Best Program to Learn Italian: How Can You Choose it?
This is the first question that arises when you decide to learn Italian.
How can you choose the best online program to learn Italian?
First of all, there needs to be a general answer. What works for you might not work for someone else (or vice versa).
Finding a good online Italian course largely depends on your proficiency level and goals.
Let’s suppose you want to learn Italian grammar. In this case, a good grammar textbook works much better than an audio course. But if you want to speak fluently, textbooks will only do that much.
However, you can find some common features to determine the quality of an Italian course.
A complete Italian course focuses on all the aspects of language learning: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Not only will you master the grammar and the vocabulary, but you’ll also learn how to speak fluently.
A comprehensive Italian course includes conversations based on situations you can experience in real life.
In this way, you can learn new expressions, idioms, and slang.
An Italian course is effective if it makes you learn from day one. This means it prompts you to speak and practice, and your progress is immediate and constant.
Last but not least, what makes an Italian course stand out is the capacity to give you the tools to learn a new language easily and effectively.
If you choose a good Italian program, you will learn Italian, and at the same time, you can acquire the tools to learn any foreign language.
What is the Best Way to Learn Italian Online?
Learning Italian online differs from taking 1:1 lessons or attending an Italian class.
When you learn online, you need to be committed and set clear goals.
Otherwise, your study routine would become confusing due to the massive amount of information available.
Here are the essential steps to learning Italian online:
- Set your goals. Be clear about what you want to learn and the results you want to achieve.
- Don’t stress about grammar. There’s no doubt that grammar is important, but focusing too much on it could be misleading: you risk stressing out unnecessarily. It is much better to learn and practice some grammar rules through speaking.
- Speak a lot! Most people who want to learn Italian do it because they want to become fluent. There’s no better way to improve your fluency than speaking. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes limit you.
- Be patient. Learning Italian does not happen overnight. That’s why you must be patient (especially at the beginning, when everything seems new). Try to progress through small and constant steps and dedicate at least 20 minutes daily to learning Italian.
Once you’ve done your goals, you need to choose a method. There’s a lot of learning material online, and you can choose from various resources.
What I suggest to beginners is to listen to spoken Italian. Listening to Italian speakers helps you become familiar with the language and improve your listening comprehension.
You can listen to Italian music or watch videos on YouTube – that’s a great way to get used to the Italian language and expand your vocabulary.
Or you can read the news in Italian (which is also a great way to get updated about Italian society).
You can learn more about the best resources to learn Italian online.
So far, I have talked only about listening. Anyway, there’s no doubt that the best way to learn Italian is to speak a lot.
The best way to speak Italian fluently is to practice with a native speaker. Listening to a native Italian speaker allows you to learn the correct pronunciation of each word.
If you interact with native Italian speakers, you see how Italians choose words and learn useful expressions you wouldn’t know otherwise.
Learn more about how to have an Italian conversation.
Online Programs to Learn Italian
Sometimes, learning Italian on your own is not enough.
When you don’t have a reference, you don’t know where to find the proper material, and your progress is much slower.
Online Italian language courses can help you learn Italian quickly: they give you a method, set a learning path, and offer feedback about your progress.
Combining a good Italian course with constant practice will improve your Italian skills.
I have collected my 3 favorite online Italian programs and discussed their features. Let’s break them down!
Best Programs to Learn Italian
Ripeti con me
Ripeti con me is on my list’s first place.
It is an audio course designed by a native Italian speaker and gives you the tools to speak Italian from day one and think directly in Italian.
Each lesson focuses on different aspects of Italian grammar and introduces you to new Italian vocabulary.
How does Ripeti con my work?
You listen to a sentence and repeat it. The sentences are based on real-life and describe typical situations that can happen every day.
First, you listen to a simple sentence. Then, the sentences are expanded with new words and little variations that make you improve gradually and naturally.
You will learn new Italian words without even noticing it, and that’s one of the reasons that make this program stands out.
By mimicking a native speaker, you will naturally improve your pronunciation and retain useful vocabulary.
Remember: it is essential to repeat what you hear – passive listening won’t work to make you fluent in languages.
One of the main advantages of this program is that the lessons are short and engaging: it takes only 20 minutes a day, and you’ll start thinking in Italian yourself.
Learn more about Ripeti con me.
Pimsleur
Pimsleur is one of the most popular Italian programs online. It consists of audio courses and uses techniques based on linguistic and psychological research.
The program uses spaced repetition techniques developed by Dr. Paul Pimsleur in the 1970s.
Pimsleur was a scholar in the field of linguistics and psychology, and he was interested in how people learn new languages.
With time, Pimsleur became one of the most popular language-learning programs in the world.
How does it work?
First, you listen to an Italian phrase. Then, you have to repeat it.
Next, you have to remember the phrase and say the words out loud at timed intervals. The intervals are very short and then get longer.
For example, when you hear a word for the first time, you’re asked to repeat it 15 seconds later.
After, you need to say it 45 later, 1.5 minutes later, and so on.
If you fail to answer at least 80% correctly, you should repeat the lesson the day after.
I advise you to do one 30-minute lesson per day to make Pimsleur sessions effective.
Pimsleur is great for those who want to learn Italian with audio lessons – you can also listen to the lessons in your car or on your way to work!
Read this comprehensive review of Pimsleur to know more about the program.
Rocket Italian
Rocket Italian is another popular platform for online Italian learning.
It offers podcast-style audio lessons, grammar lessons, and pronunciation tools.
Each lesson is 20 minutes long and consists of a conversation between two native Italian speakers (for example, ordering a coffee or using public transport).
The lessons are designed to give you grammar explanations and cultural insights.
You also have access to additional tools, such as flashcards and quizzes. They’re very useful when it comes to practicing what you’ve learned.
These features make Rocket Italian one of the most versatile and comprehensive programs for Italian learning.
The program is well-structured and linear and has numbered modules. In this way, it helps you progress constantly – it is perfect for those people who want to learn Italian in an organized way.
It is a one-time purchase, which is ideal for learners who want to study Italian.
Read this review of Rocket Italian to know more about the program.
Tips for Unlocking Your Motivation in Learning Italian
Now that you’ve chosen the best program to learn Italian, it can be a fulfilling and exciting journey, but staying motivated on your own is not always easy.
Motivation is a key factor in achieving your language learning goals, and without it, progress can be slow and frustrating. Fortunately, there are many effective strategies to unlock your motivation and keep your language learning journey on track.
I’ve made it easy for you! Here are some tips to help you stay motivated and succeed in your Italian language learning journey.
Set achievable goals
Setting specific and achievable goals helps you stay motivated. Start with small goals you can accomplish quickly, such as learning ten new words daily or completing a grammar quiz.
Find a language-learning partner
Having a partner or friend who is also learning Italian can help keep you motivated. You can practice together, share resources, and encourage each other.
Make it enjoyable
Learning Italian doesn’t have to be boring. Incorporate activities you enjoy, such as watching Italian movies or listening to Italian music. You are more likely to stay motivated when you enjoy the learning process.
Track your progress
Record your achievements, such as how many words you have learned or how much time you spent studying. This helps you see your progress and motivates you to continue.
Take breaks
Regular breaks during your study sessions help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Set a timer and take a break every 25-30 minutes.
Surround yourself with Italian
Surround yourself with the Italian language as much as possible. Change the language settings on your phone, watch Italian TV shows, or listen to Italian podcasts. This helps immerse you in the language and motivates you to learn more.
Visualize your success
Visualize yourself speaking Italian fluently and confidently. This helps you stay motivated and focused on your end goal.
Remember that learning a new language takes time and dedication. Stay motivated by celebrating your achievements and enjoying the learning process.
Do you want to start right now? Here’s how to start speaking in Italian.
What is the Best Program to Learn Italian?
Italian learners who want to learn through an online program have several choices.
Undoubtedly, the best program to learn Italian depends on your goals and learning method. This means you can choose the course that best fits your needs to make learning more effective.
There are many learning resources available on the Internet: all you need to do is find the ones that work in your case.
However, some common requirements are essential to anyone who wants to learn Italian through an online program:
- set your goals;
- choose a method;
- find the proper resources;
- be committed;
- practice a lot.
Are you interested in learning Italian with a private tutor? Check out this post about Italian language class prices.
Still translating in your head? Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano's courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!
One Response
Thanks for sharing your top 3 programs to learn Italian! I’ve been wanting to learn the language and I’ll definitely check these out. Appreciate the recommendation!