Any suggestions in learning to speak Italian?

Question

I am very interested in learning to speak Italian. I am planning on going to Italy next year and would love to be able to speak this beautiful language. I am wondering if I would need to find a teacher, or will a computer/or cd program work? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 1

http://italian.about.com/

check out this site lots of links and info

Answer 2

I went to Italy two years ago and didn't know how to speak any Italian. I think I got a book, "Learn to speak Italian in 7 days" which really helped, but I didn't LEARN Italian from it. A few choice phrases and that's it. I *learned* Italian in 2 days when I went to Italy because all anybody spoke to me was Italian (and I went for business!!). That was a crash course, but to this day I can still understand Italian conversation, and when pressed can speak it.
Funny story, when I came back I was so used to hearing Italian that I couldn't watch normal American TV. I watched Cinema Paradiso for like a week.
The best way, I think, is to find a native speaker where you live and have them speak only Italian to you nonstop when you are with them. Then, go home and read your book and TRY to figure out what they said. This will help trust me. And if you are woman going to Italy and a guy asks you if you want to go get a drink, the answer should be no. Somehow, getting a drink equals having sex to Italian men. I don't know how it works if you're a guy though.
Need any other advice about traveling in Italy, just ask me :)

Answer 3

Hi did you learn ialian after all?
I'm italian and I would like to improve my written english, if you want we can write email eachother.
What do you tink about it? You could write me in italian and I'll correct any mistakes and you could do the same for me...
Waiting for your answer (write directly toi the mail that you find below)
Bye bye and thank you
Alessandro
[e-mail]

Answer 4

There's no way of learning Italian that quickly, but you will learn some words.

Answer 5

I want to visit Italy also, so I am thinking of buying a book with a cd to learn words and sounds first.

Answer 6

start with a book or pc-program to get some basics, use internet, to get on italian sites, like yahoo.answers.it where you can also ask questions, you might find here a penpal as well who's interested improving his/her english language skills. Than you can try to read in internet italian magazines and papers, like l'espresso, panorama, il mondo, corriere della sera.....ofcours there are also chatrooms in italy, even one from yahoo. I improved my language skills playing in the italian biliard room from yahoo, it was fun and i learned a lot.

Answer 7

start renting Italian movies! Besides, whatever programs you will start. I suggest that you really 'listen' and study to 'real' Italians...your trip will be great. My parents were immigrants and they my mom learned 'english' by watching soap opera per her insight / advice she said 'the best way to learn any foreign language is to listen to conversational tones/ettiquette is to watch soap opera since they say the same thing over & over everyday!....She has been an English Lit. teacher for over 15 years! so I say watch the movies over & over again - write out details....body language, the way the lips/mouth move...sounds that are subtle....Good luck = have fun, too!

Answer 8

Your plan to go Italy is good for learning. Bcozthis is the only way u can as learning any kind of language is eassier by learning it in involving the people of that kind

Answer 9

Get an Italian girl/boyfriend.

Answer 10

Take a class and buy a book.