Pimsleur Farsi Persian Conversational Course - Level 1 Lessons 1-16 CD: Learn to Speak and Understand Farsi Persian with Pimsleur Language Programs (1) Audio CD – CD, December 5, 2005

My boyfriend is Persian, and I wanted to learn Farsi so that I could (in no particular order) impress his parents, impress him, and understand a little more about his culture. I've really enjoyed this method of conversational learning, and have surprised myself (and some Persians!) by how accurate my pronunciations are, and how much I've picked up.The lessons are 30min each and each lesson starts by reviewing the last lesson(s) and then introducing you slowly into the next. It's a challenging language and is a little daunting at first- I definitely had to rewind and listen to things over and over again to make sure I got it- but as other reviews mentioned, you'll soon be amazed when you start reciting things on your own.It's a beautiful language, very melodic. And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I learned about Persian culture just through learning their colloquialisms. For instance, when someone asks you if you'd like a glass of tea, you don't reply by saying "I want a glass of tea," as that would be too pushy. You instead say something that translates to "yes, if you would be so kind."The only reasons I don't give five stars are: 1. This is completely auditory learning. As my vocabulary grew, I found that I wanted to at least have a written reference to use as supplementation. But that's me. 2. The program only goes so far- I want more!:).

I'm hooked on the Pimsleur method. For the money, you get 8 hours worth of Persian exposure, broken down into 16 half hour lessons. I have to drive a lot, and I listen to the lessons in my car when I'm on the go. It's perfect. I already have Pimsleur Conversational French and Spanish, and I'm going to purchase the Arabic program as soon as I'm done writing this review.The Pimsleur method is by far the best (and quickest) way to learn basic communication in another language. As a student of linguistics and a would-be polyglot, I've tried several audio programs in a number of different languages, and none of them come close to the Pimsleur method. It throws you right into conversation, and teaches you to think in Persian. You'll learn a great deal in a short period of time.Whether you're an absolute beginner, or if you've had exposure to your language of choice, Pimsleur will help improve your listening skills in that language - basic sounds, intonation, etc.At the time I purchased this program, I paid about US$35.00 for it here on Amazon, but it's well worth the list price of about US$50.00. Though I've had exposure to Rosetta Stone, I prefer Pimsleur for its on-the-go convenience. I can sneak a lesson into my busy schedule every day, and if you're interested in learning Persian, this program is for you. 5/5 stars. Thanks for reading.* * * * * *June 2014 update:In my varying work duties, I've had many brief opportunities to converse with Middle Eastern Persian speakers. While this program has by no means made me a fluent speaker, it's very effective for helping me think in Persian, and respond without having to pause to translate to English, then take my English answer and translate it back into Persian. The Iranian Persian speakers I've met are thrilled that I can speak even a little Farsi, and all have said I speak it with the correct accent. So. I'm adding another star to this program, though I can only do it symbolically. If you want to get started with the Persian language, START HERE.

I have always wanted to learn some basics in this language, as it sounds very pretty to my ear, and I have had a couple of Persian friends. I enjoy listening to the CDs and practicing. I do learn better with written instruction along with verbal, but of course this is purely verbal. The CD advises not to write anything down, but I almost have to in order to recall. The difficult thing about the language thus far, is that their sentence structure is quite different from English. For example "How is your health" (in English) is "Health yours how is?" in Farsi. They also have a 'kh' and a 'gh' sound that doesn't exist in English and it's very difficult to learn to pronounce as an Iranian would. This is a decent course to learn useful words and phrases, without advanced courses you would not be able to have a 'real' conversation, however. Still, it's fun.

I just returned from a 3 week tour of Iran. I wanted to learn some basic Farsi phrases for communication and to show respect for the culture. I have only the highest praise for how these basic 16 lessons enhanced my experience and enabled me to meaningfully interact with native Farsi speakers. There is a word of caution. I think to benefit from this CD one must follow the instructions scrupulously. In other words, concentrate on each 30 minute lesson, repeat the words as directed and progress to the next lesson when you can independently respond correctly about 80 percent of the time. I found that I typically felt most comfortable listening to each lesson twice, but every individual will differ as to the proper pace. There is plenty of review in each lesson. I was a little frustrated at first because a number of the early lessons talk about office situations. Even then, there were pleasantries and greetings that are so essential in the culture and basics such as directions.It was not until Lesson 9 or 10 that the language associated with day to day transactions,numbers and and bargaining were fully explored. I used everything that was presented. and was repeatedly complimented on the extent of my Farsi knowledge and my accent, which I was told most resembled a native speaker rather than American.. What more can I say? I am very impresssed with the value of this language program. I think learning some basic Farsi is essential for anyone wanting to travel in Iran and the return for the small investment of money and time in this program is well worth it.

I worked with this some prior to my trip to Portugal. When I go back next year, I will spend more time with it. In any case, the locals appreciated that I tried to speak some of their language.I wish Pimsler would release an advanced version of this language product.

This was disappointing due to the content. The content seems to be stripped and explanation seems to be stripped back. As I have used these many times before and the presentation would normally come in a zip up case.

I purchased this believing it was a step on from the Basic Farsi set of CD's - however of the set the first five CDs were identical to the Basic Set - save your money buy this not the basic set

I love this course. It is so easy to learn while driving in the car. I only wish they had level 2 and level 3 like they do for all the other Pimsleur language courses.

Learn to speak and understand Portuguese in a month

Good and educational! Thanks