It seemed like a really good idea last winter; after 4 trips to Italy and a 5th on the horizon (just 2 weeks and 2 days now), we thought we should learn more than the menu Italian we have been speaking. So I checked around and found that there was a course offered through the local community college, Conversational Italian 1, and it was being held at the high school just down the road from us. Could not have been better.
So in April, textbooks in hand, David and I went to our first Italian class. We are now 7 classes in, the last one is next week. And we have been faithful; when we couldn't make the Thursday class, we went to the Wednesday class at another area high school. Our professoressa is a lovely woman from Milan who has taught here for 9 years. I won't say it has been easy; working on a new language at my age is not what is was when I studied Spanish in high school and conversational Hebrew in college. But Manuela, who tells us that this is an academic class, has been a good teacher. We have learned a lot of vocabulary, present tense verbs, engaged in conversations, etc. If I did more homework, I know I would be better.
The amazing part is how much I hear now, when she speaks, or how much I understand when we read in class. I don't know if I will be speaking a whole lot more on our upcoming trip, but I am pretty sure I will understand more of the Italian spoken around me. And I plan to continue; even if we were going to be here this summer when the next session starts, I don't think I am quite ready for Italiano Due. So my plan is to repeat this course in the fall, more for review, than move on in the winter session. I need a lot of work on pronouns, adjectives, qualifiers etc.
Maybe this is what we mean when we say each trip takes us deeper.
Comments (6)
Brava Marcia! Isn't it great to learn the language better? I am sure you will notice a big difference on your trip.
Posted by Chiocciola | May 30, 2008 1:09 PM
Posted on May 30, 2008 13:09
How wonderful!!! I wish my local Community College offered Italian classes (they offer French and Spanish, but no Italian...grr!)
Posted by Anne | May 30, 2008 4:13 PM
Posted on May 30, 2008 16:13
Marcia, I'm so happy for you that you are taking this class and that you will continue. I agree it is a big challenge but the rewards are great. Have fun! It's such a beautiful language.
Posted by Barb Cabot | May 31, 2008 7:56 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 07:56
Brava from me also, Marcia! Learning a new language is a beautiful thing. Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by María I. | May 31, 2008 8:09 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 08:09
We get better every trip, just by speaking more! It will be fun to try out your new skills, and also to have a "piccolo" conversation at ST GTGs!
I was amazed when Jerry called me for an SOS at the post office. We came and I was able to get his dirty clothes shipped home to make room for the wine!
How many North Americans does it take to ship one box in an Italian post office? FOUR!
Posted by Palma | June 4, 2008 8:44 AM
Posted on June 4, 2008 08:44
Hello Marcia,
Will you be anywhere in Umbria this next trip. I remember you so well from Assisi and would enjoy meeting up again. Let me know if you can stop by - I haven't seen your destination plans so don't know which area/s you will be in.
All the best,
Mary
Posted by Mary Tacconi | June 9, 2008 9:47 AM
Posted on June 9, 2008 09:47