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Quick & Simple Japanese

Book Review

 

Title:

Pimsleur Quick & Simple Japanese

Publisher:

Simon and Schuster Audio, New  York, NY

ISBN:

0-7435-1768-7

Reviewed By:

Frank Fogg

Review Date:

May, 2001

Rating:

Pimsleur Quick & Simple Japanese is one of the popular Pimsleur series of language products. The course is designed as an introduction to Japanese for a beginning student. This course is for those wishing to learn to speak Japanese and there is no transcript  of the contents or any other written lessons. The course consists of four compact  discs containing eight ½ hour lessons.

Each lesson begins with a dialog at normal conversational speed. The dialog is then repeated a little slower. During the rest of the lesson, each element of the conversation is broken into component parts. The student repeats each element  along with the speaker. Then other words are substituted into the sentences  being studied. Previous vocabulary is also refreshed as the lesson progresses. Finally, the initial conversation is repeated at the end to test mastery. Verbal prompts in English are provided throughout the program to assist the student in mastering the material.

This program is not designed to teach  a large target vocabulary. It focuses instead on building a core proficiency in a small portion of the language. The smaller vocabulary and level of repetition  ensures that the listener will retain the material longer. The material covers  basic greetings, asking simple directions, and explaining basic needs. A coupon is included along with the course for a discount for ordering the advanced  portion of this course. The coupon may be redeemed with the publisher for those wishing to continue their studies.

This course is ideal for beginning students of Japanese needing to develop a core proficiency in the language.  The all-audio format of the lessons is ideal for those with a hectic schedule.  The low price of this introductory course makes it a good value without sacrificing quality.

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