Why is it difficult to learn Italian?
Italian is a Romance language, meaning that it developed out of a dialect spoken in the Mediterranean around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago.
It is closely related to French and Spanish, which makes it easier to learn than either Mandarin or Arabic for English speakers.
But it is also quite different from those other foreign languages, meaning that learning to speak Italian is not as intuitive or easy as it is to learn other popular languages.
How to learn the Italian language?
You must start the learning process with basic language skills, like learning the alphabet, for starters.
Once you’ve got comfortable with the letters, numbers and words, you can start reading and writing simple Italian phrases. As you go along, you can move on to sounding out words with the help of a dictionary.
After you’ve got the hang of that, you can start speaking and conversing with Italian speakers, as well as reading and writing.
Start by finding a method that works for you. Make a plan with a schedule and a set of how many hours of study you need each day or hours per week.
Some people prefer to simply sit down and start learning, while others like to take a more structured approach with a curriculum (maybe online courses or Italian lessons).
If you’re studying on your own and don’t have a structured curriculum, there are plenty of online resources that can help you get started with reading and writing in Italian and reach an advanced level.
If you prefer to study with a group, you can join a community forum for Italian students. Not only can you practice what you’ve learned so far, but you can also solve doubts and meet other students.
Tips to begin learning the Italian language
- Read and write every day: this will help you improve your basic vocabulary and grammar.
- Write down words that you don’t know and keep a list. This way, you can look them up and learn their meanings.
- Focus on common words like names, food and places. You’ll use these words regularly in everyday Italian conversation.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. This is how you learn and get better at the target language.
- Use the Internet to your advantage. There are tons of websites, apps and learning resources that can help you learn Italian and achieve basic fluency.
How long does it take to learn the Italian language?
If you’re serious about learning Italian, you can go from knowing nothing to being able to hold a conversation in about six months.
Of course, that’s if you study regularly and give it your all 1 or 2 hours per day.
You could take longer or shorter depending on how much time you have and how diligently you commit to learning.
It may take around two years to achieve a high-intermediate level of fluency in spoken and written Italian, which is the result of daily practice and dedication.
Can you learn Italian in a year? Find it out here. And how long does it take to learn Italian in Italy? Read more about it here.
Conclusion
Learning a new language is an enriching experience that will help you connect with people from other countries.
With the rise of globalism, there’s never been a better time to learn a language.
If you’re interested in learning Italian, you can rest easy knowing that it’s not as difficult as it may seem.
With a little bit of patience and daily practice, you’ll be fluent in no time.
With so many resources available online, there’s no reason why you can’t learn Italian.
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One Response
It really depends on your dedication and practice, but with consistent effort, you can start having basic conversations in Italian within a few months. Keep at it and you’ll be fluent before you know it!