Earworms
They may sound like schoolyard anathema akin to cooties, but in reality, these European-developed audio books are some of the hottest learning aids to pick up steam in North America.

Leveraging that sneaky marketing trick that finds us humming ditties about burgers in the shower — or worse yet, the refrain of an annoying purple dinosaur — the folks at Earworms apply the same concept to foreign language instruction. The idea is that foreign phrases paired to rhythmic beats will worm their way directly into your long-term memory. 

Of course, the company cites a host of scientific research to support their premise. But, to everyone well versed in French pick-up lines courtesy of Lady Marmalade, need you further convincing?

Available in 18 languages, Earworms are sold as audio CDs ($24.95) or they can be downloaded through iTunes ($16.95). 800-432-6277.