I can't even begin to remember all the various titles I have tried. Like you, I started my Italian Language Lessons in an area where there was virtually NO possiblity of aid from any outside sources.
I have multiple CD programs, workbooks, movies, etc...
I think a mix of many has worked for me. I took one semester at Western MI Uni and my workbook was Prego (available on e-bay too). Later on I had a tutor who actually taught Italian language at UofM. She used the book in her class as well. It is really great explaining the grammatical structure.
I have numerous vocabulary books and a couple of great dictionaries. I keep one in my purse to peruse any time I have a few extra minutes.
I have the full set of Pimsleur Cd's (3 Levels w/16 CD's in each level)in my car. I like them for pronunciation practice while driving.
Barron's Mastering Italian is fantastic for fine tuning pronunciation. The set comes with 15 CD's and a book to follow along with the audio. The issue I have with them is that after the first few CD's you actually need to be sitting in front of the CD player, book in hand ready to switch the CD off and on.
DVD's with sub-titles are great too. You can turn off the sub-titles at any time and force yourself to pick up words and phrases. Of course, I have watched most of my movies so many times I'm not quite sure if I actually understand what is being said or I just know it by heart. Still, once in a while I surprise myself when I pick up a phrase that I didn't recognize before.
There are numerous workbooks and software programs available on e-bay. The software programs usually contain all kinds of games and such and I find entertaining when I'm vegging in front of the computer.
Of course, nothing beats actually being in Italy and being around native speaking Italians for learning the language. Few of us have the luxury to use that venue.....so we make do.
You can also pick up Italian radion and television programs at www.witv.com.
Posts: 690 | Location: Michigan | Registered: 14 January 2005
If you have a computer you might try the Instant Immersion Italian Deluxe CD-Rom. It is the most helpful tool I've found. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009ZLJ...267-0592104?v=glance I found that a lot of workbooks and CD's were designed to teach you basic tourist language, but not any grammer or advanced material. It has videos of pronunciation, and if you get a microphone you can talk to it and it will grade your pronunciation. I still like to have a few workbooks and my English Grammer for Students of Italian book to round out the experience, but I love it! Just keep in mind it is an immersion style learning program so you don't get walked through it bit by bit you jump right into videos and vocab. Immersion style learning can be intimidating, but I found it to be the only way I advanced while studying alone. Tracey
Can you please tell me what type of advanced grammar & material is on these CDs? Our class of four will soon be finished with books we bought in Italy and will be looking for new material. From your explanation, it appears that the CD is listening and comprehension...è vero? Are these similar to the Pimsleur CDs? pat
Can you please tell me what type of advanced grammar & material is on these CDs? Our class of four will soon be finished with books we bought in Italy and will be looking for new material. From your explanation, it appears that the CD is listening and comprehension...è vero? Are these similar to the Pimsleur CDs? pat
I've never used the Pimsler CD's. I would say they are nothing like any program I've used before. If you want I could mail you my first CD, I'm done with it. That way you could try it before you buy it. Tracey
I've never used the Pimsler CD's. I would say they are nothing like any program I've used before. If you want I could mail you my first CD, I'm done with it. That way you could try it before you buy it. Tracey
Tracey,
It is very nice of you to offer to mail one of your CD's. However, there is the chance that it could be lost in the mail, and then, you would be out that CD. Can you "burn" a copy of the CD? If this works out for you, I'll send you my address by e-mail. Would you be interested in knowing about the grammar books we bought in Italy? They were recommended by teachers at the school we attended and we are very pleased with them. I am sure that some place on-line you would be able to purchase them...pat
I don't have a burner sorry. I don't mind just letting you keep the CD-rom, I've completed that level. I would love to hear about the grammer books, I need all the help I can get with grammer My email is: art.fireflystudio@gmail.com
Originally posted by firefly studio: I don't have a burner sorry. I don't mind just letting you keep the CD-rom, I've completed that level. I would love to hear about the grammer books, I need all the help I can get with grammer My email is: art.fireflystudio@gmail.com
There are 4 books in the set:
"Qui Italia" Quaderno di esercitazioni & the Soluzioni (small book)
"Qui Italia" Lingua e grammatica & Grammar Notes for English Speaking Students (small book)
There is also a tape, which we did not buy.
Although the books start easy, they are not for people who have not studied Italian. Everything is in Italian (except the Grammar Notes) including the directions. There are many phrases that are not always found in a good dictionary. We have an Italian teacher once a month who we helps us with these types of issues. i.e. the first time we read "Abbiamo incontrato un sacco di gente..." we roared. (group of people) Now, they have a perfectly good word for group (gruppo), why they chose this phrase is another discussion.
Some of the grammar covered: reflexsive, future, imperfect, direct & indirect pronouns, conditional, gerund, etc. too many to list fully. The exercise book is excellent. We paid $40 (during Lira era) in Florence.
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