The Pimsleur Approach Explained

The Pimsleur approach, commonly known as the "Principle of Anticipation", is it the best method?

That is a question that gets asked a lot. Due to the fact that there are so many different methods of learning languages and there is so much to choose from in the vast ocean called the internet, how does one make the right choice? How does one make the best choice?

I have personally used Pimsleur Spanish and found it to be very effective, due the methods they use. Another term used in the Pimsleur approach is called "Graduated Interval Recall".

In plain English, what it means is that as you progress through the course, the speaker on the audio essentially reminds you of what you have already learned, by creating the sentences or questions with words and phrases you have already learned in different intervals. As you gradually work through the course, the intervals are spread further and further apart in order to keep you progressing. So as you go through the course, you are constantly repeating what you already know, while adding more vocabulary and grammar and you move forward.

The Pimsleur approach also uses the most commonly used verbs, those that are used on an day to day basis. They are then incorporated into the lessons so that you get used to using them in many different formats and situations.

Is it the best method out there?

Well that remains to be seen. Everyone has a different tolerance level of how long they can stay attentive. Some people prefer interactive software, while others are perfectly happy with simply listening and learning.

Although the Pimsleur approach worked well for me, I am still one that prefers a little more. I like to see how words are spelled and where the rather unique Spanish accent marks should be placed or how to determine how a word should be pronounced based on the spelling or accent mark placement. So I dug a little deeper through my Spanish learning quest.

There are two ways you can do this:

1. Get a dictionary and a Spanish verbs book to accompany your Pimsleur Spanish lessons.
   I suggest 501 Spanish verbs and a general English Spanish Dictionary;


2. Use a completely different program that provides you will both interactive lessons, the "principle of anticipation" technique and the ability to see all of the words and phrases right in front of you, therefore enabling you to learn with better speed and efficiency.
   I suggest taking a look at my Rocket Spanish or Visual Link Spanish review pages to get a better idea.

The bottom line is that the Pimsleur approach is a great way to test your memory by using the recall technique you are forced to repeat what you have already learned, therefore making it a lot easier to naturally remember words, phrases and grammar. But consequently, there are other programs out there that are much better. For a condensed review of the four products I have used and fully recommend, visit my learn Spanish software reviews page.