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Own two other Pimsleur languages, and it's likely a statement more about the Korean language than Pimsleur, but this is no where as good as either Japanese or Spanish. Pronunciation is very difficult to understand, and lessons follow "stock" Pimsleur without additional explanation. For example, no explanation of how to pronounce the hybrid "R-L" sound; in Japanese lessons this was much easier to comprehend. Have listened to lesson 1 on three separate occasions and still cannot remember the first phrase, "Do you speak English." For this specific language, Pimsleur Basic system fails to explain necessary details.
this is good for someone (like a businessman) traveling to korea and needs to know a few key phrases. it doesn't really teach you many words and such, but mostly memorizing and repeating phrases. i don't really call this learning a language. it also doesn't have anything written down, so if you're a visual learner, this isn't for you as the entire thing is just on a CD.
As you move forward, the words and phrases build upon one another until conversation flows easily. I've tried many language learning products over the years, but this is definitely a great method for learning. Just as you thought you might have forgotten what you just learned, the teacher prompts you to remember it again. I think this is an excellent system to learn to speak Korean, if you can't afford a teacher. The one downside is you will not learn any reading or writing, but this is a great place to start.
As the words are hard to look up in a Korean Dictonary--especially the verbs. Polite: which is used for speaking to adults and is probably the best to learn, as Pimsleur uses it. as no need for text.Sticks with same level of politeness (there are four levels in Korean).Con'sCan't understand a Korean friend speaking--this level too basic6,7,10,11 and 12 o'clock not taught--must purchase higher level course.No text to verify pronuciation as some words hard to hear correctly.The last above is my one pet peeve. Now, in addition to this program, I've purchased the Comprehensive Level 1 program.Pimsleur Korean Basic ProgramPro'sSimplifys grammar and vocabulary which are taught together.Repeats some of previous lesson in the next so you don't forget.Uses practical everyday words that one might use in conversation.Can learn while driving etc. I understand it takes 21 days of repetition to get words into your long term memory. (I got for almost 50% off compared to Pimsleur's web site) you can also sell the programs back to them and save a bunch of money. As Korean has 4 levels--Formal: used in public speaking or speaking to someone new for the first time. I'd never have tried to look up Hada to learn how to pronounce "Mo-Tao".If you buy other courses and have more than one (I have bought 4 for reference), the level of politeness may not be the same.
And plain is used only when speaking to children or say friends. But according to a Korean friend it means "Not do" (the "I" is implied--and "speak" is too for that matter). I believe this progam will help do that job.I liked the program so much, I wish I had initially bought the higher level "Conversational Korean" program instead. Intimate and then plain. For example: In Korean "Mo-Tao" Pimsleur says is "I don't speak". And comes from the root verb "Ha-da". I think and will be an insult if used with people of higher importance.Lastly, If you purchase the higher level programs Comprehensive 1 or 2 on CD from [.]. Good Luck.
I reached an 80% comfort level after having participated in Lesson 1 about eight+ times over the course of several days. it was great 'additional' reinforcement - but a little frustrating at times. I downloaded lessons 1 through 5 (via Itunes) and while I wish it were more reasonably priced, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase.My motivation for learning this language is so that I can communicate with the Korean side of my family (People are always surprised when they learn that I can't already, since I am first generation Korean). I'm certain that if I were to dedicate time to focus on a lesson without distractions, it would not take me nearly as long.One problem that I have is that I can't fast forward through a lesson plan on my Ipod (you can only fast forward or rewind back to the very beginning of available lessons). As soon as I complete all 5 lessons, I will purchase more lessons for use. I know that sounds like a lot, but it really did not feel that way. Sure.
So much so that I went out and purchased my father his own Ipod so he too could learn Korean with this program (I just surprised him with it last night, so I'm anxiously awaiting his opinion of it). So far, I am convinced that this audio is helping me reach my goal.The directions state that you should continue with the same lesson until you feel comfortable with about 80% of the course content. Overall, my experience with this language tool has been a positive one. I practiced while driving to and from the office, while doing light house work, and once while watching my step-sons soccer practice. There were a few instances where I was unable to complete the full lesson and later had to go through it all over again, just to reach the end. My mother is very impressed with my pronunciation of the words and phrases I've learned, which I think is a very good sign indeed. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for an easy introduction to the Korean language.
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