How can I complement my evening course in Italian?
Friday, 24th April 2009
Taking a part-time evening course in Italian is a fantastic way to learn the language. Indeed, often in the UK it’s one of the only ways to learn it given that French, Spanish and German continue to dominate the language learning options in secondary education.
For this reason, a large number of people who study Italian in evening course format are beginners, or elementary level learners. At this stage especially, it’s really important to practise what you’ve learnt as much as you can in order to retain the knowledge and gain a solid basic level from which you can progress to the higher levels of proficiency.
Some people choose to supplement evening classes with either online learning material, or CD/pod cast based lessons, which can be very helpful for consolidating what you have learnt in the classroom.
Sometimes finding motivation for this type of self-study, especially when much of it relates to grammatical aspects, can be hard though! Italian is a language that represents a hugely rich nation in terms not only of culture and history but also gastronomy. Learning about, or experiencing these things will not only add to your enjoyment and appreciation of the language, it will also offer you that all - important exposure to vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation too.
With such a huge number of Italian restaurants in every UK town, there are opportunities a plenty to sample Italy’s famous culinary delights and try your hand at some authentic-sounding ordering of pasta and pizza. If you go to one of the Frankie and Benny’s chain of restaurants you can even be treated to an audio Italian lesson when you make a trip to the toilet!
As for culture and history, one of the best ways to learn about these is to watch Italian films and read Italian books. Ok, as a beginner or low-level learner of the language reading a book in the foreign language is not really an option. Watching films however is a another story. There are many, many great Italian films both old and new, including La Dolce Vita (1960), Il Postino (1994) and La vita è bella (1997) to name but a few. With foreign language dvds so readily available, and arts cinemas dotted all around the country that show films from all over the world in all kind of languages, there’s no excuse. Sure, you’ll probably need to watch with subtitles, but it will give you the chance to familiarise yourself with the sounds of the language and the way in which Italian people converse.
Aside from visiting Italian eateries and watching Italian films, there are many cultural events and exhibitions that you can attend. One body that promotes and provides information on these is the Italian Cultural Institute in London. Websites such as madaboutitaly.com and the British-Italian society are also great for providing listings of Italian-themed events.
Of course, the ultimate aid to your Italian learning will be to go to the country and immerse yourself in all-that-is-Italy. Language courses are available in lots of locations around the country, but if that’s not an option even a long weekend here or there will be hugely beneficial. What better reason to head to this beautiful and fascinating country?
Tags: culture, learning, italian, evening class, italy, languages, part-time evening course, language course
Posted by Laura Harrison under Attitudes to Language Learning, Experience Cultures,
Permalink
