Are you preparing for a semester, vacation, or business trip abroad and looking to learn Italian or any language fast? After years of wishing my Nonno had taught my mother and me to speak Italian since birth, I decided to teach myself. While methods such as taking an Italian course are often the easiest solution, not everyone may be capable of committing the time and money. For others, the class environment may not be the most comfortable way of learning, as the beginning can be intimidating. Whatever your circumstances, here is how I learned and continue to study the Italian language.
Journal
First, the most important part to learning any language is starting a language journal. When beginning my language journey, I looked up the most commonly used words and phrases and wrote them out in my Italian journal. Throughout this article, many of the tips discussed revert back to what I have written in the journal. During the day, every new word I learn, I write on my phone to be transferred into my journal. I have also started to take note of the things I often say in English and how that might translate into Italian. Reviewing your written vocabulary is one of the most rewarding activities as it demonstrates your growth. Encouragements like this are necessary when learning a language as it can often feel like a long and everlasting process, but incredibly fulfilling when you realize how far you have come.
Reading and Writing
Another important part of perfecting your proficiency in a language comes with reading. For a beginner, this might sound challenging; but as an exercise, I recommend starting with children’s books and translating the words you don’t know. As you progress, you can start to make notes about the grammar and tenses being used. I began by translating the children’s book, Cielo di Ciliegie. I would read along while simultaneously listening to the audio recording I found online, so I was also hearing the pronunciation. I eventually progressed to rereading some of my favorite childhood books like, The Lightning Thief. I was able to follow the storyline and widen my vocabulary at a comfortable, challenging level. Newspapers, magazines, and church pamphlets are also useful, and readily accessible for those abroad. Above all, a majority of my reading and writing comes from my text messages with my Italian friends. I recognize it is easier for me to have Italian speaking friends while living in Italy; however, certain resources can connect people from all over the world.
Language Apps
Hello Talk is an app I briefly used at the beginning of my learning experience. You read through profiles to select partners for a native exchange and correct each other’s messages and grammar in the form of texting.
The app Italki is also incredibly useful for those looking to connect themselves with a tutor one-on-one at a flexible time and at affordable prices. Similarly, you can search through profiles before asking a tutor to accept you and your hours.
Lastly, while many joke and question the effectiveness of Duolingo, it is a great resource for beginners looking to wet the sponge. Though Duolingo does include notes and instructions for grammar, I found it was better for learning vocabulary. Additionally, it offers short stories for you to read through and makes note of your most common errors, so you can practice and correct them. I prefer this app as you’re able to test into higher levels where you feel more challenged. It is free with ads or you skip them with a subscription. Duolingo helps to keep my studying consistent in fun ways. I must say I am a sucker for keeping my 500+ day streak and receiving medallions for completing the monthly challenges.
Media
I am a firm believer that the more relaxed and enjoyable the process, the easier a person will learn. It’s no secret that in today’s society the best way to target a person’s attention is through the media. By utilizing apps such as Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and music and television, a person can learn without even trying. Countless professors have now taken to social platforms to promote their services and connect with a larger audience. In short videos they break down grammatical rules or share phrases and vocabulary I have found helpful. My favorite Instagrammer and Youtuber for learning Italian is, “Learn Italian with Lucrezia”. I have also made a playlist of all of my favorite Italian songs that I listen to as often as possible. I typically write out the lyrics and translate whatever I cannot understand in my Italian journal. While driving or before going to sleep at night, I would search Youtube videos of the most common Italian phrases and repeat them back. To this day, I will often put on Italian cartoons as I go to bed.
Film and Television With the start of streaming comes the much easier opportunity to watch and listen to Italian television from anywhere in the world. While sites such as Netflix offer a multitude of international entertainment, it is also possible to watch your favorite TV shows in different audio. Change the settings so anytime you want to kick back and watch another episode of The Office, you are doing so in Italian. You can follow along with the English subtitles until your proficiency grows. To name some Italian TV series on Netflix, you can watch in the States with translations. I recommend: I Hate Christmas, Baby, Luna Park, Summertime, Generation 56k, and my all time favorite, The Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts. This show is of special interest to me, not only because it contains all my interests, but because I had the opportunity to speak with the Director, Bindu. Much like the show’s main character, I am a young female aspiring to work in Film in Italy. Bindu kindly encouraged me to follow my passions. Now even the show’s soundtrack has become a comfort to me. It was also special for my mom and me to watch simultaneously while she was in New York and I was in Italy.
Immersion
There is no substitute for the opportunity of immersion. Today universities recognize the importance of a cultural education by encouraging students to study abroad. While I recognize not everyone may have the opportunity, I will note on average it costs students less for a semester abroad than if they were to stay on campus in the U.S. Scholarships are also extended for abroad programs so all students can pursue if they’re interested. It is the shopping sprees, and additional travel expenses that make the semester costly, but for those willing to commit themselves to a few weeks of an immersion course in Italy, they would be surprised by their progress. I recommend Leonardo Da Vinci School of Language with locations in both Rome and Florence. The school also offers virtual courses at a lower cost until you are ready to take the leap abroad.
In the end, you will only be as good as your dedication to learning the language. I recall a friend having lived 5 years in Florence with her Italian boyfriend who struggled to understand and ultimately refused to speak the language. Juxtaposing, I have friends who have studied Italian in a class environment or have bought grammar books but are too afraid to speak. That is why I say above all, the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and to have fun. If you are abroad, take full advantage of the opportunity to learn the language on your own. Other helpful ways I’ve tried to learn was by attending plays or movies in Italian and mass if you are religious. Labeling items in Italian with sticky notes around the house is another easy way to learn! When learning a new language, you must be willing to laugh at yourself because you are going to make mistakes. When I first started out, I asked a shopkeeper to show me the coltello (knife) on display in the window instead of the collana (necklace). It can be confusing and frustrating, but for those willing to put in the effort, it can be astonishing how the mind can learn and grow.