Ever tried language tapes?
 

I'm just wondering if anyone can recommend a good language tape program. I've been brushing up my (very) rusty Italian with the Barron's "Mastering Italian" course and I'm not finding it especially helpful. <BR> <BR>Has anyone used an audio language program that they found effective?

Dear Jane Long ago--while preparing for my own first trip to Europe--I bought Living Language records for French. I played them constantly until I left for Europe and was pleasantly surprised how much stuck with me (I HAD studied French in college many years before but had never HEARD the language). Though I think Living Language records still exist, I believe there are a number of better choices available now and I urge you to get one (on tape, preferably, so you can play them in your car. And just keep playing them. Once you reach your destination you will be amazed at how well you can handle the language. As we say en francais, "Bonne chance--et bon voyage!" Joan

So you got bit on Barrons too. <BR>I bought the Barrons German set of CD's and they are terrible, awful, with egregiously poor sound. In fact, they are just downright sorry. It was money thrown away.

I think Pimsler's are the best. You can find Pimsler Lite at Barnes and Noble in the language section. A full set (about 16 tapes is expensive, well over $200), but for me they were worth it.You have to order the full set, but I think you can find them on the Web if you do a search. Alternatively buy the abbreviated version, and if you like it, order it from the information in the box. I made the mistake of buying Barron's. About a fourth of the entire program is given to pronouncing Italian given names.

I am listening to Pimsleur Italian tapes. I looked for them in different libraries. I find them very helpful. I plan to make a copy of them and listen to them in the rental car also. I heartily recommend Pimsleur.

Try the B B C tapes. The B B C has been teaching languages, English and foreign, via the radio, t v, tapes, records, c d's and the net etc. for 75 years and are very respected in the language-teaching field. <BR>Go to www.bbc.co.uk and then to education on the front page for a closer look. Good Italian courses are Buongiorno Italia and then Italia Dal Vivo, the continuation of the first one. <BR>There is a B B C shop too, so you could order the courses and get them posted out to you. <BR> <BR>

Have you tried listening to the Berlitz tapes and reading along a time or two with their instruction booklets? After all, we learned our native language from listening, not just from reading. Making mistakes, of course, is part of the experience. My German is faulty but effective, thanks to Berlitz.

What a shame that so many of us were suckered by Barrons! That was an $80 mistake for me, anyway. I'll have to look into the Pimsleur, BBC and Berlitz series for another trip - no time left for the Italy trip!