Does anyone want to learn Italian?

[spacedonkey]

I've decided to set aside one hour a day to learn Italian. I've got the Michel Thomas course and the Hugo Learn Italian book. Does anyone want to join me and practice on here?

I have the hugo book. Shall we do chapter one later?

good idea. Will be home from 6pm ish. Probably be back online around 8.30pm

I'm twiddling my thumbs today, so if anyone wants it I could post the exercises from chapter one on here

- I started Italian lessons a few years back when I was pg with ds1 then it fell by the wayside.

Would love to join in but just too much work atm!

Still going to lurk on your thread though

have also got BBC Italian tape - went to lessons with GDG but gave up when she did - bad I know!

its a lovely language

Well I can't exactly transcribe the book on here (think the publishers might have a little problem with that!), but I'll summarise the topics covered by each chapter under their own threads, does that sound like a good idea?

So if you see a thread prefixed "Parliamo Italiano" that's me

You can tell I've got way too much time on my hands at the moment can't you

We preparing to move to Italy over Easter. Can't wait. I've been Italian classes at college for that last few months. Not entirely sure I know more now than I did before but we'll learn more when we get there!!!!!!

Did you what Il Postino on Saturday... what a fantastic film. If you missed it its on again over Christmas.

Come and see me in Venice to practise!!! You'd be very welcome.

wow marypop

whereabouts in italy are you going?

Near a place called Pesaro in Le Marche.

albert, are you italian or did you have to learn the language?

any tips?

you do realise you will now be inundated with mumsnetters with an invitation like that

My mum is house hunting in Le Marche this week!

My dh has just booked flights for us to go over New Year. He's got some DIY and I got some eating, drinking and blending in to do!!!!

Thanks for the invite to Venice, I might take you up on that offer.

Where abouts in Le Marche is she looking?

Marypop, have you/dh got jobs over there, or will you be setting up your own business or something like that? Forgive my nosiness

I'm not sure, I think she's looking all over. She lives in Umbria at the moment, but she reckons you get more for your money in Le Marche

My DH works for himself and will do using the Internet/cheap flights when necessary and I work with in Nurseries so get paid very little anyway. I thought for me I help my 6 and 3 yrs old settle into school by that time I have enough language/contacts to work if I want to.

Good for you, it sounds very exciting! Wonderful place to bring up children

I've travelled around Italy a bit and having spent most Summer Hols in Le Marche for the last 20 years I have friends and an awareness of what I'm going to ... to some extend. I looking forward to the adventure of something entirely new and different and the learning experience for all of us. I personally think le Marche is wonderful, so much so close to each other. Umbria is a special place but there are many large communities of non Italians there and that not my reason for moving there.

How fabulous, do keep us all posted on your progress

At the moment we getting quotes on removals, getting the dog a passport, getting the children vaccines and my qualifications translated but I have to admit its exciting stuff.

No, I'm not Italian, I'm English. I did a beginers course for foreigners here when I arrived and I've just stumbled on from there really. I definately helped that I spoke Portuguese (DH is Brazilian) but now I speak a strange mixture of the two! Still, everyone here is very impressed if any English person can string two words in Italian together!
MaryPop, my DS was also 3 when he started school here, no problems whatsoever even though he couldn't speak a work of Italian at the time. He is now very confident and happy to chat away (he's 4.5 now) and can't wait to get to 'asilo' in the morning!

I think it helps I generally understand most of whats being said to me and muddle through. I spent the last 2 summer holidays on my own with the kids and managed very well. So I'm not too worried about the fact I don't speak fluent Italian. My children are both very young and will gain so much in terms of duel language, different healther lifestyle etc. This time I will go and see the school DH has seen it but I haven't. He says it great wondering have 6yr old will cope with 8-6 6 days a week though. I'll never see her (is that good or bad?)!!!!

Wow, I didn't realise the school day was so long over there

Not all Schools but dd is going to a School with her friend and that there hours for 6yr plus. Normally it 8-12/1 6 days a week.