There is currently a bit of a debate about how we should all use the extra time that so many of us find on our hands at the moment. At first, many advocated for finally getting to work on hobbies that you never seem to have enough time for, for starting that novel you have always wanted to write, for getting fit. Then, a wave of think pieces followed that said it was better to use this time to relax, to reset, to be bored again, rather than constantly stimulated and putting yourself to work. Perhaps, though, the answer is actually somewhere in between, in a place where you're not trying to maintain the hectic pace of life many of us normally suffer under and you're not taking on too much but you're also making time for something that you have always wished you had time to do, such as brushing up on your language skills.
Of course, with the internet and all of the resources at our disposal today, you don't necessarily have to speak a language to travel to a country but it always helps and makes things easier. Italy, for example, is a place where you can get by without speaking the language but speaking Italian makes it easier to seem friendly, get better service, get better deals, and get more information and tips. So, if you love Italy as a travel destination and look forward to your next trip, and you have some extra time on your hands right now, why not brush up on any existing language skills you have or start learning the language from scratch?
Below, we have compiled a list of some excellent resources, websites, and more to help you get started on your Italian-learning journey! In bocca al lupo (Good luck)!
Of course, with the internet and all of the resources at our disposal today, you don't necessarily have to speak a language to travel to a country but it always helps and makes things easier. Italy, for example, is a place where you can get by without speaking the language but speaking Italian makes it easier to seem friendly, get better service, get better deals, and get more information and tips. So, if you love Italy as a travel destination and look forward to your next trip, and you have some extra time on your hands right now, why not brush up on any existing language skills you have or start learning the language from scratch?
Below, we have compiled a list of some excellent resources, websites, and more to help you get started on your Italian-learning journey! In bocca al lupo (Good luck)!
1. Basic Phrases
If you are interested in just learning the bear minimum that you will need to get by or you want to start off really slow, this page offers a good list of some key basic phrases in Italian, which also play an audio clip of the pronunciation when clicked to ensure that you are getting it absolutely correct. An easy way to kick off your Italian-learning journey!
2. Duolingo
Duolingo is a famous and popular language-learning website that you are likely already familiar with. It is free, intuitive, quick, and efficient and is a great way to get started with a new language. The app and website are both easy to use and offer bite-sized sessions that fit into your day, while also sending you reminders and notifications to keep you on track and accountable. An excellent place to start on any language-learning journey!
If you are interested in just learning the bear minimum that you will need to get by or you want to start off really slow, this page offers a good list of some key basic phrases in Italian, which also play an audio clip of the pronunciation when clicked to ensure that you are getting it absolutely correct. An easy way to kick off your Italian-learning journey!
2. Duolingo
Duolingo is a famous and popular language-learning website that you are likely already familiar with. It is free, intuitive, quick, and efficient and is a great way to get started with a new language. The app and website are both easy to use and offer bite-sized sessions that fit into your day, while also sending you reminders and notifications to keep you on track and accountable. An excellent place to start on any language-learning journey!
3. Tinycards
Tinycards is another app from Duolingo and a perfect accompaniment for those use Duolingo, offering different packs of virtual flashcards that you can flick through to help build up your vocabulary. Gamified and easy to use, just like Duolingo, it makes for a fun and appealing way to learn and to fit it into your day, everyday.
Tinycards is another app from Duolingo and a perfect accompaniment for those use Duolingo, offering different packs of virtual flashcards that you can flick through to help build up your vocabulary. Gamified and easy to use, just like Duolingo, it makes for a fun and appealing way to learn and to fit it into your day, everyday.
4. Online Italian Club
For those who need more active learning resources and to do various questions and exercises in order to learn as you go, Online Italian Club is just the ticket! With lots of free and paid resources such as lessons, level tests, listening exercises, grammar exercises, conversation prompts with audio and transcripts of examples, vocabulary lists organised by theme, verb conjugations, literature resources, and more, all arranged by language skill level, there are plenty of different tools to help you grow your competency in Italian further. While some resources require a membership, there are lots and lots of free resources to allow you to try them out and see if they suit you and your needs before you need to commit to something financially. This site is the perfect option for those interested in more traditional language-learning methods and materials and who want to get a little bit more serious.
For those who need more active learning resources and to do various questions and exercises in order to learn as you go, Online Italian Club is just the ticket! With lots of free and paid resources such as lessons, level tests, listening exercises, grammar exercises, conversation prompts with audio and transcripts of examples, vocabulary lists organised by theme, verb conjugations, literature resources, and more, all arranged by language skill level, there are plenty of different tools to help you grow your competency in Italian further. While some resources require a membership, there are lots and lots of free resources to allow you to try them out and see if they suit you and your needs before you need to commit to something financially. This site is the perfect option for those interested in more traditional language-learning methods and materials and who want to get a little bit more serious.
5. News In Slow Italian
Reading, writing, listening to short audio clips, doing grammar exercises, these are all important and useful when learning a language. However, if you want to become more fluent and confident, constant exposure is necessary. This website and app is designed for intermediate Italian learners and uploads podcasts of weekly news and current events stories that are read at a slower pace, which allows those improving their Italian to enhance their comprehension skills. The audio is accompanied by a transcript with translations to help you out when stuck and to allow you to learn new vocab. In addition to the news, you will be introduced to grammar and idiomatic expressions as used in context, pronunciation guides, live conversations, and quizzes. This option goes far beyond just learning a couple of phrases to throw out on holidays in Italy and is ideal for those who are really looking to improve their language skills and build up a good ability to listen and respond in Italian. It is for those who want to be able to have actual conversations. It is also an interesting and engaging way to learn, introducing you to Italian culture and current issues at large as well as the nuts and bolts of the language, which is important for those looking to be able to really communicate in Italian.
So, no matter what level you are at or how much you want to learn or in what way you like to learn, this list of resources is an ideal place to start for those looking to use this time to work on their Italian as we all look ahead and dream of when we can visit Italy once more.
Reading, writing, listening to short audio clips, doing grammar exercises, these are all important and useful when learning a language. However, if you want to become more fluent and confident, constant exposure is necessary. This website and app is designed for intermediate Italian learners and uploads podcasts of weekly news and current events stories that are read at a slower pace, which allows those improving their Italian to enhance their comprehension skills. The audio is accompanied by a transcript with translations to help you out when stuck and to allow you to learn new vocab. In addition to the news, you will be introduced to grammar and idiomatic expressions as used in context, pronunciation guides, live conversations, and quizzes. This option goes far beyond just learning a couple of phrases to throw out on holidays in Italy and is ideal for those who are really looking to improve their language skills and build up a good ability to listen and respond in Italian. It is for those who want to be able to have actual conversations. It is also an interesting and engaging way to learn, introducing you to Italian culture and current issues at large as well as the nuts and bolts of the language, which is important for those looking to be able to really communicate in Italian.
So, no matter what level you are at or how much you want to learn or in what way you like to learn, this list of resources is an ideal place to start for those looking to use this time to work on their Italian as we all look ahead and dream of when we can visit Italy once more.