I learned basic Mandarin Chinese by using those CD's (Pimsleur) on the way to work and back for a whole year.
I am still amazed of how "organic" was the learning.. I mean, after some time I just started "understanding" more advanced conversations to the point that even my chinese friends got startled.
Also, I have not used the CD's for over 3 years (or spend time in china) and I still recall most of what I learned.
I think that's what stunned me the most about this type of learning is how deep the knowledge gets burned into your brain. It's not like cramming for an exam or reading the language dictionary on the flight over.
I am still amazed of how "organic" was the learning.. I mean, after some time I just started "understanding" more advanced conversations to the point that even my chinese friends got startled.
Also, I have not used the CD's for over 3 years (or spend time in china) and I still recall most of what I learned.