Italian usage
Submitted by lisiamc on Sat, 06/06/2009 - 16:48In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
I am very pleased to find an Italian language agony aunt! I have taken Italian language lessons for a shockingly long time, considering how bad my Italian still is! My weakest points: Past tense. When to pair the verb with avere, when with essere? The transitive/intransitive rule makes my brain hurt. Is there any easier way? Gender. I still get so confused, and feel so stupid! Modifiers like molto - I'm sure I've seen molti. Is there also molte and molta? Greetings. When is the right time to switch to Buonasera? After noon? After 2 pm? After 4 pm? I seem to get funny looks no matter which I try. Can I just cheat and use Salve in the early afternoon? Tu/Lei. My last Italian teacher told me that it's ok to use tu for anyone younger than me. My instinct is to use Lei to any stranger unless it's a child. Which is right? Ok, that's a start on my burning questions. All help gratefully received! L.
Buongiorno
Submitted by Valentina+c on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 04:33In reply to Italian usage by lisiamc
Hi and thanks for your requests.Italian (one of the romance languages) may be quite difficult to be learnt by germanic language speaking people. And viceversa - as you must have seen from my bizarre English. Many and different aspects of the Italian language make troubles to you and to many other non-Italian speakers, so I think I will cover these points in separate posts and make a comparison with English where needed.I'm really exited to give you my help in Italian Language, my language! Evviva! (you would rather say "hurray"!, I guess)A prestoValentina
Retirng to italy and continuing Italian lessons
Submitted by turnip on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 08:21In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
We are currently learning basic Italian in the Uk and expect to move to Italy within 2 years.When one has moved to Italy (upon retirement) where can one find a community run language class?Are there (as there are in France) free language classes for incomers settling in Italy?Thanks
We are in Lucca area and
Submitted by Fairy Nuff on Tue, 07/28/2009 - 15:59In reply to Retirng to italy and continuing Italian lessons by turnip
We are in Lucca area and found free language classes through the local comune - it's a really excellent service, for stranieri, of any nationality, based at the scuola media in Lucca, and in effect we've had free lessons for almost a year. The teachers are keen to keep classes going, and you are assessed at the beginning to determine the appropriate level for you. there doesn't seem to be a cut-off point - we're intending to move to the next level when classes start after summer.Depending where you will be living, the best idea would be to go to the comune (town hall) - also found local tourist info office helpful re phone numbers.