The Linguaphone Method for language learning is the most natural and effective way to learn a new language.  Our method is based on two simple principles:

•  You learn faster when you enjoy what you are doing.
• You make greater progress if the language learning is useful and presented in a familiar context..

Speaking a language is an active skill--something you learn by doing, not just studying.  This is the practical approach to language learning that Linguaphone follows.  You start speaking your new language during the very first lesson.   The courses begin simply, building your confidence session by session.  Soon after, longer sentances are introduced to enable the expression of more detailed and complex thoughts.  But the course always concentrates on useful, authentic everyday words and situations.  The result is that after completing a Linguaphone course, you will have a thorough understanding of the language and be able to converse with and understand real people speaking the language.

The study sequence, LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, and SPEAK, used in the Linguaphone courses is fundamental to the Linguaphone method of language learning.

LISTEN
You should begin by listening to the first CD and keep playing back the CD so that the sounds and rhythm of the language become increasingly familiar.  Then, by following the words in the textbook, this will help to associate the sounds heard with the words and sentances of the text.  

The native speakers on the audio CDs begin by speaking slowly (but without distorting the intonation of the language) and, as the course progresses, speak at normal speed.

UNDERSTAND
Once familiar with the spoken language and able to recognize the written word, you then turn to the handbook.  The handbook is a unique feature to the Linguaphone course.  It provides a complete translation of all new words and phrases that are used, and a thorough understanding of the structure of the language.  It is, effectively, the tutor.

SPEAK
The Linguaphone course encourages you to speak your new language from the very first lesson.  Imitating the voices on the CDs will help you get used to the intonation and accent.  Later on, you take part in conversation.

Each lesson introduces new themes featuring useful words and phrases, thus developing your conversational skills.

According to the course format, you can consolidate what you have learned by doing various written or oral exercises to test and practice your new language.  This progression from speech to writing has been proved to be the most effective in language learning.  You learn more easily by hearing a word first and then seeing it, than the other way around.

Choose the language you want to learn
(and see our course options for that langauge)

or learn more:

Testimonials
Proficiency Levels
Linguaphone History