Decent start, December 1, 2002

As a life-long student and instructor of languages, the Pimsleur method offers a unique learning experience for those who find traditional language study or classes difficult. The Pimsleur method is especially good for extremely active people, as it teaches the language through listening and spoken repetition rather than on any written text. The tapes are easily usable when working out, in the car, etc.

I own and have experience with a number of the different Pimsleur sets. In terms of this abridged volume, it is the approximate equivalent of the basic language skills necessary to travel to Indonesia. However, after completing the 10-lesson set, the user has the equivalent knowledge of an Indonesian 101 student after the first week of class. The lessons are fantastic for teaching basa-basi (small talk that is very different from "Western" small talk and much more culturally necessary), but are also extremely oriented to the male traveler.

The lessons begin with a man striking up a conversation with an Indonesian woman seated next to him on the plane. As the conversation progresses, more vocabulary and syntax structures are introduced. After the man arrives, he goes around Jakarta asking directions to different jalan (streets), thus teaching the user how to inquire after directions. The lessons do transition fairly well, but do not cover a lot of material on the whole.

Upon completing the course, the user has basic essential travel vocabulary that will truly ease a trip to Indonesia. These same scenarios are less applicable to meeting orang Indonesia in different situations, but this can be overlooked by someone just wanting the basics. There are very few decent Indonesian language courses or materials, so Pimsleur definately provides a decent start. But user beware--the tapes include very few cultural notes, so be sure to read up on Indonesian cultural norms prior to heading over there.

In sum, 4 stars is very generous for this course. Being that there are very few available, it is a good place to start. However, you can learn just as much by finding an international student or immigrant who wants to tutor. In one lesson you are likely to cover more material--focused on your needs--than in the entire 10-lesson set.

Great start for slow language learners, August 25, 2002

Language aquisition doesn't happen easily for me. The Pimsleur tapes patiently taught me a foundation of words and phrases in spoken Bahasa Indonesia which were immediately at my disposal when I arrived in Java. This is amazing - I promise you. The language "vapor-lock" was greatly diminished because of the Pimsleur method of teaching and my pronounciation ability had a leg-up on many expats who had lived here a long time. Those with better brains for language may find it tedious. Okay, where's Vol 2?

Indonesian: a springboard for further learning, May 14, 2002

This is the first Pimsleur program I have ever tried, and I am impressed. You learn a small but highly functional vocabulary and you learn to use the words in ordinary conversation. The native Indonesian speakers are very clear and understandable. Also included is a small booklet, however the "readings" are little more than learning to pronounce the written word. I would suggest getting a book for additional vocabulary, and you will be amazed at the sentences you can form! It really is a springboard for further learning.

Great Introduction to Indonesian, June 16, 2001

I have tried many different Pimsleur programs, and like all of them, Pimsleur Indonesian is fantastic. It introduces the listener to the basics of a foreign language, teaching correct pronunciation and grammar almost effortlessly. It's rare to find audio materials available in Indonesian, so kudos to Pimsleur for publishing this. Now, if only they would expand this program to a full 30-lesson course. A great start to your study of Indonesian.