Pimsleur Greek: An Honest Review

  • June 23, 2017

 Unfortunately for Greek learners, Modern Greek often falls in the category of “less popular languages”, and doesn’t receive as much attention in the language speaking world.

Pimsleur is one of the few companies that provide a reputable audio course for learning Greek. In this post we look at some of Pimsleur’s features specifically relate to the Greek language, as well as some unique aspects of their Greek courses.

Here we skip over the usual pros and cons of the Pimsleur method, but you can find all of that plus an in-depth description of Pimsleur course in our full review.

Summary of Pimsleur Method

(all languages)

Review of: Pimsleur

Use: Audio courses for learning foreign languages

Effectiveness

With Pimsleur you will be able to speak at a functional level

Price

$14.95 per month

Time Commitment

Each lesson is 30 minutes

Ease of Use

Lesson are simple: just listen and repeat when prompted

Structure

Pimsleur courses are well designed and structured to teach you a foreign language 

I Like

  • Actually gets you speaking & listening
  • Functional vocabulary
  • Emphasizes pronunciation
  • Easy to use
  • You can switch between languages

I Don’t Like

  • Language tend to be more formal formal language

Summary: Pimsleur courses are known as some of the best audio courses for learning to speak a foreign language. Their method includes a question/recall/response technique that is very effective for helping you internalize the basics of a new language.  

Many people who use Pimsleur cite a marked improvement in their speaking abilities. The courses also include a reading section where beginners are taught to read in their target language phonetically in order to learn the sound system. After this learners begin reading for meaning.

Pimsleur is also one of the few language courses that focuses heavily on correct pronunciation. This helps a lot when trying to remember new words in a foreign language. 

However Pimsleur courses also have their drawbacks. They also tend to use highly formal language that is too respectful for most day to day situations. The courses are also sometimes criticized for teaching limited vocabulary. 

Monthly subscription for $14.95

Formal language

Pimsleur is known for its overtly formal use of language in all of its courses. Their Greek course is no different. Expect to sound extremely polite when you use the Greek you learn with Pimsleur.

Polite Greek may seem odd or out of context if you’re talking with a friend or someone you already know, but you will be understood. Just don’t be surprised when you hear “Nobody says that”…from your Greek friends.

Good audio

Some of Pimsleur’s courses have dated audio that features voice actors who sound unnatural or whose accent is choppy. Pimsleur Greek stands out as one that has especially good audio.

Voice actors do an excellent job of speaking slow enough that’s it’s not overwhelming, but fast enough that it’s still challenging. Their accents also come off as natural.

Only 2 levels

Pimsleur Greek is only available in 2 course levels. Other Pimsleur courses have 5 levels and will take you to around an upper intermediate level in the language (according to Pimsleur). With only 2 levels Pimsleur Greek will probably get you to about the upper beginner level in spoken Greek.

Reading

Pimsleur weaves reading lessons throughout their courses. At the earliest stages, users are taught to read Greek phonetically, as they walk through the sound system. This means that at first you won’t necessarily understand what you’re reading, but you will a native recording to help you check if you read and pronounced the sounds correctly.

Gradually the reading lesson begin to allow users to read for meaning, and you will start read phrases and vocabulary from your recent audio lessons. 

What other people are saying about Pimsleur

Linda​​​​

ikindalikelanguages.com

quote-left

“There are at least two ways in which the Pimsleur courses seem to be working pretty well:First, drilled or not, I tend to remember the phrases taught in the lessons very well. The words do indeed sink into the memory.

Second, it is extremely good in pronunciation. They have native pronunciation and break up words into parts so that you can see exactly how they are pronounced.

It takes a lot of repetition, true, but the pronunciation part is pretty good.”

Gabriel SilvaYouTuber

Alternatives to Pimsleur Greek

Price

From $4+ per month

Time commitment

15+ minutes a day 

Summary:

Greekpod101 features audio lessons in a podcast format. Lessons are great for grammar and vocabulary, and the teachers to a great job of keeping things engaging. 

 While Greekpod101 it’s not as structured as Pimsleur it’s still a substantial Greek learning tool (it’s also much cheaper too). Other site features include lesson transcripts and an in-site flashcard system.

Price

Free

Time commitment

5+ minutes a day 

Summary:

Duolingo is the best known language app, and for good reason. It’s proven to be an effective way to learn basic grammar and vocabulary in a game like setting.

It’s easy to use, fun, and best of all free!

Their Greek course, should get you to a low intermediate level for understanding Greek. 

Price

$6+ per hour (varies between teachers)

Time commitment

30 minute or 1 hour lessons 

An intro video from one of Italki’s Greek teachers.

Summary:

Italki is an online market place that connects language learners with language teachers for one-on-one language classes via video or audio chat.

You can connect with language speakers from around the world and practice your speaking skills. Italki is one of the few sites that offers lessons with professional Greek teachers from Greece!.

*with a purchase of $20 or more. After your first purchased lesson a credit of $10 will be added to your account

Conclusion

Pimsleur Greek is only available in two course levels. It’s features formal language and a short section to help you out with reading Greek. Even though PImsleur Greek is short compared to other Pimsleur courses, it’s definitely sweet. It stands as one of the best Greek audio courses on the market.

Pimsleur offers the 1st free lesson from their Greek 1 level course for free on their site (no payment info needed). If you’re interested in the course go through the lesson to see if Pimsleur Greek is right for you!.

Leave a Comment: