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This is a good way to learn Korean for busy people who want to learn during driving, relaxing, jogging.etc.
Much like a good teacher will do, there is an explanation attached to each section; it's not just memorization. Since most people don't know how to sound out the Korean alphabet (I do), it wouldn't be beneficial anyway; but, the sounds are sometimes easily confused if the listener is not already aware of the subtle differences between English and Korean sounds. Han-kook oh ruhr chogum ha suh ee sim nee da. Forgive the poor attempt at transliteration, but what I've just asked is, "Do you speak Korean." The Korean language doesn't really lend itself well to English transliteration because of the several problems - most notably complex Hangul vowel sounds that do not exist in English - however, any Korean speaker should understand my introduction (I didn't bother to look up the literal English phonetic transliteration letter alternatives).The Pimsleur Basic Korean course is exactly what I hoped it would be. (Yes. The articulate repetition really serves as a great teacher.The one major downfall to this CD set is the lack of character reinforcement. I can speak a little Korean).
And just when you think you've got a lesson wrapped up, the narrator will ask you a question from lessons past - keeps you on your toes.Mixed a male and a female voice, the intonation is clear and precise. With that said, the answer to my initial query is: Neh. in place during that limited time. Lessons are repeated piece-by-piece, from end to beginning, eventually culminating in a staged conversation between two people. Not to mention the Korean R/L hybrid letter, the G/K hybrid sound, and the nearly indistinguishable AE/EA dipthongs.Overall, only so much can be done in a few CDs, and this book does a very good job of putting the building blocks (or, with, from, hello, goodbye, a little, now, later, etc).
Each CD contains two complex lessons, and subsequent lessons build off of what has been previously learned. For example, the English vowel "O" can easily be confused for the Korean O and EO, the latter spoken with less rounded closure of the lips. In no time at all I had a few useful phrases nearly perfected. Whether it's breaking down a verb, a polite ending, or the words within sentences that initially sounds like mumbo-jumbo, the lessons are thorough and interesting. At first I didn't think this method was most effective, but eventually I realized the benefit.
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. For example, no explanation of how to pronounce the hybrid "R-L" sound; in Japanese lessons this was much easier to comprehend. 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.
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. i don't really call this learning a language. 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 think this is an excellent system to learn to speak Korean, if you can't afford a teacher. As you move forward, the words and phrases build upon one another until conversation flows easily. The one downside is you will not learn any reading or writing, but this is a great place to start. 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.
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