I've decided to splurge and take Pinsleur online. As usual my studies include Duolingo, Coffee Break Italian, reading, watching Italian films. I also have two conversation partners in Italy. In order to prepare for these conversations, I've been writing short essays about my life and reading them in Italian.
Hi Owen, that's great that you've continued your lessons on Skype. I've been wary about booking a trip with all the restrictions. Dissertation writing and research have kept me too busy, which may be a blessing in disguise. But I do hope to visit Italy next year for sure!
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic I have continued my group Italian lessons but our teacher has held them on Zoom instead of with the class face to face. I added to this 2 sessions each week with 2 different Italian teachers based in Italy and I have found this to be very valuable. I listen everyday to the SBS Radio Italian Podcasts which cover a wide range of topics and I am following a 30 part series on the Middle Ages (Written & Audio) by OnlineItalianClub
Oh wow, that's cool! I'm glad that teachers and instructors have been able to adapt! I also love the SBS Radio Italian Podcasts, too (you can also listen to them live online, too).
I have been scrolling through Italian TikTok and have found a lot of content creators. Many of them are speaking in a very informal Italian, but there are others who are simpler to understand or are doing comedic routines. Since a TikTok is typically 1 minute or less, these are bite-sized bits of Italian that I can listen to over and over again until I "get it" to understand the message. One of my favorites is adrianathrr, a young woman who does brief recipes but using funny terms (for example instead of "farina" she says "polvere biano" and instead of "cipolle" she says "punti di lacrima". Another good one is "almostfiorentina," a Canadian who does a mix of Italian/English but usually commenting on Tuscan slang terms.
That's cool! I have TikTok on my phone, but I rarely use it. I have to admit, I don't really get into a lot of social media stuff. I'll check out this user that you suggested. I'm always looking for new places to practice and listen.
I am not a big fan of television, but I have been watching Italian TV shows to keep my listening skills up, like Rocco Schiavone and Murders at BarLume. Someone else recommended "Inspector Manara," but I haven't checked it out yet.
I've decided to splurge and take Pinsleur online. As usual my studies include Duolingo, Coffee Break Italian, reading, watching Italian films. I also have two conversation partners in Italy. In order to prepare for these conversations, I've been writing short essays about my life and reading them in Italian.
Hi Zoe, those sound like great techniques, especially as you are speaking, writing, and listening to the language!
We have continued our Skype lessons with https://www.linguaitaliana.com/ through out the covid period. And indeed, are planning to leave on a trip to Camerano IT to have lessons in person. BUT just today the NYTimes had an article on EU restrictions being introduced against the US: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/29/world/europe/eu-us-travel-restrictions.html
Hopefully this will all work out.
Hi Owen, that's great that you've continued your lessons on Skype. I've been wary about booking a trip with all the restrictions. Dissertation writing and research have kept me too busy, which may be a blessing in disguise. But I do hope to visit Italy next year for sure!
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic I have continued my group Italian lessons but our teacher has held them on Zoom instead of with the class face to face. I added to this 2 sessions each week with 2 different Italian teachers based in Italy and I have found this to be very valuable. I listen everyday to the SBS Radio Italian Podcasts which cover a wide range of topics and I am following a 30 part series on the Middle Ages (Written & Audio) by OnlineItalianClub
Oh wow, that's cool! I'm glad that teachers and instructors have been able to adapt! I also love the SBS Radio Italian Podcasts, too (you can also listen to them live online, too).
I have been scrolling through Italian TikTok and have found a lot of content creators. Many of them are speaking in a very informal Italian, but there are others who are simpler to understand or are doing comedic routines. Since a TikTok is typically 1 minute or less, these are bite-sized bits of Italian that I can listen to over and over again until I "get it" to understand the message. One of my favorites is adrianathrr, a young woman who does brief recipes but using funny terms (for example instead of "farina" she says "polvere biano" and instead of "cipolle" she says "punti di lacrima". Another good one is "almostfiorentina," a Canadian who does a mix of Italian/English but usually commenting on Tuscan slang terms.
That's cool! I have TikTok on my phone, but I rarely use it. I have to admit, I don't really get into a lot of social media stuff. I'll check out this user that you suggested. I'm always looking for new places to practice and listen.
Thanks to all who are/have responding/responded - I'm sure these tips and ideas are useful for others!
I am not a big fan of television, but I have been watching Italian TV shows to keep my listening skills up, like Rocco Schiavone and Murders at BarLume. Someone else recommended "Inspector Manara," but I haven't checked it out yet.