| Pimsleur Language Learning System |
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The Pimsleur language learning system is a Language Acquisition method developed by Dr. Paul Pimsleur . It is based on four main principles: Anticipation, Graduated Interval Recall, Core Vocabulary, and Organic Learning. Language training tapes and CD's based on Pimsleur's method are today available from Simon and Schuster's Pimsleur division. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, the Pimsleur method works entirely through listening. The lessons challenge the listener to recall and construct phrases from memory rather than to just repeat them. The lessons are short (30 minutes long) and designed to be listened to only once. The learner is tested and retested on new material at varying intervals throughout the course to reinforce memory. HOW IT WORKS
PIMSLEUR LEARNING PRINCIPLES The Principle of Anticipation Language courses commonly require a student to repeat after an instructor, which Pimsleur believed was a passive way of learning. Pimsleur developed the "challenge and response" technique, where a student was asked to come up with the correct phrase in the target language, which was then confirmed. This technique developed an active way of learning, requiring the student to think before responding. Thus, the principle of anticipation is thought to better reflect real life conversations where a speaker must recall a phrase quickly. Graduated Interval Recall Graduated Interval Recall is a method of reinforcing learned vocabulary by having students rapidly recall learned material once it is learned and then gradually reviewing the material with larger and larger time intervals in between. It is a version of retention through Spaced Repetition . For example, if a student learns the word ''deux'' (French for two), then it is tested every few seconds in the beginning, then every few minutes, then every few hours, and then every few days. Thus, the word gradually moves from short term memory into longer term memory. The Pimsleur training programs in their current form specifically ask that a student listen to one 30 minute lesson each day (although few seem to take this advice) because the lessons are designed around optimal use of graduated interval recall. Core Vocabulary One little known fact about languages is that a small core vocabulary is used most of the time. It varies depending on the language, but the vast majority of words spoken are from the most common words. Corpus Linguistics compiled for various languages show what number of words is required to cover a certain percentage of the corpus. Data for Indian languages in the CIIL corpus show the number of words required for 50% coverage varies from 199 words in Hindi to 7,699 in Malayalam , while 80% coverage for those languages is 2,874 and 126,344 respectively.''Basic Statistical Analysis of Corpus and Cross Comparison among Corpora'' Akshar Bharati, et al. When making a Conlang , it is said that one can have a fully functional language with about 2,000 words, give or take a few hundred. The Pimsleur method works by teaching core vocabulary that tend to be most often used in every day activities (i.e. to do, to say, to be, numbers, buying, eating and drinking). Pimsleur never directly teaches grammar, rather letting the student infer the grammar through common patterns in phrases. Organic Learning The Pimsleur Method attempts to teach, in the shortest time possible, functional mastery in understanding and speaking a language. It attempts to work on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation all at once, while also teaching phrases that have practical use in daily life. It has been said that language is primarily speech. With this concept in mind, Dr. Pimsleur created his language programs in audio format because he believed that students of languages would learn better with their ears, not their eyes. This is achieved through what Dr. Pimsleur called "organic learning," which entails learning on several fronts at once. His system attempts to teach the student grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation in a more natural way. Learning through ears also tends to reduce foreign accents that can be acquired through "reading" memorized words. Effectiveness
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