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'this is one of the best language books that I've ever seen' -- amazonco.uk user review '[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
Review
'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 )
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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. It follows the traditional method, with each of the 30 chapters following the pattern of: grammar; vocabulary; reading passage; exercises. (There is also a CD with it.)
It is very thorough: you start off with the definite article and end up covering the imperfect subjunctive and its uses. As other reviewers have pointed out, there is no "easy" way to learn a language, and this book does the job properly.
One of this book's rivals, "Contatti", might have trendier reading passages and exercises, but, in the name of "immersing" you in the language, "Contatti" is written almost entirely in Italian, even to the point of explaining the grammar in Italian (except for an appendix). Now if you're like me, you want the Italian subjunctive explaining in English, not in the language you're trying to learn! "Contatti" is also largely designed for group use in classes, whereas "Living Italian" is much better if you're studying alone. "Living Italian" also includes the answers to the exercises, whereas with "Contatti 2", you have to go to an on-line supplement for the answers to the exercises and for the transcripts of the CDs.
One final point in favour of "Living Italian": it helps you with pronunciation by printing in italics the syllable which is stressed if it is not the normal one. A very nice touch which most other books miss out on.
It is very thorough: you start off with the definite article and end up covering the imperfect subjunctive and its uses. As other reviewers have pointed out, there is no "easy" way to learn a language, and this book does the job properly.
One of this book's rivals, "Contatti", might have trendier reading passages and exercises, but, in the name of "immersing" you in the language, "Contatti" is written almost entirely in Italian, even to the point of explaining the grammar in Italian (except for an appendix). Now if you're like me, you want the Italian subjunctive explaining in English, not in the language you're trying to learn! "Contatti" is also largely designed for group use in classes, whereas "Living Italian" is much better if you're studying alone. "Living Italian" also includes the answers to the exercises, whereas with "Contatti 2", you have to go to an on-line supplement for the answers to the exercises and for the transcripts of the CDs.
One final point in favour of "Living Italian": it helps you with pronunciation by printing in italics the syllable which is stressed if it is not the normal one. A very nice touch which most other books miss out on.
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