How Long Does it Take to Learn Italian?
Whenever we want to gain a new skill, one of our first thoughts regards the time we need to dedicate to it.
I bet that also in this case, you are wondering: how long does it take to learn Italian?
Language learning paths depend on several aspects, including learners’ native language, their language learning experience, their dedication, and the intensity of their language practice.
By this, I mean that the time it takes to become fluent in Italian differs from person to person. For some people, it might take as few as three months, while for others it might take longer.
Even though there is no unique answer to this question, I can try to give you a general overview of the usual timeline.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) structures language proficiency in six levels, divided into three broader groups.
What I find interesting and useful is that the CEFR also provides an estimate of the number of hours of instruction that are needed for each level.
- Basic User (A1 and A2): basic language skills necessary for simple communication.
- 100-150 hours from Zero to A1 and 100-150 hours from A1 to A2.
- Independent User (B1 and B2): complex language in familiar contexts and ability to express opinions.
- 100-200 hours from A2 to B1 and 150-200 hours from B1 to B2.
- Proficient User (C1 and C2): advanced language abilities for fluent and spontaneous communication.
- 200-250 hours from B2 to C1 and 200-250 hours from C1 to C2.
Best Methods to Speed up Your Learning Process
Read aloud
Speaking is the best way to learn a new language, but if you do not have enough fluency yet, start reading out loud. You will hear your own voice and will put effort into pronouncing words in the right way.
Look up a topic in your native language on the internet and then read a piece on the same subject in Italian.
Idioms, proverbs, and quotes are a fun way to start because they also give you an idea of the culture and history of the Italian language.
Build your vocabulary
Language is made of words, so the best way is to start learning basic Italian words. Collect all the new words you learn in a notebook and repeat them as much as you can. Consistency is the key!
Learn new words in context. This helps understand usage and nuances, crucial for fluent communication.
Finally, use new vocabulary in conversations with native speakers or other learners, either in person or through online platforms.
Listen and repeat
Listen to Italian audiobooks, Italian music, and watch Italian movies. Immerse yourself in the language and repeat as much as you can!
For me, our Italian audio lessons are one of the most powerful tools for learning Italian fast because not only do they allow you to learn new words, but they make you retain them by repetition.
Initially, comprehension may be hard, but if you stick with it, you’ll start to isolate words, then common phrases, and then themes.
Observe and imitate
Whether you see native speakers in person, on videos, or in movies, imitate their accents and gestures.
I advise you to explore how technology can be used to simulate immersive environments for practicing Italian, such as AI-driven tutors which give personalized feedback and adapt to your pace and style, providing corrections and suggestions tailored to your needs.
Is Italian Hard to Learn?
Just as for the duration of the learning path, the difficulty of a language depends on several factors.
In general, Italian is reported as a relatively easy language to learn, especially for English speakers.
Italian contains a lot of words that have similar counterparts in English, and while Italian can have some annoying grammar rules, it’s generally less complicated than other languages like Polish or German.
As a researcher of linguistics, I believe it is important to take scientific findings into account when answering the question “Is Italian easy to learn?”.
Here I want to provide a synthesis of some of the most important pieces of scientific progress and techniques that might be particularly useful to accelerate your Italian language learning.
What Science Suggests to Accelerate Italian Learning
Brain Plasticity and Language Learning
Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, is the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.
This is fundamental in language learning because it involves the formation and strengthening of neural connections in response to linguistic stimuli.
Research shows that engaging in new linguistic activities can enhance brain plasticity, which in turn improves the ability to acquire and use a new language.
Critical Periods for Language Acquisition
There’s a longstanding hypothesis in neuroscience that suggests that there are critical periods during which the brain is particularly receptive to language learning, usually early childhood.
A recent study found that this critical period might extend to the age of 17 or 18, meaning that children remain very skilled at learning a new language longer than expected.
However, the study also revealed that it is almost impossible to achieve native-like fluency if you start learning a language later than the age of 10.
But do not worry! Research shows that adults can still effectively learn new languages through intensive training that exploits brain plasticity, like spaced repetition, immersive exposure, and structured practice.
Multisensory Integration
Science demonstrated that integrating multiple senses can improve language learning.
This is because the brain is very good at linking information from different sensory modalities (like seeing text while hearing speech), and this enhances memory and recall.
Our audio courses incorporate this by using audio-visual aids, interactive dialogues, and real-world simulations, which allow you to learn fast by relying on repetition and mimicking.
Metacognitive Strategies
For me, it is important that language instructors teach learners about metacognition, which is the ability to think about your own learning and to understand different strategies that help you learn.
This can boost your ability to acquire a new language, thanks to techniques like self-monitoring your progress, setting specific goals, and adjusting learning strategies based on outcomes.
Gamified Learning
Gamification in learning makes use of elements that are typical of game playing, like point scoring, or competition with others, to increase engagement and motivation.
Neuroscience research supports that gamified environments can increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which improves both motivation and memory retention.
However, my advice is that you do not use these language apps to substitute a good and structured language course! For me, they should be used as a helping tool only.
Targeted Brain Training Exercises
Specific brain training exercises can contribute to better language learning outcomes. Here are some examples of exercises I read about during my studies.
- Working Memory Training with Dual N-Back Task
Participants are presented with visual or auditory stimuli and are required to remember both the current stimulus and the one presented N steps back. As the task progresses, N increases.
Working memory is crucial for language processing because it enables individuals to hold and manipulate linguistic information in their minds.
Improving working memory capacity can facilitate the retention and manipulation of vocabulary, grammar rules, and sentence structures.
- Cognitive Flexibility Training with Set-Shifting Tasks
Participants are asked to switch between different tasks based on specific rules. For instance, they are required to sort cards by color, then suddenly switch to sorting them by shape.
Cognitive flexibility allows individuals to adapt their responses to changing linguistic contexts, like shifting between different grammatical structures or communication styles.
Training cognitive flexibility can improve your ability to switch between languages, grasp complex language rules, and understand diverse cultural nuances.
When I tried this task with my peers, I was very bad! I guess I have to train this skill more because it used to always take me too long to switch to the following stimulus.
- Attentional Control Training with Attentional Focus Tasks
Participants have to focus on relevant linguistic stimuli while filtering out distractions. For example, selectively focusing on target words in a sentence while ignoring background noise or competing visual stimuli.
Attentional control is essential for sustained focus during language learning activities, such as listening to spoken language, reading texts, or engaging in conversations.
Improving attentional control will improve your ability to concentrate on linguistic input, leading to better comprehension, retention, and production of language.
Use of Technology and AI
Advances in AI and machine learning can help personalize language learning experiences, making your Italian language learning process faster and smoother.
Our AI tutor can adapt the difficulty level and the content based on your performance, making sure you are challenged and engaged, two crucial factors for promoting brain plasticity.
What are the Best Methods to Learn Italian Fast?
Comprehensible Input
The fastest and easiest way to learn Italian or any other language is through comprehensible input.
Comprehensible input is language input that is slightly beyond the learner’s current proficiency level, yet is understandable.
Comprehensible input provides meaningful context, facilitates subconscious language acquisition, and promotes engagement, which improves comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and overall language proficiency.
Immersion
I think immersion is the best non-academic option if you want to learn Italian fast.
Thanks to technology, you do not even need to travel to Italy to experience an effective language immersion: you can subscribe to Italian multimedia content, or you can change the language settings of your gadgets to Italian.
Not only does immersion help in learning the language faster but it also allows you to understand and integrate yourself into Italian culture more deeply.
Italian Courses
As always, well-structured and guided Italian courses are an excellent way to learn Italian.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our online resources will guide you on a journey to mastering Italian.
These learning resources focus on audio over text and prompt you to speak, which is paramount to mastering a language.
My advice for you: do not care too much about grammar rules. Very often, my students get stuck with speaking Italian because they want to make sure they follow every single grammatical detail.
By doing so, they lose their spontaneity, and their conversations do not either evolve or improve.
Buttati! (Just jump!)
My Best Tips to Learn Italian Fast
Learning Italian comes with its own set of challenges, including feelings of frustration and anxiety. These psychological aspects can impact your ability to focus and retain new information.
To manage these challenges effectively, here are my best tips to enhance your learning experience:
- Mindful Learning: mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged with the current activity without judgment. Applying mindfulness to language learning can help reduce frustration.
- Focus on the present moment: do not worry about future proficiency or past mistakes, but concentrate on the current task, whether it’s learning new vocabulary or practicing pronunciation.
- Accept difficulties: acknowledge that challenges are a part of the learning process and view them as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles.
- Be patient: every process requires time and exposure. If you started, you’re already halfway.
- Schedule your Study: I am a very organized person, and for me scheduling my study sessions is very useful to stay focused and track my progress. This is the way I usually organize my session:
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- On a sheet of paper or a spreadsheet, I make a weekly grid, which shows each day broken down into hour-long intervals.
- I fill in the grid with my activities on a typical week. I personally like to include everything and be specific.
- I identify moments when I usually do not have any activities, like work or other tasks.
- Then, I identify activities that I might be willing to give up in order to make more time for my language study.
- Finally, I find any activities in my schedule that could be overlapped with language study. For example, commuting is perfect for listening to language materials.
Make sure you also schedule regular breaks. They are crucial to maintaining mental sharpness and avoiding burnout.
Use techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break) to keep your study sessions effective and your mind refreshed.
- Positive Reinforcement: celebrate small achievements to build confidence and maintain motivation. Set mini-goals throughout your learning journey and reward yourself when you achieve them! You are doing good!
If you, like me, love writing, you might want to keep a learning journal to document your thoughts and progress.
Reflecting on my experiences really helps me see how far I have come and adjust my strategies.
- Social Support: consider engaging with a community of fellow language learners. This might provide emotional support and decrease feelings of isolation.
When I was learning Russian, I joined several online forums and local groups where I could practice the language and share learning experiences.
This helped me both linguistically and emotionally and provided me with new insights and encouragement.
Now it’s your turn! Start learning Italian and let me know how long it took you!
