French language tapes
 

I took French in high school and some in college (years and years ago)..but now that we have a trip planned I want to immerse myself in the language.

Are there any suggestions for good tapes you know of or a way to do this?..

Thanks..

My sister bought the tapes and she said they were ok. She would really like to take a class where all they do is talk in french. She said the tapes just give you the basics.

I bought the set of Pimsleur tapes, and highly recommend them. Helped me tremendously. I also had high school and a little college French - many years ago. The tapes are expensive for the 3 sets of French I, II, and III (90 30-minute lessons total) - but well worth it. No books involved, so you can listen to them in car or anywhere. You can find information at www.pimsleur.com
and order them direct. You could possibly find them cheaper on e-bay.

My public library had the first set of Pimsleur tapes, and got the second set from another branch at my request. They are an outstanding learning tool! Listening in my car every morning and evening during my commute really helped develop my language skills.

Amazon has used Pimsleurs, too. I bought set I/II new and then bought III use

I also used a Berlitz mini-couse type tape that came with a tiny travel book.

Why not use your local library? Mine has only just started to carry cds, and has lots of tape programs. Either way, it makes good use of commuting time or hours at home.

Pimsleur is good, especially if you have already studied. You can get them quite reasonably 6-cd set for $19.99 with no booklets, just the cd's. It even comes with a money-back guarantee and a $50 coupon for a purchase of the more extensive lesson kit. I don't know how you can beat that! I used them 2 years in a row, and this spring I was almost fluent. I have a similar french study background to yours. Berlkitz is good, "Learn to Speak" series are hit or miss.

If you decide to buy, you can look at the different options, and my local large chain bookstore was very helpful.

I also highly recommend a book 501 French Verbs, it gives complete verb conjugations. I bought one used online for $5, new list price $23. Good luck!
(I fold up nice & neat, can I stowaway?)

Merci...I will check my library first...!!

I agree wholeheartedly with the suggestion about Pimsleur. I did find them at a substantial discount at:
www.language-programs.com
Check their prices if you decide to buy, instead of directly with Simon & Schuster (who now owns Pimsleur.)

Actually, if you don't want to wait for delivery or pay shipping charges I got my 6-cd set of Pimsleurs at a Barns & Noble store for $19.99 in 2003. That wsa the regular price.

I would suggest buying the tapes (Pimsleur), especially if you can get a discount somewhere. Timewise, you are very limited using the library tapes.
I bought my set several years ago, and still use them constantly, especially before trips to France. Repetition is so important! And I would still highly recommend that you get the whole 3-part set, especially since you already know some French. Studying French in American high schools and colleges seem to focus much more on grammar than conversation- at least they sure did in the past. These tapes are TERRIFIC for learning to phrase simple conversation.