Learning a new language can be difficult, especially if you weren’t raised with it or learned it while young. Italian in particular can be a tricky language, as it has a total of 21 tenses, compared to 12 in English, and seven moods, according to The Local Italy. This can make even the simplest of things, like learning how to ask for the bathroom or order a coffee, stressful and complicated.
From watching television shows and immersing yourself in local culture, here are 6 ways you can learn Italian.
(Photo Credit: davidschool.com)
Immerse Yourself
According to the BBC, total immersion is the key to mastering a foreign language quickly. The more you are immersed, in terms of reading, interacting with locals, or listening to the radio, the quicker your absorption of the language will be.
Use Phrase Books or Online Tools
Simple phrase books and online tutorials can be helpful in the beginning stages of learning a language. These tools provide basic but crucial vocabulary that can gradually be used to build up confidence in initiating basic conversations with native speakers, According to the BBC.
Read Children’s Books or Watch Movies
Reading children’s illustrated books can build up a simple vocabulary base that is crucial to learning a new language. Watching foreign language films with English subtitles can also help in these early stages.
I cesaroni is one of the best comedy shows in Italian to learn how to speak Italian. (Photo Credit: mosalingua.com)
Practice with Native Speakers
Conversing with native speakers can help exercise and strengthen conversational skills and aid in understanding the various contexts certain words can be used, according to Forbes. Native speakers will also be able to provide feedback and help correct syntax and grammar.
Make Learning the Language a Habit
Set learning goals and make sure to set time aside every day, or every other day, to study. According to Forbes, humans benefit from creating and maintaining good habits that eventually become second nature. Make sure to not only create a study schedule when learning a new language but to also stick to it.
Practice with Apps or Online Programs
Make learning fun by using apps or online programs. These will not only strengthen vocabulary and grammar skills but will also test them and help you track your progress. Babel, Duolingo, and Drop are apps that can help you learn Italian.
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, The Christian Science Monitor, and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.