This group will be starting on Tuesday 14th July.

Please contact the Group Leader for further details of this new group.

About the course:

The course is a very basic introduction to the Italian language. It is aimed to give confidence for anyone thinking of visiting Italy that they will be able to understand a little of what they encounter.

The course will run for one hour each week on a Tuesday from 2:30pm to 3:30pm with the exception of the third Tuesday in the month for the St Neots U3a Monthly Meeting.. Any less frequently isn’t enough to reinforce the preceding lesson.

The course is based around a book "Italian for Dummies", which is readily available from Amazon (see Resources). The latest edition is the All-in-One version. We don't follow the book entirely (it's rather large and comprehensive), but tailor it to suit the interests of the class and use some additional material as well.

To get the most out of the class it will be necessary to practice at home so to encourage this a little homework will be provided (using the book mainly). The class on it's own is unlikely to provide enough practice to progress and repetition for any language is the key.

It is recommended that you keep a small notebook in which to jot down new words as you encounter them (again repetition through writing being the key to retention). Basic classwork will initially be laying the foundation of the grammar using slide presentations and starting some simple every day phrases. Copies of the slides will be available as pdf files so you won’t need to take copious notes in class – just words for your personal dictionary.

Exercises in class will only need pencil and paper and the book.

It will be an advantage to have a computer or tablet so that class notes can be received and the audio tracks included with the book downloaded. A smart-phone would work but the small screen will be more difficult to use.

I can also email audio tracks for those who have difficulty downloading from the internet, although obviously you will still need an email address. No additional software is required – standard files will be PDF for lessons and MP3 for audio tracks (but alternatives can also be provided).

The audio tracks are the best way to understand the pronunciation – my attempts can only give a rough guide. I will guide you through the basic grammar. The first week will be getting to know how we will work and understanding what you want to get out of the class and to allow time for you to obtain the book. So come armed with at least a notebook to start your personal dictionary.

Resources:

Essential: Italian for Dummies All-in-One Edition. Amazon website page : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1118510607/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?psc=1&aref=CTER5wqpyb&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfc2hhcmVk

£21.99 (currently discounted to £17.99) Some used at £10.46 and a Kindle edition.

The audio tracks included for this book are available on-line only - no CD as previous editions.

If you have an earlier edition it will still be possible to use it.

Useful:

1. Collins easy learning Italian Dictionary ISBN 978-0-00-726106-2. Has some learning resources included and has on-line resources. Comprehensive but large for travel.

2. Collins Dictionary website: http://dictionary.reverso.net/italian-english/cio%C3%A8, with pronunciation.

3. Collins Pocket Italian Dictionary ISBN 978-0-00-470772-9.

4. Collins Gem Italian Dictionary ISBN 978-0-00-728450-4. The smallest of the two.

5. Berlitz Italian for travellers ISBN 0-304-96387-9. Useful words and phrases. All you need for travelling once you have the basics.

I can show you each of these before you decide what you would find most useful