|
How to Learn Italian
Many people find themselves wishing to learn Italian for a variety of reasons - because of an impending holiday, to gain a better understanding the amazing ancient history and culture, or simply because of the sheer romance of the Italian language.
Whatever the reason, learning this language can prove to be a fun and fruitful endeavor, with a huge variety of learning options available both online and off.
Some Hints to help you learn Italian
1. Take Italian Lessons
Sign up for a proper class at your local university, an adult education centre or at a language school. If the thought of returning to a classroom setting seems daunting or unsuitable for your schedule, check out the many places online or invest in some tapes or videos. Whether you are a complete beginner or just wanting to brush up on your school Italian, committing to some form of educational tool / process will kick start your journey to becoming proficient in the language.
2. Go Where The Italians Go
Plan a trip to the motherland or spend some time at the "little Italy" neighborhood near you. Either way, being around the natives will do wonders for your efforts to learn Italian.
3. Immerse yourself in the culture
Watch some Italian films (Fellini, Rosselini), listen to some Italian music (Gianni Morandi, Dalla), find some Italian literature classics with Italian and English parallel-text versions (La Divina Commedia). Eat Italian food, go to an Italian opera, pick up some travel guides, and watch the Rai Uno channel. A very good way to learn Italian when watching a Italian movie on TV is to cover the sub-titles with masking tape.
4. Read Italian
Reading Italian can be a lot easier for beginners who are still unfamiliar with the confusing quick-flow of words in the spoken language. Reading Italian newspapers online, the latest copy of Italian Vogue or even a children's book - then listing down the words you don't understand - makes good homework, and will probably give you some personal satisfaction too.
5. Write in Italian
The internet has many areas to do this, through forums, message boards, chat rooms and so on. Practice on your own as well (less embarrassing for beginners), or find a penpal to correspond with.
6. Get into it and Practice!
Learn an Italian word or phrase everyday, and practice it as much as you can (preferably on Italian-speakers- even the local deli will do!), sing out loud in Italian ( find the lyrics in CD sleeves or online), drink espresso and ride a vespa.
7. Think Italian
Try and "think Italian" as you go about your day, translate the thoughts in your head, count things in Italian, write your memo list in Italian, but try not to annoy the non-Italian speakers in your household too much.
|
|
|
|
© Copyright 2005-2006 You Learn Italian | All Rights Reserved
|
