Product Overview of Assimil
Assimil is a renowned language learning program founded in 1929 by Alphonse Chérel, designed to help learners acquire a new language through an intuitive and organic approach. Here’s a detailed look at what the product does and its key features.
What Assimil Does
Assimil is based on the principle of “learning by assimilation,” mirroring the way children learn their native language. The program exposes learners to the new language in small, manageable doses, allowing them to gradually absorb and understand the language naturally. It is designed for self-study, making it flexible and convenient for learners to use at their own pace and in their own environment.
Key Features and Functionality
Course Structure
- Assimil courses typically consist of 100 lessons, each accompanied by audio recordings and bilingual texts. The most popular series include “Sans Peine” (With Ease) and “Perfectionnement” (Perfection), which can take learners from beginner levels (A1/A2) to more advanced levels (B2 or C1) over several months of daily study.
Two-Phase Learning Method
- The learning process is divided into two phases:
- Impregnation Phase (Lessons 1-49): Learners listen, read, and repeat the material without attempting to translate it back into their native language. This phase helps learners soak up the language and its sounds.
- Activation Phase (Lesson 50 onwards): Learners start translating the material back into their native language, forming their own sentences and actively engaging with the language.
Comprehensive Materials
- Each course includes a pocket-sized book and audio recordings (available on CDs or as digital downloads). The materials are designed to connect the written language with the spoken language, providing a well-rounded learning experience.
Flexibility and Convenience
- Assimil offers flexibility in how learners can use the materials. Learners can choose to listen to the audio, work with the book alone, or study with both simultaneously. This makes it convenient for those with inconsistent study schedules.
High-Quality Audio and Texts
- The program includes high-quality audio recordings that help learners improve their listening and pronunciation skills. The texts are thorough and include explanations, translations, and cultural notes.
Revision and Practice
- Built-in revision lessons and exercises help learners consolidate their knowledge. The program encourages daily practice, even if it’s just a quick review of a dialogue or grammar point.
Glossary and Expressions
- The Assimil e-course features a glossary that allows users to search for terms, see translations, and listen to example sentences. There is also a collection of expressions with translations and relevant information, making it a valuable reference for real-life scenarios.
Versatility
- Assimil courses are available for various languages and are designed for learners of all ages and levels of experience. The program is particularly versatile, allowing learners to focus on specific aspects of the language, such as spoken language only if desired.
In summary, Assimil is a robust and flexible language learning program that leverages an organic and intuitive approach to help learners absorb and master a new language. Its comprehensive materials, two-phase learning method, and flexible study options make it a popular choice for self-directed language learners.