Multi-Language Cafe
Multi-Language Cafe
Search courses
Login
Register

Courses and Teachers : Italian
Q:
What do you like the most about teaching Italian?
A:

Since I am bilingual and have TWO native languages and I am teaching both, I will answer for both languages! :)

ITALIAN & GERMAN: I especially love teaching the cultural aspects and helping my students get an understanding of life and culture in Italy (or in Germany). Another thing I love is when a student falls in love with the language!


 
Q:
When did you start teaching Italian?
A:

- GERMAN: I started teaching in schools right after graduating from University (I hold a Master’s Degree in Foreign Languages and Literature from Turin University, specializing in German Studies), that is in 1992! When I was at University I taught some informal classes.

- ITALIAN: My first formal Italian lessons were in the late 90’s, when I started teaching Italian as a second/foreign language at language schools in Italy, along with German.


 
Q:
In your experience, what are the most common reasons for wanting to learn Italian?
A:

- GERMAN: The most common reasons are job-related: planning to move to a German speaking country, already living in a German speaking country and wanting to improve one’s German, having or seeking a job where German is required. In some cases foreign University students who study in a German speaking country also take up German lessons. But many students just love the culture, philosophy and literature!

- ITALIAN: The most common reasons are culture-related. Many students love the Italian culture and travel to Italy for holidays, so they want to learn how to communicate in Italian. And some have relatives in Italy.


 
Q:
How difficult is it to learn Italian, compared to other languages?
A:

I wouldn’t say there are “easy” languages and “difficult” languages! Every time someone asks me whether Italian or German is easier to learn, I always say they are both difficult in different ways. Both are relatively easy regarding pronunciation, since they have fixed rules. Grammar is the most difficult part in both.


 
Q:
What aspects of Italian culture are your students usually interested in?
A:

- ITALIAN: mostly art, food, lifestyle, music and movies.

- GERMAN: mostly literature, philosophy, life in Germany.


 
Q:
What's the hardest part of teaching Italian?
A:

- ITALIAN: probably explaining the grammar, and especially the verb system.

- GERMAN: again, I would say explaining grammar rules, in this case especially declension (of articles, adjectives, pronouns…) and the use of prepositions.


 
Q:
What makes a good Italian student?
A:

GERMAN & ITALIAN: Being motivated is always very important! Being open minded and understanding that all languages are different is also very important. A successful student usually devotes daily time to studying the language of their choice, and is prepared to work independently as well.


 
Q:
What's the hardest part of learning Italian?
A:

ITALIAN & GERMAN: the grammar for both! I would say that for students having English as a native language, they are both equally difficult. For French and Spanish speakers Italian is easier, as the grammar is fairly similar.


 
Q:
What is your advice for students who are struggling?
A:

ITALIAN & GERMAN: Don’t give up! Set yourself small daily goals: better learning a little every day than trying to learn large chunks once in a while.


 
Q:
How long does it take to become fluent in Italian?
A:

ITALIAN & GERMAN: There is no catch-all answer! It really depends on many factors. Some people learn quicker, other people need more time… I’ve had particularly gifted students become perfectly fluent in just one year, but I’d say that normally it takes a few years if you aren’t living in the country. Don’t believe ads that tell you that you can become fluent in just one or two months! Becoming fluent in a language is fun, but it’s also hard work.


 

New postCreate a new post (Forum: Italian)

Examples: French, Piano, Tokyo, Germany...