How to Learn Italian on Your Own

Thursday, December 03, 2020 Cristian 2 Comments

Many of us would love to learn a new language, and there could be unlimited reasons why that is. However, for some, it can be difficult to get started. It could be that some cannot afford in-person classes, private tutors, study abroad experiences, or simply do not have enough time. But this changes today, because it's never too late to start and it doesn't always have to be costly.

Why learn Italian?

Think about it. Even if you haven't had the chance to set foot in Italy yet, you are likely exposed to Italian culture almost daily. Literature, art, and food from the Bel Paese are known and appreciated all over the world. You will always be able to find the opportunity to show off your Italian knowledge, whether it's during a museum visit, ordering food at an Italian restaurant, or when you ask an Italian out on a date. 

Italian and Colorful Street

How long does it take to learn Italian?

It ultimately depends on your end goal and whether your timeline for achieving it is realistic. If your goal is to get a C2 certification in one month, that probably won't work, and you'll drive yourself insane. If you would like to get to a level that is good enough for you to converse or watch television, and allow yourself enough time to do so, you might have much more fun along the way.

How to learn Italian on your own

Before you start your learning journey, come up with a plan. Choose when you want to study, how much you want to invest (either daily or weekly), and finally gather all the resources available to you. Identify the learning method that is most suitable for you. If you don't enjoy reading, it goes without saying that reading in a foreign language is not going to be a pleasant experience for you. Try listening to music or podcasts instead. Watch TV in Italian. Start with English subtitles and eventually switch to Italian. Last but not least, you should practice your speaking, either with other language learners or, if possible, with natives. 

What to watch in Italian

Netflix has a decent amount of Italian content you might be able to watch from your home country. If that's not the case, try using a VPN. 

Here's a list of Italian series and movies available on Netflix: Cinema Paradiso (Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards, 1989); Life is Beautiful (Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards 1999); Under the Riccione Sun (Netflix Original); SKAM Italia (originated from Norway, every country has now a different version of it); The Life Ahead (Netflix Original); Summertime (Netflix Original); Suburra (Netflix Original); Baby (Netflix Original); Everything Calls for Salvation (Netflix Original).

The more you watch and rate on Netflix, the higher the chances you have of being suggested other shows you might like.

Infinity TV is an Italian streaming platform that contains a greater catalog of Italian movies and TV series, here are some of the most popular ones: Perfetti Sconosciuti, Tutta Colpa di Freud, The Place, Benvenuti al Sud, Benvenuti al Nord, Così è La Vita, Ma Che Bella Sorpresa, I Cesaroni, and many more.

Italian Music for language learners

I don't necessarily like all of these artists. Still, hopefully you will find some whose music you enjoy: Ligabue, Maneskin, Ultimo, Ariete, Coez, Marco Mengoni, Jovanotti, Cesare Cremonini, Negramaro, Fedez, and more. Use a music platform that can suggest similar artists to you until you find your rhythm.

Italian podcasts 

If you are looking for something to listen to while cooking, drawing, commuting, etc, podcasts might be right for you. I haven't actually listened to any of these, but I heard good things about them from Italian learners: Coffee Break Italian, Café Design, 5 Minute Italian, Italiano Automatico, ...

What to Read in Italian

If you would like to practice your reading, I'd suggest you start with books you've already read in your native language. That way, you will be able to visualise the story, and it won't be too hard to follow. Additionally, make sure you always have a dictionary close by. Underline the words you don't understand and translate them. Some of the most famous Italian books you can read are the following: The Adventures of Pinocchio; The Late Mattia Pascal; One, No One, and One Hundred Thousand; The Name of The Rose, but these  - depending on your level - can be tougher reads.

Practice your Speaking 💬

Now that you've spent hours watching TV and reading books in Italian, the next step is to practice your speaking. Find Italian speakers in your community who can help you practice. Ask them to converse with you or correct your reading. SPEAK Social is a platform where you can find many language groups. During the first COVID wave, all language groups were offered freely online. Language groups are usually in person and cost a small fee. 

A girl in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Conclusion

These are just some of the many resources you can use to learn Italian. I haven't watched or read all of the things I listed above, so don't take my suggestions as personal recommendations. If you are learning Italian, have you watched some of these Italian movies and TV shows? Are there more you recommend? Any more books that can be good for beginners/intermediates? Respond in the comment section so that I can add them to the article. 😊

- Cris

2 comments:

How to Choose Where to Study Abroad

Saturday, October 10, 2020 Cristian 2 Comments

You've probably heard it countless times: studying abroad can change your life. At the end of the day, who doesn't like to travel, make new friends, try different foods, and speak new languages? However, even though we always say the world is small, it is extremely big. So... How do we choose where to study abroad? Stay with me, and you will find out. 

Why Study Abroad

Education is important, and those of you who have access to it should consider themselves lucky. Studying abroad in high school will benefit you even more. Those with academic experience outside their home country are more likely to get a job (World Economic Forum). Additionally, they will be able to demonstrate emotional maturity and adaptability. Not many feel ready to leave their homes at 16; if you do, welcome to the club! Moreover, by living with host families, you will be able to learn about new cultures and traditions. In fact, I'm sure that after living abroad, the word "normal" is going to leave your vocabulary because you will develop new habits and everything new is going to become familiar. In short, does studying abroad change lives? Yes, it does.

When to Study Abroad

Given that you are now informed about the benefits of studying abroad, you should definitely explore what programs are available and whether you are eligible or not. Students usually study abroad during their second-to-last year of high school. However, in some countries, students can also take a gap year between high school and college. If you don't feel ready to face this big step during high school, don't worry! Exchange is definitely an option at university as well. 

A guy with a backpack on a bridge


Where to Study Abroad

It is easy to take someone's advice to study abroad; it is tougher to decide which country will become your home away from home. I get it; I still struggle to this day to decide where I want to move next. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make this decision for you. You won't feel 100% sure either. Therefore, you have to be open to taking risks. Even so, today I will try to list several factors you can consider when choosing where to study abroad.

Language Preferences

It goes without saying that thinking about which language you are interested in is important. However, you should also think about why you find that language important. Have you always wanted to speak it fluently? Do you have family that speaks it? Or is it going to benefit your future career? Identify your target language and focus on your long-term goals. 

Career Prospects

Are you looking to move abroad permanently? Perhaps you should consider a country with a low unemployment rate and generous job offers in your desired field. Keep in mind that you will be living with a local family, who will be your main point of reference in building a stable network in your host country.

Cultural Differences

Are you looking for a country with a completely different culture from yours? Or are you looking for a place that is similar to home? Keep in mind that culture shock is real, and it is up to you how you embrace the differences. 

Distance

Are your parents hesitant about sending you overseas? Perhaps going to a country that is only a 2-hour flight away will help your chances of convincing your parents to let you study abroad. Generally speaking, those who studied close to home also visit their host country way more than those who studied far away, as it is more affordable and logistically easier to go back and visit. 

Welcoming Environment

The factors mentioned above are all valuable; however, the biggest advice I can give you is to go to countries where diversity is not considered a threat. Unfortunately, there are still parts of the world where not all forms of diversity are tolerated.

Conclusion

Leaving your comfort zone is going to make you a people person. You are going to become a better version of yourself. There will be ups and downs, and times during which you are going to regret your decision to study in one country rather than another. However, eventually, everything will make sense, and you will learn how to appreciate things as they come. Times are even tougher when you go home from your exchange, and everybody thinks you hate home, but the reality is that you miss your experience abroad and just need time to adjust. 

 Now I would like to hear from you. How did you decide where to study? Share your story in the comment section. If you are yet to go abroad, feel free to ask questions.

- Cris

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