I. Why Watch Cartoons to Learn Italian?
Cartoons are not just for kids. It’s where grown-ups rediscover their childhood memories and remember the moments that used to light them up and made them dream.
Even more, watching cartoons in the context of language learning is also an excellent way to learn a language, especially for beginners.
They are not as hard to follow as drama series, comedies, or news broadcasts, so even if you are a beginner at Italian, you can still benefit from watching them.
Animated cartoons are designed to appeal to people of all ages and be entertaining. They often use simple language, repetition, and visual aids to help viewers understand the story and the dialogue. Thus, they are ideal resources for those just starting out in language learning.
Aside from interacting with their parents and other family members, cartoons are the way that children learn to speak the language in the first place!
So when you watch an Italian cartoon, you are learning Italian the way Italian children learn Italian, which is a more natural, immersive way. And, it always works.
You don’t have to think of it as converting Italian words into English words and back again because usually the material is presented in a way that makes it simple to follow along with just the basic Italian explanations.
Cartoons can be an effective tool for learning Italian because they offer several advantages over traditional language-learning methods.
Here’s why cartoons are great ways to learn Italian:
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Visual learning
Cartoons are typically animated, and they use visual aids to convey meaning. Having this context makes it easier to understand the language.
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Simple language
Italian cartoons make use of uncomplicated language since they are primarily designed for kids. Even if a complex term is used, the show creators ensure that it is explained in a manner that a child can grasp, and this is precisely what Italian language learners require as they work on building their vocabulary.
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Repetition
Cartoons often repeat key phrases and vocabulary, which helps to reinforce the language in the learner’s mind.
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Cultural immersion
Cartoons can provide insight into Italian culture, as they often depict everyday life in Italy, including food, traditions, and customs.
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Fun and engaging
Cartoons are enjoyable to watch, which can help learners stay motivated and engaged in the learning process.
II. Tips to Learn Italian with Cartoons
The use of cartoons as a learning tool can be both fun and effective. They offer low-pressure environments in which learners can absorb language naturally.
What’s fascinating about classic cartoons in Italy, is that they are often the same ones everyone grew up seeing in English, or anywhere on the planet. The cartoons feature icons such as Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse and were translated into Italian. Knowing what will happen in the cartoon will definitely help your understanding. Listening to the news or watching familiar content in Italian will not relieve you like watching familiar content.
Although most cartoons are short, you can also find full-length animated features in Italian. You can watch classics like Disney’s “Snow White and the seven dwarfs” translated into Italian as “La Biancaneve e sette nani”.
You might know what happens in the cartoon, but you haven’t heard it in Italian!
So, without further ado, let’s discover the most popular cartoons in Italian.
III. 7 Cartoons in Italian for Beginner Learners
After learning why watching Italian cartoons is a great way to learn Italian, let’s explore the best-recommended cartoons in Italian.
1. Biancaneve e i sette nani | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
This cartoon is a masterpiece of animation that stands the test of time. The characters are memorable, and l am sure your childhood was marked by them, as well as mine. With it, Disney made its first feature-length animated film, and it set the standard for many more. Since its release, it has influenced countless animated films.
The songs are also iconic and unforgettable, with “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work” becoming classics in their own right.
Not only is the story memorable, but this animated cartoon stands as a landmark in animation history.
2. Cenerentola | Cinderella
Released in 1950, “Cinderella” was the 12th animated feature film from Disney. It was based on the classic fairy tale “Cendrillon” by Charles Perrault, which was first published in 1697.
“Cinderella” was one of the first animated films to be produced in Technicolor, a revolutionary new color process that allowed for richer and more vibrant colors on screen.
The famous pumpkin coach that Cinderella rides to the ball was inspired by a real-life coach on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. The scene where the Fairy Godmother transforms Cinderella’s torn dress into a beautiful ball gown was reportedly one of Walt Disney’s favorite moments in the film.
3. Bambi | Bambi
Bambi is my personal favorite cartoon to watch in Italian, and I’ll tell you why.
Italians simply have the most adorable little nicknames for children, for instance, Bambi’s buddy Thumper got the most adorable little nickname in Italian “Tamburino”, and whenever somebody calls him, it conveys such tenderness that it simply melts your heart.
Another thing, l love about this cartoon in particular, is that so the whole cartoon has a slow pace of speaking, and it’s perfect for someone who’s just starting to learn Italian.
As you all know, it’s the story of Bambi’s childhood, where he discovers the world, and learns everything a normal child learns, how to walk and talk. Basically, Bambi is in a similar position as you, as he also learns to speak Italian.
His friend, the rabbit Tambourino, is there to help him pronounce words, such as “farfalla”, “fiori”, etc
The whole movie conveys this world of innocent play between friends, teasing each other with love and affection. Of course, it all leads to one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the entire history of animation, but nevertheless, for me this movie sound even more adorable in Italian, than in English.
4. Simba Re Leone | Simba Lion King
“The Lion King” is a classic Disney animated film that tells the story of Simba, a young lion cub who is destined to become the king of the Pride Lands. One of the interesting aspects of Simba’s character is his journey from a carefree cub to a wise and responsible king.
” Disney’s “The Lion King” also features some of the most memorable villains in its history, including Scar, who wants to take over the throne. One of the film’s most iconic lines is “Long live the king.”
5. Il libro della Giungla | The Jungle Book
“The Jungle Book” was written by Rudyard Kipling and first published in 1894. As Kipling was born in India and spent his early years there, it all has heavily influenced the setting and themes of his book.
The book explores the theme of abandonment and fostering, which is reflected in Mowgli’s life and mirrors Kipling’s own childhood. Additionally, the book delves into the concept of law and freedom, with the stories focusing on human archetypes portrayed as animals rather than animal behavior.
The book has been criticized for its portrayal of colonialism and imperialism, with some arguing that it promotes white supremacy and justifies British colonization in India.
6. Pinnochio | Pinocchio
Despite being the second feature-length animated film produced by Disney, “Pinocchio” quickly became a beloved classic after its release in 1940. The film is based on the Italian children’s novel “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi and tells the story of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet created by the kindly old woodcarver Geppetto who longs to become a real boy.
Throughout the film, Pinocchio faces numerous challenges and temptations, including the mischievous puppeteer Stromboli, the villainous Coachman, and the deceptive Honest John and Gideon.
Interestingly, “Pinocchio” was not an immediate box office success upon its release, but has since become a beloved classic and cultural icon. The film features memorable characters, catchy songs, and a heartwarming story that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
7. Topolino | Mickey Mouse
Among the most famous cartoon characters in history, Mickey Mouse is one of the most beloved characters on the screen. He made his debut in the 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie,” which was the first synchronized sound cartoon produced.
Mickey Mouse’s iconic white gloves were added to his design to make it easier for viewers to see his hands against his black body. In the 1930s and 1940s, Mickey Mouse was more popular than Hollywood stars and was even considered a national symbol of America.
During World War II, Mickey Mouse was featured in propaganda films to boost American troops’ morale. Mickey Mouse is Disney’s ambassador, appearing in merchandise and theme park attractions around the world.
In 2018, Mickey Mouse celebrated his 90th birthday, marking almost a century of entertaining audiences of all ages.
8. La Regina delle Nevi | Snow Queen
The story is one of Andersen’s longest and most highly acclaimed stories. The film was released in Russia on November 1, 1957. The film was re-released with English soundtracks in 1959, 1993, and 1995.
The story centers on the struggle between good and evil as experienced by Gerda and her friend, Kai.
Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, the classic tale of friendship, love, and bravery, is beautifully retold with lavish illustrations by master artist Bagram Ibatoulline. Best friends Kai and Gerda would do anything for each other. When Kai starts to behave cruelly and disappears, Gerda sets out on an epic quest to save Kai from the evil Snow Queen.
9. Il Vento Nei Salici | The Wind of the Willows
“Il Vento Nei Salici” or “The Wind in the Willows” is a classic Disney cartoon that tells the story of four animal friends – Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger – who live in the English countryside.
Published in 1908, “The Wind in the Willows” is a children’s novel by the British author Kenneth Grahame. Grahame wrote the novel based on the bedtime stories he would tell his son Alastair. Since its publication, “The Wind in the Willows” has been adapted for both stage and screen on numerous occasions, attesting to its enduring popularity among audiences of all ages.
The book chronicles the adventures of Mole, Ratty, and Badger as they come to the aid of their friend Mr. Toad, who becomes obsessed with motorcars and subsequently finds himself in a series of troublesome situations. In addition to the main narrative, the novel also features several unrelated short stories about the animal characters.
IV. Learning Italian Like a Child
Thrown to your childhood? I am sure you are.
I hope you are convinced that learning Italian with cartoons is not only for children. With our selection of the best Italian cartoons to learn Italian, you’ll be building your understanding naturally and effortlessly.
You’ll soon realize your understanding gets better, your vocabulary builds up, and your pronunciation comes naturally.
So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy learning Italian with cartoons!
Another way to learn Italian is by Watching Movies.
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One Response
Thank you so much for sharing these resources! This is exactly what I need to practice my Italian and have some fun at the same time. Grazie mille!