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Sunday, February 9th
With nearly five decades of experience, the Pimsleur Method, pioneered by Dr. Pimsleur, revolutionized self-taught language instruction. The program began with Modern Greek and has expanded to over 50 languages, including Hebrew. Pimsleur has gained recognition for its emphasis on learning through listening. Initially employing cassettes and CDs, the method has evolved into an online subscription, allowing learners to access content conveniently and flexibly.
Free lesson to preview
To get started learning Hebrew on Pimsleur, you can start with the complimentary Hebrew Level 1 lesson. This hands-on introduction gives you a glimpse into Pimsleur's unique approach, with each lesson centered on 30-minute conversations. Creating an account requires only an email address and password, and on top of the free lesson, you can access a 7-day free trial with the option to upgrade to a subscription.
Share your account with your family
One feature we loved is that Pimsleur accommodates multiple learners within the same household, allowing up to four students to share a subscription across unlimited devices. This flexibility extends to a Driving Mode, where you can practice your Hebrew while commuting. While Pimsleur lacks speech recognition tools and a game-based approach, it is an appealing option for those who appreciate learning through audio methods.
Monthly and annual prices
There are three ways to subscribe to Pimsleur. The first is the one-language plan. If you just want to learn Hebrew, the cost is $19.95 per month. Now, if you're interested in Pimsleur's full catalog of languages, you can get access to all of them for $20.95 per month. Considering there is only a $1 difference between the single language and full access plans, it may make more sense for most to go with the full subscription. Finally, if you want to commit to a full year in advance, you can get access to all languages for $131.96 for the first year and $164.95 per year for every year after.
Progress through listening methods
The Pimsleur method breaks down learning into syllables and words, guiding learners through mastering sentences and dialogues. With 30-minute conversations as the basis of the learning system, you can easily progress in your Hebrew on the go. However, with limited access to other kinds of learning methods like written exercises, speaking exercises, or puzzles, this may not be ideal for those who don't succeed in languages just by listening (or who need to be able to read and write in Hebrew, not just speak and understand it).
30-day money-back guarantee
Pimsleur is confident in its effectiveness, so the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you purchase directly from Pimsleur or through their customer service call center, and you are not satisfied, you can return the product within 30 days. Be aware that it notes that if your subscription comes with a 7-day free trial, you may not be eligible for a refund, so you may want to double-check that before subscribing.
Solid reputation among language bloggers
In general, Pimsleur has a solid reputation. With most language learning blogs and review sites rating the company around 4.4 stars, the general consensus is that the program is effective, and its 50+ years in the industry offer understandable expertise. Pimsleur offers a mobile app, and we found a similar rating average on the Google Play store. Customers love how effective the lessons are. While some customers complained about issues with the voice reader, most were very happy with their progression through Pimsleur.
Solid service for listening lessons
As a trusted and dependable option, Pimsleur offers an alternative for individuals who enjoy learning Hebrew without textbooks or formal grammar lessons. While it may not include the advanced features found in other platforms, the method's success over the years is praised by bloggers and professional linguists. Pimsleur's free sample provides ample information for learners to determine if this approach aligns with their preferences for mastering Hebrew. However, if you're looking for something beyond listening lessons, Pimsleur won't be ideal for you. For this reason, it gets a strong rating overall, but it doesn't rate higher due to some of those missing methodology features.
Suppose you find yourself contemplating a relocation to Israel, or maybe just a trip to visit the Holy Land. Maybe you'd like to reconnect with your culture, learn more about a new one, or brush up on some courses you took in school. No matter what your reason is, finding affordable Hebrew lessons that fit into your daily routine can be a hassle.
There are many reasons why online Hebrew lessons have surged in popularity. For most people, securing in-person lessons isn't a viable option. Whether it's too expensive or takes too much time driving from lesson to lesson, in-person learning can be a huge roadblock to moving forward with your language learning goals, particularly if you're not located in a Hebrew-speaking area.
Luckily, the digital world of online learning opens up tons of possibilities that didn't exist before. Whether your Hebrew learning style tends towards auditory experiences, written practice, or speaking exercises, different Hebrew lesson programs place a deliberate emphasis on learning styles that fit your needs.
You can immerse yourself in audio files, encompassing syllables, words, phrases, and sentences for the purpose of repetition. Or if you're a visual learner, opt for a Hebrew language platform that ingeniously gamifies the entire learning trajectory. This includes not only grammar intricacies and writing exercises but also incorporates speech recognition software to facilitate a side-by-side comparison of your pronunciation with that of a native speaker.
Furthermore, virtually all online Hebrew lessons exhibit a commitment to infusing cultural and historical dimensions into your study sessions. Given the profound historical backdrop and symbolic significance of Hebrew, a nuanced understanding of the language often necessitates delving into its historical roots and comprehending its contemporary contextual applications.
You can also expect many modern options to use more conversational Hebrew like you would find if you talked to a native speaker in Israel. This way, you're not stuck with archaic grammar exercises or phrases that feel out of touch with modern language.
As you navigate the wide array of online Hebrew lessons, it might seem a little overwhelming at first. We've put together some helpful criteria to make sure you find the best fit:
To make your Hebrew learning journey the best it can be, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best options for taking Hebrew lessons available online today. We hope this helps you reach your ideal level of fluency whether you're learning for travel, for culture, or for fun. Hebrew is now in your reach with the right learning platform for you!
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