Note: This article is specifically about Pimsleur’s Modern Hebrew courses. Here we discuss the unique features of these courses and how they relate to someone learning the Modern Hebrew Language.
We don’t cover the usual strengths and weakness common to all of Pimsleur’s language courses. You can find that information in our full Pimsleur 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 subscription
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
- Formal language
- Only 3 course levels
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.
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 formal language that is sometimes too respectful for most day to day situations. The courses are also sometimes criticized for teaching limited vocabulary.
$14.95 for monthly subscription
Great courses are hard to come by for anyone learning Modern Hebrew. Compared to more popular languages like Spanish, French, and Japanese; Modern Hebrew doesn’t get much of a spotlight in the language learning world.
That’s what makes Pimsleur’s Hebrew courses really stand out from the pack. They are one of the few solid audio course options for anyone serious about speaking Modern Hebrew.
Pimsleur Hebrew shares all the usual pros and cons common to all the Pimsleur courses, but here we’re going to talk about how well the Pimsleur method works for the Modern Hebrew language.
Biblical Hebrew or Modern Hebrew?
Pimsleur’s Hebrew courses are audio courses for learning how to speak Modern Hebrew. People learning Biblical Hebrew usually do so to read and understand the written hebrew texts of the Bible. They’re not looking so much to speak Hebrew.
If you’re learning Biblical Hebrew then you’re probably not going to get much out of the Pimsleur courses which deal almost exclusively with the modern spoken language.
Does knowing Modern Hebrew help you understand Biblical Hebrew?
The short answer is yes. There are some grammatical differences between the two. For instance: Modern Hebrew doesn’t make a distinction between the present simple (I walk) and present progressive (I am walking) tenses; but Biblical Hebrew does.
Also the meaning of words can change over time so that a word in Biblical Hebrew may be used in differently in Modern Hebrew. Take בשל for example; there’s a good chance it meant “to boil” in Biblical times but in Modern Hebrew it means “to cook”.
Modern Hebrew is a descendant of Biblical Hebrew so more often than not the two languages overlap. It’s just important to be aware of their differences.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Good Pronunciation practice
In Hebrew you’re going to come across some sounds that don’t exist in the English language. The 3 most notable are the sounds for the letters: het, ayin, and resh.
What makes Pimsleur Hebrew great is that it will break down new words and phrases by individual syllables so that you can practice pronouncing each one while receiving feedback from the audio recording.
The Hebrew sounds het, ayin, and resh
This method will help you to hear and say the more difficult sounds of the Hebrew language. Pimsleur is one of the only Hebrew audio courses that allows you to do this.
Cons
Only 3 levels
The biggest shortcoming of Pimsleur Hebrew is that there aren’t enough courses! Pimsleur only provides 3 levels for their Hebrew courses.
Other, more popular, languages have up to 5 levels and help you reach an upper intermediate level in speaking ability. But since there are less levels in Hebrew you’re probably going to be closer to an upper beginner by the end of all 3 courses.
What other people are saying about Pimsleur Hebrew
Pimsleur doesn’t teach baby talk, that’s not their style. They always get right into the point, teaching you how to speak like an adult, no more “repeat after me, kattool.. kattool (cat in Hebrew)”. Pimsleur keeps it real. You want to learn how to speak Hebrew and that is exactly what you get.
israelhebrew.com
Alternatives to Pimsleur Hebrew
Price
From $4+ per month
Time commitment
15+ minutes a day
Summary:
Hebrewpod101 features audio lessons in a podcast format. Lessons are great for grammar and vocabulary. Each lesson is designed around a Hebrew conversation between native speakers, and the teachers do a great job of keeping things engaging.
While it's not as structured as Pimsleur it's still a substantial Hebrew learning tool (it's also much cheaper too). The site features transcripts, an in-site flashcard system, and many other useful features.
Price
$6+ per hour (varies between teachers)
Time commitment
30 minute or 1 hour lessons
An intro video from one of Italki's Hebrew 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 the only site I know that provides an opportunity to take lessons with professional Hebrew teachers.
*with a purchase of $20 or more. After your first purchased lesson a credit of $10 will be added to your account
Conclusion
Pimsleur Hebrew is a great resource for anyone looking to speak Modern Hebrew. Pimsleur’s trademark pronunciation based approach really shines with this language, and students will find it helpful.
The reading materials are less than amazing, but that’s to be expected of a Pimsleur course. The biggest issue we have with Pimsleur’s Hebrew courses is that there are only 3! It would be great if they developed levels 4 and 5 as well.
Pimsleur offers the first lessons of their Hebrew Level 1 course for free on their site. Check it out for yourself and tell us what you think of the Pimsleur method!
