I signed up for an Italian class. Tonight was the first night. I wonder if anyone remembers me talking about how I mix up languages when I try to use them? Yeah, well, now I'll be able to flub along in broken Italian, too. The instructor is a native Pisan, and she is teaching us by speaking to us. My head is spinning tonight, but I think it'll be a good class.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
Melody, You're very fortunate to have a class available. I have taken Italian classes at the local College in the past, but unfortunately there are not courses at the moment. In the meantime, I work away with self study. Hope you enjoy the lessons! Buona Fortuna!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11780 posts
Good for you! I started Italian almost two years ago and my head was spinning after the first class! Stick with it and it will come! You will be miles ahead of most people who travel to Italy, and you will enjoy your trip more for trying. I used my little Italian to great impact on our trip, and I am continuing to study. Not fluent, but better every day. There are a lot of podcasts out there. When you've taken a few clsses, consider supplementing your class with podcasts. I really liked My Daily Phrase Italian.
Posted by
OP
Marengo, USA
95 posts
Thanks for the suggestion of podcasts. She doesn't specify a textbook, but encouraged/assigned us to find one. That's another option.
Posted by
NY, USA
500 posts
Good for you! Do you have homework? Before I spent a few weeks in Paris several years ago I took a weekly French class for 13 weeks. When I got to France I could barely understand any spoken French and my brain was try so hard to figure what was being said I couldn't figure how to answer. I guess the language learning part of my brain turned off long ago. This time I am taking a short Italian for travelers course which I only expect to learn the basics so I can be polite.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11780 posts
As to a textbook, Italian in 10 Minutes a Day is a good self-study approach. Also the Internet has many resources. Try the BBC site, http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/italian/, especially the Italian Steps course.
Posted by
Atlanta
800 posts
Melody - my husband and I took Italian before our first trip to Italy and had a great time. With my Spanish and his French we REALLY mixed it all up but we were able to converse a few times with some older people who didn't actually speak English (or preferred to speak with our very poor Italian!). My husband continued with the local college for 2 more 6 week courses and still keeps up with the Italian using 2 extra tools: he watches/reads Italian news on RAI (sorry, not sure what that stands for, but is the general news station). It was especially helpful when they would talk about something going on in the U.S. because he had an idea already of what the situation was and he could listen for words that conveyed the same. He also had me buy a couple of "dual translation" books. These are short stories with the Italian version on one page and the English version on the other. So you can read the Italian and get instant confirmation that your are understanding correctly. He reads the same books over and over. So our most recent trip was to Spain and at one hotel the manager referred to my husband as "your Italian husband". He was thrilled!
Posted by
Portland, OR
282 posts
Congratulations Melody! I just signed up for an Italian class that starts in March and cannot wait!
Posted by
Milford, CT, USA
11 posts
Last year I started using the Pimsleur course, which is an audio program that I use during my commute. I am going to be in Italy for a month this May. I have to say it was fairly easy, and it progresses integrating the language so you are not just memorizing words. I am into the third course, and feel pretty confident I will actually be able to have basic conversation, and be able to get around without feeling lost. Best of luck!