We recently purchased a six (6) CD set of the Pimsleur Method of "Learn Mandarin Chinese in Ten Days". The cover assures us that we can "Master the Basics of Chinese Conversation...in Just Ten Easy Lessons!"
Between the two of us, we have taken classes in Spanish, French, Latin, Navajo, and German (and I would like to note that I can speak none of these language and have enough difficulty with English). Mandarin Chinese is not similar to any of these languages. After listening to the first CD it becomes very apparent that Mandarin Chinese is dependent upon proper pronunciation. Our biggest fear is that Mr. Pimsleur's Method will teach us to ask "Do you speak English?" when we are actually asking (with an Iowan accent) "Do you have any eggrolls and can we eat your cat?"
