What is the best way to learn a bit of Italian before October '08?

Question

My fiance and I are getting married in August and then in October he has the opportunity to go to Italy for his job. He can stay there anywhere from 45 days to 6 months! I'm of course going with him but he'll be working 12 hours a day Monday through Friday and I will be by myself. I want to get out and see as much as I can because I've always been in love with Italy. I don't want to go over there not knowing any of the language I would feel awful. We don't live near a college so that is out of the question and with the wedding and leaving in October I wouldn't have time for a full semester. I know there are CD's you can buy but I'm wondering which ones teach you the language in a way that the people actually speak it? Like most classes that teach you english teach it to you in the proper way, I don't know many people who's first language is english that speak proper anymore it's all about modernizing. I don't know if that's Italian too? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Answer 1

I'm Italian, I can directly help you... for example:

hello=ciao

italy=italia

bread=pane

strowberry=fragola

house=casa

If you want to learn more Italian youcan send me an e-mail... BYE BYE AND GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

download some audio from itunes and listen on your computer or ipod. from experience of living in italy for 4 months, you learn by saying and hearing more from reading.

i wouldn't stress too much. as long as you get the basics down you'll be good. many speak some english, enough to communicate. but it is a sign of respect if you at least try to speak their language as much as possile. they appreciate if you try!

Answer 3

Rosetta Stone. Very helpful. Very fast.

http://www.rosettastone.com/

Answer 4

Soon-to-be Mrs. Blair <3,

Ask any knowledgeable student of any foreign language and they will tell you that the *VERY* most effective and quickest method of language "absorption" is full-immersion.

I studied and practiced Spanish diligently for two years on my own and gained a solid street-level comprehension and usage. But after being in Italy for three months straight, Italian virtually replaced Spanish as my second language.

If you are able to spend time in Italy between now and October, you'll come farther along in your practical use of Italian than with ANY course of study in existence. No other approach even comes close to full-immersion language exposure. When you're fully foreign language-immersed, the practical usage of the language just comes and sticks to you  almost like magic. It may seem a bit daunting initially, but with a little time, it becomes hugely effective.

Additionally, you can start getting used to the sound of Italian by listening to online Italian radio: http://www.romavera.com/radio/italian_ra...

HTH,

Scott

Answer 5

Hi, I'm Italian and I give private lessons.

People usually find it very helpful to be able to talk to a native speaker, especially if you want to get a grasp of the actual spoken language, ask questions and interact.

I recently moved form Pennsylvania to South Carolina so unfortunately I had to leave my students...

Now I am teaching Italian on line.

If you are interested and would like to try, check my profile at the following link:

https://www.verbalplanet.com/tutorviewpr...

You will have a wonderful time in Italy!