Learning a new language or even a couple of words for your trip doesn’t always have to be a
challenge. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of tools, technique, time, or place. When I
really got into learning Farsi as a second language, I tried several different approaches. One approach, which I don’t
recommend was listening to audio as I slept. I would tune into Live IRIB radio
online or 670 AM, a Persian radio station out of Los Angeles. I listened to
everything from Lakers games in Farsi to regular music hours. As time went on I found myself jolting up in my sleep
whenever I recognized a word or two. My excitement in learning the new language eventually took a toll on my getting a
good nights rest, so I had to scale back on that method.
Then a friend of mine recommended the
Pimsleur Language Program. (This is where
the post turns into an infomercial.) Pimsleur not only expanded my vocabulary, help me to learn my new
second language in days, but it changed my entire world! Okay, I’ll stop. But honestly, Pimsleur is a
great place to start or pick up the pieces if you find you’ve been struggling. If time is your only problem or you
can’t find the right tools, again I suggest checking out the website. The lessons are all very short, about 30
minutes a day and come in several formats. The CD’s work best for me while driving in my car or at home, but some of
you may find the new Audiobook Chips a
better alternative.
The digital memory cards can store up to 15 hours of spoken audio and is much more compact than the cassette or CD
sets. The bookchips can be played MS Windows computers, palmOne, Pocket PC, handheld PDA’s, Treo and also Windows
Mobile smart phones (with SD memory card slot). In other words that’s a lot of options for one little card. Not certain
if this new Pimsleur product will help speed up or enhance your practices, but if it sounds like something you’d like
to know more about certainly check it out.