Answers
Aug 15, 2012 - 10:04 AM
You made our day!!!!
Aug 15, 2012 - 10:32 AM
That is encouraging to read! I'm curious how you feel like your Italian progressed over the three weeks you were there? I've finished levels I-III and still feel like such a beginner, but hope that by actually using it in context my fluency will improve.
Aug 15, 2012 - 12:35 PM
I understand. For example, before we left, I was able to only say the numbers but I could not recall them when I heard them which would be problematic for purchases or negotiating. After the first day there, this wasn't a problem - I recalled quickly and could translate. Also, initially, I focused only on certain words (like for the taxi or for directions I'd practice what I'd need to say first), then I would use more words as time went on because we have all this vocabulary at our disposal from the lessons. Before we left I didn't have anyone to talk to except for making conscious translations with my recordings and I would rent movies (only a few words I'd understand.) So I felt the same as you but they seriously teach us quite a bit in the lessons. Oh, and my french teacher in high school said the key to becoming fluent was to increase your vocabulary and memorize dialogues. So I memorized all the dialogues for each lesson every week so they roll off the tongue without thinking- even some of the monologues on the podcasts on the third level. You will definitely improve when you're immersed in it, no way around that - your confidence and desire to learn more will definitely grow too! I hope that helps.
Aug 15, 2012 - 01:55 PM
So good to hear. I am going to Italy (my 3rd time) in late September for 16 days. Having learned Spanish in high school and college (over 20 years ago) I have a good basis for Italian. I am in the middle of level 2 and hope to at least be finished with that before I go. It will be great to converse with folks, even on an elementary level. I have only known a few words in the past, so looking forward to it. Glad you had such a great experience.
Aug 15, 2012 - 02:32 PM
Thanks Cindy, that is very helpful to hear. Your experiences before going to Italy mirror mine right now. I am trying to watch Italian movies and listen to Italian radio. Other than recognizing a word here and there, I really don't understand what I'm hearing, but I keep listening in the hopes that it will improve. You are right about the vocabulary, because sometimes I surprise myself in creating sentences that I want to say. I like the idea of memorizing the dialogues and monologues, I will give that try (since I'm just waiting for levels IV and V right now!). I am also reading an "Easy Reader" book in italian, which is challenging and slow going, but helpful.
Aug 16, 2012 - 04:18 PM
I can't understand the movies either. Definitely that is not an indicator of what you know. I'd like to know ho both of you do on your vacations too - so don't forget to post that! And Lynne, I was in a state of shock at how quickly they speak in Level 3, having to listen to the dialogues tons more frequently than in the previous sessions, but you get used to it if you plan to continue. And a lot of the vocab I used started with "possiamo...avete...ho mal di gola..." (yep - that farmacie vocab was unfortunately needed) so you will definitely use level 2 if you don't go further.
Aug 17, 2012 - 07:17 AM
Cindy, so glad you mentioned the Fluenz level 3 podcasts. They are a treasure trove! Yes, you will know 98% of the vocab and structures from the DVDs
BUT the monologues are soooooo much more sophisticated and colloquial. A great exercise is listening to them and trying to write them out (as Sonia would say---
with pen and paper).
BUT the monologues are soooooo much more sophisticated and colloquial. A great exercise is listening to them and trying to write them out (as Sonia would say---
with pen and paper).
Aug 18, 2012 - 06:35 PM
Hi Cindy. I had a similar experience after studying through Level 3 and then vacationing in Florence. Our trip was much more enjoyable knowing that I could ask directions (and understand the answer), order in restaurants and navigate small shops. And like you, a couple shop owners complimented me on my Italian...which completely surprised me...and were very interested to find out that I learned Italian soley by this computer program. I also found the Italian people to be lovely and not rude. There is a difference in cultures and in what we Americans tend to expect when it comes to customer service, but that's the joy of experiencing another country. But I must say that for the very few indifferent shop workers we experienced, there were many multiple examples of gracious, caring Italian workers who very patiently tried to do their best and went out of their way to take care of us. Perhaps they appreciated my attempt to use Italian?
I am wondering if you had any problems learning Italian with your French background. I took French 40 years ago and still found pieces of it (which I had long forgotten) sneaking into my thoughts or conversations when learning Italian. It's like part of my memory was awaken.
I am wondering if you had any problems learning Italian with your French background. I took French 40 years ago and still found pieces of it (which I had long forgotten) sneaking into my thoughts or conversations when learning Italian. It's like part of my memory was awaken.
Aug 18, 2012 - 07:41 PM
I think they definitely appreciate the attempt to speak the language, and I can't imagine they expect it. And to answer your question, Tony, I sure did have problems learning Italian with my French background. And I had to practice a lot to get over it. I still used "après" instead of "dopo" and I wanted to use French anywhere I didn't know the Italian. I think that's common, and the Italians would just smile and correct me. I have friends who speak 3 languages fluently in their home and they would still do that. It's funny how our brains seem to switch it on and off. I hope I can retain the Italian as I relearn the French!