large, but (and this is key with a complex, tonal language like Thai) your pronunciation will be clear, and Thai natives can understand you. I think that this is the best Thai course out there.

Come on, Pimsleur! Give us some more!

Rating:
Summary: Pimsleur Thai Delivers
Review: This set of language tapes is a good introduction to Thai. For those familiar with Pimsleur-method tapes, the format and execution are identical to lessons from other languages. I have previously used the German I set with some success, and I am pleased with the Pimsleur Thai. The method of teaching and learning is very effective, given in approximately 30-minute lessons. You begin learning simple phrases, repeating after the speakers, and answering questions. This is much better than some tapes I have tried to use, which begin with (impossible-to-learn) recitations of the Thai alphabet and such. Using the Pimsleur, you gradually develop a conversational ability. My only complaint regarding the product is that it is too short, and a complete Thai I course (30 lessons) is not available. The Compact edition is too short to develop any more than a very basic level of conversational ability. On a positive note, my wife is Thai and she reports that the accents are good (native Thai speakers). That is the second best thing about Pimsleur Audio tapes (for any language) - you develop great pronunciation by repeating after native speakers. The best thing about the tapes is that the format is conducive to learning the language well.

Rating:
Summary: Find something else.
Review: This was a great introduction to the Thai language. Pimsleur is the best if you hate sitting at a desk to learn a new language. There is no text involved. You simply listen and repeat what you hear. It is perfect if you, like me, have a long comute in your car every day. Pop in a tape, and get educated in a period that you would usually be wasting. The only problem is that there are only the first few lessons here. Pimsleur definitely needs to make this one of their comprehensive courses where you get at least 40 lessons. You're not going to be able to say much with the limited amount of material here. Even so, Pimsleur is still the master at teaching languages.