7 tips for studying beginner’s Italian
7 tips for studying beginner’s Italian
By Stephanie Oley
Been hovering around the ‘Enrol now’ button for beginner’s Italian classes, but not quite ready to take the leap? Our longtime tutor, Antonella Beconi, shares her answers to seven commonly asked questions that might help.
Q: The whole world speaks English. Why learn another language?
Learning a language isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary, although that’s certainly a part of it. Language makes you more conscious of culture, and how other people think and live. It also trains your logical responses. When you speak in another language, you’re forced to use your head. By contrast, when you speak in your own language, you’re drawing a lot more on your heart and your gut.
Q: I’m nervous about learning another language. Is this going to be hard?
Of course not! Speaking another language builds confidence by pushing you out of your comfort zone. You will make mistakes in front of other people; you will laugh; you will support each other. Learning a language ultimately makes you obsess less about any potential mistakes, and you’ll even learn to appreciate being corrected.
Q: How much Italian will I realistically learn in 10 weeks?
In CCE’s 10-week beginner’s Italian course, you’ll learn how to pronounce Italian sounds, introduce yourself and even talk about your work or interests a little. But mostly, you’ll learn how to adopt the open and lively manner in which Italians communicate.
Q: How can I keep learning after the beginner’s Italian course?
You will get a lot out of our follow-up course. This will give you an introduction to basic grammar, such as verbs and conjugations, helping you build sentences more confidently. The follow-up course ends up being a good refresher of English skills, since grammar hasn’t been taught in Australia for many years. In other words, after 20 weeks of Italian, you’ll be very confident with your skillset.
This will make a big difference if, like many of our participants, you are planning to work in the Italian food or wine scene, or you’re planning some travels. It’ll help with any studies to pass an exam, and it’ll even help you understand your Italian in-laws better if that’s your goal.Q: I don’t have anyone to practice with. How will I stay motivated?
Firstly, remember that this whole course is designed to keep you engaged. We use a lot of conversations, games, online exercises, books and videos. It’s easier to absorb than you think, and you don’t even need to understand all the words. Many of us don’t understand everything in our own language, either – think of a dense article on medicine, engineering or other technical subject, for example. The brain is a muscle, and it will relish every opportunity to absorb this new skill.
Secondly, you’ll make new friends at this course. You’ll learn a lot from them, and get up-to-date insights into the Italian language and culture. That’s worth a lot in itself.
Q: How have other participants used their beginner’s Italian skills?
There are so many. Some of our alumni have bought a house in Italy, and now live there several months a year. Others travel there regularly, or simply pass through Italy during their other European travels. You can get almost anywhere in a 2-hour flight from Italy – whether it’s Cairo, Lisbon or London. Just about any journey can take you through Italy.
Q: Any final tips on how to get the most out of beginner’s Italian?
Don’t stress or overthink language – just roll with it! Find a friend to practice with. And finally, remember that a proper course will teach you many more correct and current skills than any app or self-paced method.