French II - 2nd Ed. Rev.: 2nd Ed. Rev. Euro [Audiobook] (Audio CD)

Pimsleur French I focuses on the formal form of address, but French II devotes a fair amount of time to the familiar form. Tourists and others who are in France for short stays probably don't need to know the familiar form (it doesn't hurt though), but it IS important for anyone who plans to be here for more than a short stay. When I began putting sentences together and speaking with my French co-workers, they oftentimes would suggest that I should use the familiar form with them. Since I was still studying Pimsleur French I at the time, I had a difficult time complying with their requests, but after asking them about the differences between the forms, I understood why it is important. Using the formal form with a co-worker or friend is like referring to them as Mr./Mrs. or sir/madam in English -- okay on a first meeting, but not if you see this person on a daily basis.

Although the Pimsleur series is excellent, I don't think I would have completely understood what I was listening to without supplementing the audio lessons with books that explain grammar rules, spelling, pronunciation, and expand your vocabulary. Listening and speaking (when appropriate) with the Pimsleur series gave me a chance to improve my speaking skills whereas the books are most helpful with writing and reading skills. The audio and book learning would come together at some point though. While listening and responding to the audio recordings, I would often find myself doing more than just mimicking the model speaker because I actually understood the grammatical rules and spellings of the spoken words and sentences.

The organization of this level is nearly non-existent. You'll go from talking to a friend about vacation plans to complaining about how your car isn't working. Another annoyance is that it is not consistent with the use of the "tu" and "vous" forms. Most of the lessons are conducted in the "vous" form and then near the tenth lesson they throw in "tu" forms of verbs. This is great, as the "tu" form is being used more and more often in France, espeacially among the younger crowd such as myself. Unfortunately the "tu" form is not used until about five lessons later.

The repetition method also is neglected in this level. What new phrases are taught to you are taught in one lesson and never to be seen again for another five lessons or so. The lesson will jump back and forth between new phrases and phrases mastered in previous units, indeed previous levels. Perhaps this is good for some who didn't quite master the first level of the series or those who don't bother to repeat the units (which later on I found became necessary).

Overall I would suggest that you don't buy this kit new but find it used elseware (either from Amazon or another retailer). It has its good points as an enhancement or add-on to the first unit but offers nothing in additional vocabular and phrases for those people who have a good grasp on their French.

Now, this course does not contain any explanations of grammar, culture, or much in the way of reading. However, if you have ever learned a romance language before, or know English grammar, you would be able to figure out the verb tenses and the correct way to use them (or even conjugate them) pretty easily. In terms of reading, I find it useful to have a dictionary with you while you are doing the lessons. When the course introduces a new word, look it up in the dictionary and see what the word looks like. It also helps with memorizing the word. Regarding one of the previous reviews, about the use of the familiar form, I disagree. I use the familiar form all the time. In fact, before I learned it, my Swiss friend (I met here) was telling me that I was being too formal with him. Plus, toward the end of French II, the lessons begin to focus on the polite form again.

The course is excellent, but one should still proceed slowly. I do each lession at least 2 to 3 times before moving on, twice in the evenings, and once in the shower in the mornings as review. I don't stop the lesson during the pauses to think of the answer because I figure if I truly know it, I would be able to answer within the pause. By the third listen, I can usually answer within the pause.

Don't expect miracles and be realistic. You still need to take time to listen and absorb the materials. However, the course is designed in a way that encourages you to use it. After I listen to the lesson, I usually want to go out and use it immediately, and I characterize myself normally as a shy person. Definitely buy it if you are going to invest the time and need to start using French immediately.