Italian is often considered one of the most beautiful languages in the world, so it comes as no surprise that there are tons of language learners. If your goal is to become fluent in Italian, America Domani is here to help! Whether you have an Italian family you want to converse with or you want to build your vocabulary for an upcoming trip, America Domani has compiled a list of free resources that will help you on your Italian language-learning journey.
Watching Movies and TV Shows
Did you know that you can improve your Italian listening comprehension by simply watching TV? Netflix and other streaming platforms offer countless options of Italian shows and movies that are the perfect opportunity to improve your Italian. Incorporating these shows and movies into your down time will not only improve your listening skills, but will also get you more connected to Italian culture. A great way to maximize this resource even further is to download the free Chrome extension “Language Reactor”, which allows you to watch Netflix media with English and Italian subtitles simultaneously. For beginner Italian learners, you can also slow down the playback speed of the video so that you can absorb more new vocabulary.
Memorizing Italian Vocabulary
After absorbing new Italian vocabulary, the next step is to commit these words to memory. One of the most effective methods of memorizing words in a foreign language is one you’re probably already familiar with: creating flashcards. While the thought of creating a flashcard deck may seem old-fashioned, flashcards have stood the test of time as being a great technique for memorization. Luckily, you don’t have to make physical flashcards, as there are many free apps, such as Quizlet or Anki Pro, where you can input the new vocabulary you’re learning from Italian shows and movies. The best part about flashcard apps is that you can practice Italian from your phone on the go, which helps build consistency into your language learning routine.
Reading in Italian
Reading comprehension is another key element to improving your language skills and luckily there’s plenty of free reading material available. Many websites, such as Italiano Bello, offer free eBooks that range from levels A1 to B1. Another way to find free reading material for learning Italian is by checking out your local library. Libraries often have children’s books in foreign languages, which make perfect practice for beginner learners, as well as language learning books to ensure your sentences are grammatically sound. If you’re an advanced learner and want to challenge your skills even further, reading articles from Italian news outlets is a fantastic way to not only improve your Italian but also keep tabs on current events.
Emily Rascon
Emily Rascon is from San Diego, California and is currently in the process of completing her Masters in Human Geography through the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. She has always had a passion for traveling and learning new languages, having lived in Germany and now Italy. Emily loves reading books, going hiking, and of course, practicing her Italian! In addition, Emily enjoys creating content on TikTok, where she documents her life abroad and encourages people to find the confidence to pursue their inner wanderlust.