A Few Tips for Learning Italian

1. Studying a language is a cumulative. Be aware that each higher level will be slightly more difficult. Therefore, you have to make sure that you have mastered all material covered so far. This means that you need to review earlier material on your own, on a regular basis. It is perfectly natural that you forget vocabulary, irregular forms of verbs and other grammatical rules, but this is why you need to review them on your own as often as you can.

2. Studying a language is mostly done by the student. Be aware that the most important part of leaning a language has to be done by you at home. Classroom time is really for practicing what you have learnt on your own and for receiving clarifications on the material. You will not learn a language by just coming to class. You need a lot of reinforcement of the material and 4 hours a week is not enough to achieve a reasonable level. In addition, be aware that there is an important mechanic component to the study of any language: the vocabulary and the irregular forms of verbs need to be learnt systematically. It is not enough to understand them, you have to know all these forms and be able to use them. Remember also that although the goal of learning a language is communication, it can only happen with a high degree of precision. Always learn the exact spelling of new words and reread very carefully your compositions and exams, checking for agreements, spelling, correct tenses, etc….. Finally, study daily: cramming the day before a language exam does not work.

3. Studying a language needs a lot of reinforcement. Get exposed to Italian as much as possible. This way, it will get easier and more fun: use your class time efficiently by listening carefully to your instructor (the vocabulary and grammatical structures s/he uses, his/her pronunciation and his/her intonation) speak and write to your classmates or other friends, rent Italian videos, listen to Italian songs and surf the Net.

4. The benefits and rewards of knowing Italian. Finally, enjoy studying Italian and think about all that the knowledge of Italian will bring you: as with the knowledge of any language, it opens a door to new worlds, cultural, intellectual and personal. As you probably already know, going abroad is a unique and invaluable experience: imagine then what it could mean if you could stay in a country for an extended period of time and share its daily life speaking the language.

5. The minor and major in Italian cultural Studies work well with the EAP program in Italy. We really encourage you to think beyond the language requirement and consider taking Italian as a minor or a major. We also very warmly recommend the EAP program in Italy: this experience will enrich your life at all levels, both intellectually and personally in a way that you cannot possibly imagine yet. Do not hesitate to ask your instructor, the EAP office (South Hall 2431) or the French and Italian Department (Phelps 5206) for more information about the minor, the major or the EAP program.