Do you want to learn Italian or brush up what you know already? Are you planning a holiday in Italy or preparing for an exam? Are you looking for a course with a traditional approach to language learning, based on solid grammatical foundations, translation skills and practical vocabulary? If so, this is the course for you. The material covers a variety of everyday topics in a simple, concise manner. There are plenty of examples and explanations to illustrate how the language works and to build confidence. Each unit, designed to build systematically on what you have already learned, contains: clear grammar explanations vocabulary lists reading material consisting of a story, dialogue or letter questions for speaking practice exercises There are also revision units to help you practise what you are learning. At the back of the book, an exercise key enables you to check your answers while grammar and vocabulary sections provide a useful reference. The accompanying CD will help you with listening and speaking. In addition to a full pronunciation section, it contains reading passages or dialogues from the course book, followed by comprehension questions in Italian, together with model answers.
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'this is one of the best language books that I've ever seen'
'[I] am constantly buying myself a new copy as I often "lend" out my copy which regularly doesn't get returned!'
(amazonc.co.uk user review )'it has a nice tone, is a pleasure to work through, and is thorough'
(amazon.co.uk user review )
About the Author
Derek Aust, who has updated Maria Valgimigli's original course, is an experienced author and has published with OUP, Berlitz and Hodder Murray.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a fantastic book for anyone who wants to teach themselves Italian. It has all of the answers to the exercises in the back. Just do one exercise a week and in 30 weeks you will have a comprehensive understanding of how the language is spoken. The CD contains all of the Vocabulary passages so Pronunciation is not a problem. You will be able to converse in italian in many situations and the grammer exercises are thorough enough to enable the student to progress further. I can confidently ask about things people places etc. I can make my own sentences up. And be understood This is not a phrase book. This is a great learning book. Well worth the money.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By J. Sheehy
Format:Paperback
I haven't finished this book, but I would definitely give it a thumbs up. I've been in Italy for about 4 months (more or less) and although have been attending classes for foreigners in Italian, you really need a guide like this to talk you through everything as well. The exercises are pretty good too, and although sometimes I feel lazy and don't wanat to do them, when you're done there's good sense of accomplishment and your brain feels like it's had a nice workout.
Sometimes the language seems a bit tough for me to get through (as in the English descriptions), as it is written by a university professor, but I find if you just go over it several times you can understand what they mean, and then it's good because the explanations are pretty specific. It's also got a nice guide in the back with some key words and all their tenses; I haven't had to use this yet but am pretty sure it's going to come in handy. :)
Sometimes the language seems a bit tough for me to get through (as in the English descriptions), as it is written by a university professor, but I find if you just go over it several times you can understand what they mean, and then it's good because the explanations are pretty specific. It's also got a nice guide in the back with some key words and all their tenses; I haven't had to use this yet but am pretty sure it's going to come in handy. :)
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Shane
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
When I first saw this book on Amazon, I was suspicious of all the five star reviews. I really thought the publisher must have been on the site, writing recommendations! Well, having bought the book and being half-way through the course at the moment, I'm no longer surprised by the rave reviews. The course is excellent.
When I learned languages at school, the dominant teaching method was the one described by other reviewers as "by osmosis": the teacher would show us a flash card with, let's say, a picture of a storm cloud on it and repeat the phrase for "It is stormy". None of the grammar would be explained at all. That teaching method just doesn't work for me: I need to know how the language works, how it fits together, and how to use it. That's exactly what this book teaches you. I've learned more in a couple of months doing this course than I did with five years of 'osmosis' teaching methods at school.
It may be that this style of learning isn't for everyone: some people might just do better with a less structured or less grammatically based approach. But if you're one of those who needs more than a picture of a cloud accompanied by the phrase, "It is cloudy", you can't do better than this book. Highly recommended.
When I learned languages at school, the dominant teaching method was the one described by other reviewers as "by osmosis": the teacher would show us a flash card with, let's say, a picture of a storm cloud on it and repeat the phrase for "It is stormy". None of the grammar would be explained at all. That teaching method just doesn't work for me: I need to know how the language works, how it fits together, and how to use it. That's exactly what this book teaches you. I've learned more in a couple of months doing this course than I did with five years of 'osmosis' teaching methods at school.
It may be that this style of learning isn't for everyone: some people might just do better with a less structured or less grammatically based approach. But if you're one of those who needs more than a picture of a cloud accompanied by the phrase, "It is cloudy", you can't do better than this book. Highly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
This is exactly what I was looking for. Not a few phrases to use on holiday but a grammar based book teaching you the fundamentals of the Italian language so you can then formulate... Read more
Published 11 months ago by photogirl
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simple, logical and thorough
If you went to school in the eighties or earlier you'll probably feel right at home with this, it seems like a traditional text book which has been condensed down to the essence of... Read more
Published 15 months ago by P. Bradley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Learn Italian
Very good book for beginners to get under way on the road to learning Italian, goes at just the right speed to keep you on your toes without bogging you down.
Published 15 months ago by J. SMALL
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best
I've used several books over the last few years whilst teaching myself Italian at home, but this book stands out as the best by a mile. Read more
Published 16 months ago by P. Webster
4.0 out of 5 stars
old fashioned, so it works
Although it has been updated the original was written some years ago.At its core is an understanding of Italian grammar, so right from the start you learn Italian properly with an... Read more
Published 18 months ago by hamloy
5.0 out of 5 stars
living italian
I bought this book 4 years ago, and i recommended many for others. I love this little book and will not part with it. Read more
Published 23 months ago by jules
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very helpful little book
This is proving to be a very useful book in improving my Italian. I'm using this between Italian lessons and really enjoying going through and completing the exercises. Read more
Published on 29 Mar 2011 by Jenny
5.0 out of 5 stars
Builds on the original
I bought this as an update to the orignal edition which I still own. The course is as good as ever and is a good complement to the more communicative courses around today. Read more
Published on 3 Feb 2011 by Mr. David C. Mazzetti
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really good for grammar lovers
I really like this book, it's easy to understand. I hink the chapter reviews are great and it makes me feel I'm learning very quickly, especially new vocab. Read more
Published on 31 Jan 2011 by Gabriela
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful introductory book
For the beginners who are starting Italian language course by oneself, this is by far the best introductory book. Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2011 by Adlerinternational
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