Linguaphone (general)

The Linguaphone system is one of the oldest and most popular methods of learning a foreign language. The word 'Linguaphone' literally means 'language-sound', and the idea behind it is to spend time listening to native speakers using their language in context, so it can be learned almost as a child might learn by living in a foreign country. Originally there were vinyl records provided, then cassettes, now some use CDs. These have extensive 'lessons' on them, accompanied by books. The earliest lessons consist of people introducing themselves, and using simple greetings; by about the tenth or ... more

Opening the leaflet that comes with any linguaphone course, the reader is told that within three months, he or she will be able to speak his or her chosen language "in as little as three months". While this is difficult, it is far from impossible to do. The Linguaphone courses generally offer detailed grammar explanations and cultural tidbits that are fun to know but not essential. However, these explanations are often spread over two or three units, or more, and there generally has to be a lot of back-and-forth to find a complete grammar note. It would probably be best to buy a grammar book ... more