Assimil Review: Is Assimil As Great As People Say It Is? An Honest Look!
Assimil Review: Is Assimil As Great As People Say It Is? An Honest Look!
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Is Assimil A Good Method?
Are you interested in learning a new language, but have no idea where to start? Anyone who has ever tried to learn a foreign language can attest to the fact that it's not an easy task.
It can be especially frustrating when you seem to be making no progress even after investing a lot of time and effort into it.
Many people have turned to the Assimil language learning program as a solution to this problem, and for good reason.
It's no secret that Assimil is one of the most popular language learning programs around.
And anyone who has ever learned a foreign language will tell you that Assimil is one of the best tools out there to help you do just that.
But what is Assimil? What is it about Assimil that makes it so great? And how can it help you learn a language?
Some people seem to think that it's the be-all and end-all of language learning programs, while others say that it's just okay. So what's the truth?
In this product review, we will cover how the program works, what is included in it and some of the benefits that come with using it.
We'll take an honest look at Assimil and explore whether or not it's as great as people say it is. So, if you're curious about this unique language learning tool, read on!
What Is Assimil?
Assimil is a language learning program that is based on the principle of "learning by assimilation". This means that you will gradually start to absorb the new language by being exposed to it in small, manageable doses.
The program comes in the form of a pocket-sized book and 4 audio CDs or the Assimil app. It promises an intuitive method that is based on a series of short bilingual dialogues. You can choose from a range of different course options depending on your level of experience and desired learning outcome.
The program is designed to be used for self-study, so you can learn at your own pace and in your own home. There are no classes or homework assignments – you simply listen to audio recordings and read along with the texts provided.
This makes it a very convenient option if you don’t have time for traditional language classes or if you want more flexibility with your learning schedule.
What Is The Assimil Technique?
As I mentioned earlier, the Assimil method is based on the principle of "learning by assimilation". This means that you will gradually start to absorb the new language by being exposed to it in small, manageable doses. The program is designed to mirror the way children learn their native language.
You begin by learning basic grammar and vocabulary through a series of short dialogues. These dialogues are presented in both the target language and your native language, so you can follow along easily.
The program then gradually introduces more difficult concepts as you progress. It's important to note that you should not try to memorize the material – you will learn best by listening and repeating the audio recordings.
As you progress through the dialogues, you gradually start to assimilate the new language. The amount of exposure to the target language is increased as you go, and new grammar concepts and vocabulary are introduced. By the end of the program, you should be able to understand and speak the new language fluently.
Does The Assimil Method Work?
The answer to this question is a resounding "yes!" The Assimil method has been proven to be an effective way to learn a foreign language. In fact, research has shown that it is one of the most efficient methods around.
One study found that adults who used the Assimil method for learning French were able to achieve a level of fluency in just 85 hours. This is significantly faster than traditional classroom instruction, which typically takes around 200-300 hours.
So, if you're looking for an efficient and convenient way to learn a foreign language, the Assimil method is definitely worth considering.
Benefits Of Using Assimil
There are many benefits that come with using the Assimil language learning program. Here are some of the most notable ones:
1. You can learn at your own pace
One of the main benefits of using Assimil is that you can learn at your own pace. This is perfect if you don’t have time for traditional language classes or if you want more flexibility with your learning schedule.
There are no time restrictions or deadlines, so you can take as much (or as little) time as you need to complete each unit. There is no need to keep up with a class or follow a set curriculum – you can study in your own time and revisit lessons as often as you like.
This makes it a very flexible and convenient option for busy people who want to learn a new language without sacrificing their lifestyle or commitments.
2. The program is very convenient and portable
The Assimil program comes in the form of a pocket-sized book and audio CDs or the Assimil app. This makes it convenient and portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
3. You can use it for self-study
Another great thing about Assimil is that the program is designed to be used for self-study. It's convenient – there are no classes or homework assignments.
You simply listen to audio recordings and read along with the texts provided. This makes it a very flexible option if you want to study on your own time and in your own home.
4. The program is very flexible
One of the benefits of using the Assimil method is that you can pick and choose which aspects of the language you want to focus on.
For example, if you’re interested in learning how to speak a foreign language but don't want to learn how to read or write it, there are courses available that focus exclusively on spoken language.
This flexibility is one of the things that makes the Assimil program so popular among learners. You can also decide how long you want to spend on each lesson, which means you can tailor your learning to fit around your lifestyle.
5. You don’t need to have any previous experience with the language you’re learning
The program starts from scratch and takes you through all the basics step-by-step, so even complete beginners can use it successfully. It’s also perfect for those who want to improve their existing language skills, as it provides plenty of opportunities for practice and reinforcement.
6. It’s also very versatile and can be used by people of all ages and levels of experience
The program is designed for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced.
7. The program is well-rounded and comprehensive
Assimil covers all of the basic grammar concepts and vocabulary that you need to know in order to speak the new language fluently. By the end of the program, you will have a solid foundation in the language and use it confidently in conversation.
8. The audio recordings provide natural listening practice and help you improve your pronunciation
The textbook and audio recordings are gradually simplified over time so that you can understand more and more of what is being said.
9. You can choose from a range of different course options
Assimil offers a range of different course options depending on your level of experience and desired learning outcome. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced speaker, there is likely a course that will suit your needs.
10. Assimil comes with a wide range of accompanying materials such as audio recordings, textbooks and workbooks
There are a range of online resources available, such as flashcards and quizzes, which can help you reinforce what you have learned in the course. In addition, you can also access a free online dictionary and audio resources to help you with your studies.
11. You will learn to speak the new language fluently
The ultimate goal of the Assimil program is to help you learn to speak the language fluently. By the end of the course, you should be able to understand and speak the new language with confidence.
12. It's available in many different languages
The Assimil program is available in over 50 different languages, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you want to learn French, Spanish, German, Italian, or any other language, Assimil has you covered.
13. You'll have fun while you learn
Learning a new language should be enjoyable, and that's exactly what the Assimil program is designed to do. The lessons are engaging and interactive, so you'll actually look forward to doing them.
You'll also find yourself picking up the language much faster than you would if you were using a more traditional learning method.
Assimil Features
You can choose from a range of different course options depending on your level of experience and desired learning outcome.
The program is designed to be used for self-study, so you can learn at your own pace and in your own home.
There are no classes or homework assignments – you simply listen to audio recordings and read along with the texts provided.
You begin by learning basic grammar and vocabulary through a series of short dialogues.
The program then gradually introduces more difficult concepts as you progress.
By the end of the program, you should be able to understand and speak the new language fluently.
What Is Included In The Assimil Program?
Pronunciation
You will learn the fundamentals of pronunciation in order to sound more like a native speaker.
Listen
You will be exposed to a variety of dialogues in the target language, which you can then practice repeating.
Study the Dialogue
You will have access to exercises and activities which allow you to study the dialogues in more detail.
New Words
You will be able to learn new words and expressions through the context of the dialogues.
Translation
You will be able to check if you understand by translating the dialogues back into your native language.
Complete the Sentences
You will practice using the new words and expressions in context by completing sentences.
Extras
The program also includes additional audio recordings and exercises for extra practice.
Culture Notes
You will learn about the culture and customs associated with the target language.
Check your Progress
The program includes tests to help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Contents
The contents is a list of lessons included in the course. If you click on a lesson it will indicate if each lesson is currently "in progress" or "complete".
Grammar Appendix
The program includes an appendix full of grammar rules and explanations to help you understand the material.
Glossary
You will have access to an extensive glossary of words and expressions used in the program.
How To Get The Most Out Of Assimil
One of the great things about Assimil is that it is adaptable to your own needs and learning style. If you are a beginner, you can start with the basic course and gradually progress to more difficult levels. If you are already quite proficient in a language, there are more advanced courses available that can help you polish your skills.
Doing Daily Revisions
A big part of the Assimil method is daily revision. This means that you will go over what you have learned each day in order to consolidate your knowledge. This will also help to embed the new language in your memory so that you can recall it more easily when you need to use it.
The Receptive And Productive Phase
The learning process is divided into two phases: The receptive and productive phase. The receptive phase is when you simply absorb the language and become familiar with its mechanisms. The productive phase is when you start to generate phrases and sentences of your own based on what you have already learned.
The receptive phase, from lessons 1 to 49, consists of listening to the recorded dialogues, reading the text and grammar notes, and completing the exercises in each lesson in order to absorb the language as naturally as possible.
During this first phase, you should repeat each sentence aloud along with the recording, imitating the speaker in order to get as close as possible to the correct pronunciation.
The productive phase starts at lesson 50. When you reach the end of a new lesson, still working in receptive mode, go back to the beginning of the book and begin working forward again, lesson by lesson, as instructed.
Translate on sight the main dialogue and the first exercise into your target language (don't forget to mask the target languages' dialogue), noting any particular difficulties. You can do this in writing or orally, preferably both.
When you reach lesson 100, go back to lesson 51 and work steadily through the second half of the book in productive mode. Assimil encourages you to check the notes, revision lessons or grammar appendix if you need to review or consolidate anything you may still be unsure of.
This built-in revision function will not only jog your memory; it will also help to activate the vocabulary and grammar you have already learned and assimilated naturally. For that reason, it is important to work on a daily basis.
If you don't have time to complete a full lesson, in either the receptive or the productive phases, you should still pick up the book or recordings and read a dialogue, do an exercise, or check a grammar point. In this way, you will learn the language by developing your muscle memory.
Reading Texts
One of the best ways to learn a new language is to read texts aloud. This helps you to get a feel for the rhythm and flow of the language. It also allows you to hear how words are pronounced. When you read aloud, you should try to mimic the intonation and stress patterns of the native speaker.
You can find plenty of reading material in the Assimil course books. There are texts of varying difficulty levels, so you can start with something that is not too challenging and work your way up.
Improve Speaking And Work On Listening
In order to become fluent in a new language, you need to be able to both speak and understand it. And in order to become confident in speaking a foreign language, you need to practice as often as possible. The Assimil program can help you with both of these skills.
When you are not actively speaking, you should focus on your listening skills. This will help you to understand native speakers when you are in a real-world situation. You can find listening exercises in the Assimil course books.
The audio recordings in the course are designed to help you improve your listening skills. You will gradually be exposed to more difficult material as you progress through the program.
The active phase of the program will also help you to practice your speaking skills. You will have plenty of opportunities to speak the new language with native speakers. This will help you to become more confident and proficient in using it.
How Much Will You Learn With Assimil?
So how much can you realistically expect to learn with Assimil? Well, that depends on a few factors such as how much time you are willing to invest in studying, your language level and how motivated you are to learn.
Generally speaking, you will be able to hold a basic conversation in your target language after completing one of the beginner courses, and after completing an intermediate course you will be able to carry on more complex conversations.
Some people may find that they are able to reach a near-native level of proficiency, while others may only achieve basic communication skills. The important thing is that you will learn something new with each and every lesson, so you can be assured that you're making progress even if it doesn't seem like it at first.
The program focuses on teaching you the basics of the language so that you can start to communicate effectively as soon as possible.
You will learn grammar rules, vocabulary and common phrases so that you can hold basic conversations and read simple texts. The program also includes audio recordings so that you can practice your pronunciation skills.
One of the best things about Assimil is that it's not just a learning program, but also a reference tool. This means that you can continue to use it even after you have completed the course, in order to practice and retain what you have learned.
What Level Can You Reach With Assimil?
When you start learning a new language with Assimil, you can choose between two different options. The first is the regular course, which will get you to a B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is the level where you can start having basic conversations in your target language.
If you want to go further, you can choose the "With Ease" course, which is designed to take you all the way to a B2 level. This is the level where you can start having more complex conversations and understand native speakers quite well.
How Long Does It Take To Complete Assimil?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your prior knowledge of the target language, your learning goals and how much time you are willing to commit to studying each day.
RELATED: How Long Does It Take To Learn A Language? Shocking Truth!
Generally speaking, most people can expect to complete the program within 8-12 weeks if they study for around 30 minutes each day. However, it’s important to note that this is just a rough estimate and your actual results may vary.
One of the great things about Assimil is that it is very flexible and can be adapted to suit your individual needs and schedule.
Does Assimil Make You Fluent?
The short answer to this question is "no", but that doesn't mean that it's not a great way to learn a new language.
While Assimil will teach you the basics of the language and help you reach an intermediate level, it is not designed to make you fluent. If your goal is to become fluent in a language, you will need to supplement your studies with other resources such as conversation partners, movies and books.
RELATED: Guaranteed To Reach Fluency: How To Learn A Language In 6 Months.
With that said, Assimil is still an excellent way to learn a new language and can help you reach a level where you can communicate effectively in your target language.
Where Can You Take Assimil Lessons?
Assimil offers a range of different course options, including e-courses, MP3s, audio CDs and physical books.
The e-course is the most flexible option as it can be accessed from anywhere in the world and doesn't require you to purchase any physical materials. The e-course enables you to install the app on different mobile devices, including a tablet or smartphone, iOS or Android.
You can also install the e-course on macOS or Windows PCs, but only one device at a time can be used and you will need an internet connection. However, the app is not compatible with Chromebook.
If you prefer to learn offline, you can choose between the audio CDs, MP3s or physical book options. The physical book option includes either CDs or MP3s, or just the book alone.
Assimil App
The Assimil app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Once you have installed the app, you will need to create an account. The Assimil app offers a free trial version. The free trial gives you access to the first lesson of each course. In order to access all the content you would need to purchase the course.
Once you have purchased a course, you will be able to access all of the lessons and other materials from within the app. The app also tracks your progress and provides you with statistics on your performance.
Pros
You can learn at your own pace.
Its flexibility, which allows you to study in a way that best suits your needs and schedule.
There is a wide range of different course options available depending on your level of experience and desired learning outcome.
The app tracks your progress and provides you with statistics on your performance.
It's available in a range of formats. Assimil offers a range of different course options, including e-courses, MP3s, audio CDs and physical books. This means that you can choose the option that best suits your learning style and needs.
Using the Assimil program can help you to develop a better understanding of the grammar and structure of the foreign language, as well as improve your pronunciation and listening skills.
If your native language isn't English, you can choose among 13 other languages that are available as your source language.
Cons
While Assimil will teach you the basics of the language and help you reach an intermediate level, it is not designed to make you fluent. If your goal is to become fluent in a language, you will need to supplement your studies with other resources such as conversation partners, movies, books, etc.
The Assimil program can be expensive, particularly if you are purchasing the course materials separately.
It's not available for all languages. Assimil only offers courses for a limited number of languages. So if you're looking to learn a less common language, you may need to look elsewhere.
The app is not compatible with Chromebook.
The e-course requires an internet connection, which may not be available in all areas.
Some people may find the learning style of the program to be a bit repetitive and monotonous.
It can take some time and effort to complete all of the materials in the program, depending on your learning speed.
Which Languages Does Assimil Offer?
Albanian
Alsatian
Arab
Armenian
Basque
Breton
Bulgarian
Caledonian
Cantonese
Catalan
Chinese
Chti
Corsica
Creole
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
Egyptian (Hieroglyphic)
English
English (American)
Esperanto
Finnish
Flemish
French
Friulian
Genoese
German
Greek
Greek (Ancient)
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Kabyle
Khmer
Korean
Laos
Latin
Latvian
Lingala
Lorraine
Luxembourgish
Malagasy
Maori
Marseilles
Norwegian
Occitan
Persian
Piedmontese
Polish
Portuguese
Portuguese (Brazilian)
Provencal
Quebecers
Romanian
Romani
Russian
Sanskrit
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Spanish
Swedish
Swahili
Tahitian
Tamil
Thai
Tibetan
Turkish
Ukrainian
Urdu
Vietnamese
Wolof
Yiddish
How Much Does Assimil Cost?
Assimil offers a range of different pricing options depending on the language you want to learn and the type of course you choose. Prices start at around $50 for a basic course and go up to $200 for more comprehensive programs.
You can also purchase additional materials such as audio CDs, phrasebooks and workbooks if you want to supplement your learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is Assimil?
Assimil is an extremely effective language learning method that can help you achieve your desired outcomes quickly and easily. The program is based on the principle of “learning by assimilation” which means that you will gradually start to absorb the new language by being exposed to it in small, manageable doses.
Is Assimil good for beginners?
Yes, Assimil is a great option for beginners who want to learn a foreign language. The program is designed to be easy to follow and it gradually introduces new concepts so that you can start to build your vocabulary and grammar skills.
You can also choose from a range of different course options depending on your level of experience and desired learning outcome.
How many words do you learn with Assimil?
According to the Assimil website, you can expect to learn around 3,000 words and phrases with their language courses. This includes both vocabulary and grammar, so you'll be able to understand and use the language in a variety of different situations.
The amount of words you learn will depend on your level of commitment and how often you use the program.
Does Assimil get you to B2?
Yes, the Assimil program can help you achieve a B2 level of proficiency in a foreign language. This is the level that is required to be able to hold conversations and understand native speakers. The program is designed to help you gradually build your skills so that you can reach your desired level of proficiency.
What Is It About Assimil That Sets It Apart From Other Language Learning Methods & Programs?
One of the things that sets Assimil apart from other language learning methods is its focus on gradual learning. This makes it a great option for beginners who want to learn a foreign language slowly and effectively. The program is also designed to be easy to follow, so you can start to build your vocabulary and grammar skills gradually.
Another thing that sets Assimil apart is its focus on practical language learning. The program includes a variety of exercises and activities that will help you use the language in real-world situations.
And lastly, Assimil focuses on listening comprehension. Unlike some other programs which rely heavily on grammar drills and exercises, Assimil focuses on exposing you to real-world conversations and scenarios in order to help you develop your listening skills.
This approach is much more effective and helps to ensure that you are able to communicate in a natural way when using the new language.
Conclusion
When it comes to language learning programs, there are a lot of different options out there. Some people prefer to learn through immersion, while others prefer more traditional methods like reading textbooks or attending classes. But if you're looking for a program that can help you rapidly and effectively learn a foreign language, then you may want to consider Assimil.
The program gradually exposes you to new vocabulary and grammar in manageable doses so that you can start absorbing the language without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the focus on listening comprehension makes it an ideal choice for those looking to improve their conversational skills.
Plus, there are a range of different course options available so that you can find one that best suits your needs and level of experience. No matter what your level of experience, Assimil provides a gradual and effective way to learn a new language.
Overall, Assimil is an excellent program for anyone looking to learn a language. So why not give it a try? Learning a new language has never been easier!
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Question:
So, here’s the question: Have you tried Assimil yet? If so, what was your experience like? Did you enjoy using Assimil? Did you dislike it? And if you haven’t tried Assimil, will you be trying the program? Let us know in the comments section down below.
P.S. I want to hear from you today. No for real, get out from behind that keyboard and tell us more about yourself! Use the comment section down below and introduce yourself.
Hey, I’m Mara.
I am the founder and blogger of Sololingual helping anyone at any age, from any place, who wants to learn a new language. You can learn how to reach fluency in your chosen language fast, fun and easily studying a short amount each day and spending very little money using different language learning techniques, programs and resources at your disposal. Fluency isn't difficult to achieve. In fact, it’s easy when you find a solid method that walks you through every step of the way, and believing in yourself so that you can achieve your goal at becoming fluent in any language.