Why Learn Italian?

When you learn Italian, it opens the door to a rich cultural heritage, travel opportunities, and a competitive edge in your career. Here, you’ll learn more about the ways that learning Italian can enhance your life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning Italian can be a valuable skill to learn.

What is Italian?

The Italian language, known as "italiano" in Italian, is a Romance language that originated in Italy. It is spoken by around 70 million people worldwide and is the official language of Italy, San Marino, and Vatican City, and one of the official languages of Switzerland. Italian is also spoken by communities of Italian descent around the world. Italian is derived from Latin and shares similarities with other Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Romanian. 

Italian uses the Latin alphabet with some additional diacritical marks. The Italian alphabet consists of 21 letters, omitting j, k, w, X, and y, although these letters are used in loanwords. Its vocabulary is derived from Latin but has been influenced by other languages, including French, Spanish, and Greek. Additionally, there are regional dialects within Italy. 

The Italian language is known for its musicality, elegance, and expressive nature, a fitting character for a rich world of culture, history, and art. Whether you're drawn to Italian opera, the cuisine of Italy, or the art and architecture of Rome, immersing yourself in Italian connects you with this delightful heritage. Plus, learning Italian can facilitate travel and communication within Italy and open doors to new careers. It is a language that captures the beauty and passion of the Italian people and their way of life. When you master Italian you gain entry to the heart of Italian culture, where you can forge connections with its warm-hearted people and gain a passport to a world of art, history, and culinary delights.

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Benefits of Learning Italian?

Italian is the language of opera, art, literature, and fine foods, and if you love to travel, the country is an unmatched tourist destination. If you are seeking higher education, Italy has a tradition of excellence. Perhaps you are looking for new professional opportunities. More companies than ever are doing business globally, including in Italy. Plus, learning a second language gives your brain a healthy boost. 

Italian language classes are a fun way to meet people who share your interest in Italian language and culture. You may find companions for dinner at the trattoria and a flick at il cinema. You’ll feel a sense of mastery when you utter your first full sentence in Italian, and fill your time with a challenging and rewarding new hobby. 

Many communities have an Italian American club which is open to anyone and organizes events, meals, and even trips to Italy. Over 700,000 people speak Italian at home in the U.S. Meetup lists 347 Italian groups hosting over 350,000 events around the United States. Organizations like Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Unico, and National Italian American Foundation advocate for Italian American people and culture. The Italian Language Foundation is dedicated to promoting and sustaining Italian language education in the U.S..

Enjoy Arts and Culture

When you learn the language of Italy, you’ll better understand the impact of Italian culture, history, and traditions around the world. You can access Italian arts and media, like cinema, music, literature, and art, in their original language, so you don’t miss the nuances that can be lost in translation. Italy was home to renowned authors like Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Italo Calvino, and has a long history of producing influential films, plays, and music.

Learn the language skills you need in Private Italian Lessons at ABC Languages in NYC. Whether you are looking for one-on-one lessons or want to form a private group class, ABC Languages customized program is a great way to build your Italian skills. A professional Italian instructor will craft a curriculum specifically for your learning needs and goals. Lessons are available online or at your home or office in Manhattan.

Italian Language—Beginner by Discovery Center online is an exploration of the language and culture that produced Dante, Michelangelo, and Fellini. You’ll learn basic conversational skills and grammar structure that is geared to both potential travelers and those with an interest in the language. This intensive, full-immersion course will give you a good foundation to build on for conversational Italian.

Travel Through Italy

Italy is a fantastic destination for travel, known for breathtaking landscapes and historical sites that are household names. When you speak the local language it opens doors to new friendships and authentic Italian experiences. Locals are often eager to share recommendations and personal experiences to help you experience Italy to the fullest. You’ll find it easier to navigate by auto or public transportation, understand restaurant menus, and immerse yourself in off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

Italian—Total Beginner at ABC Languages in NYC is designed for students with little to no background in Italian. Engaging, professional teachers will be there to guide you every step of the way. You’ll learn basic vocabulary and simple conversation topics, practice pronunciation, and form sentences using the present tense. Once you are confident with these skills, you can progress to Italian—High Beginner at ABC Languages where you’ll work on the passato prossimo. Classes are a blend between the formal grammar structure of the language and interactive situations that promote verbal interaction and build vocabulary. 

Then get ready to chat with the locals by taking Italian Conversation Practice (Advanced) at ABC Languages. High-beginner Italian conversation groups are for learners looking for a chance to practice speaking in an informal setting. Participants are expected to be able to engage in a conversation about day-to-day topics using the present tense and some past tense. An instructor will facilitate the session by asking questions and keeping the conversation going.

Power up Your Career

More companies than ever are doing business globally, and speaking Italian gives you a competitive edge in international business, diplomacy, tourism, and other industries. The Italian economy is the eighth largest in the world and third largest in the European Union, with a GDP of $2.1 trillion ($35,551 per capita) in 2021. When you learn Italian you can skip the interpreters and engage in face-to-face conversations with your Italian colleagues. Your language skills demonstrate your commitment to understanding Italian culture, customs, and business etiquette. Your language skills can make you a valuable asset for managing a company’s Italian accounts and projects; it may even help you get a plum international assignment or transfer to Italy.

Starting with Adagio Level 1 (A1) at Collina Italiana in NYC, you’ll learn the basics of Italian beyond what you’d find on a menu in your local trattoria. This course will give you a foundation of the language and the basic tools you need to successfully start conversing in Italiano. In Adagio Level 2 (A1+) at Collina Italiana, expand your conversation and writing skills beyond the basics by focusing on the past tense; soon you’ll be able to describe a trip you took to Italy, or what you had for lunch yesterday. Adagio Level 3 (A2) at Collina Italiana focuses on future tense, new vocabulary, and extended conversations, and incorporates fun videos and songs.

When you’ve mastered these skills, you’ll be ready for the Allegro level. In Allegro Level 4 (B1) at Collina Italiana you’ll start putting together everything you’ve learned and use present, past, and future tenses together in conversation. You’ll be able to grasp the breadth and depth of Italian grammar, and you’ll work with comparisons and the conditional tense so you can talk about your desires and opinions. Allegro Level 5 (B1+) at Collina Italiana is dedicated to fluidly conversing with native Italian speakers. You’ll master the art of telling stories and be able to discuss a movie or article. Plus you’ll study advanced grammar, including new pronouns, tenses, and tense agreement in the indicative. Allegro Level 6 (B1++) at Collina Italiana is where you can really express yourself. You’ll learn to share your feelings and opinions using subjunctive, imperative, and future perfect tenses. Class assignments in reading, writing, and oral presentations give students the tools to communicate in every situation.

Once you join the advanced Presto Level 10 (C1) and Presto Level 10 (C2) at Collina Italiana, you’ll be practically a bilingual, native speaker. You’ll express yourself fluently and spontaneously without hesitation and produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects. You’ll be able to read and understand materials for native Italian speakers like newspapers, books, movies, and music. Now the goal is to keep the conversation going and keep your language skills sharp. 

Boost Your Brain

When you study Italian, it improves your memory, problem-solving, and multitasking skills. It enhances your creativity and may even delay age-related cognitive decline. Plus, you’ll become a better language learner. As you study Italian, you’ll overcome your stumbling blocks and learn more easily and quickly. Italian shares similarities with other Romance languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Romanian, making it a great stepping stone to learning future languages.

Learn Italian step by step, and gain mastery as you progress. Start with Italian Beginner 1

ABC Languages in NYC which is designed for students with little to no background in Italian. You’ll learn basic Italian conversation skills, vocabulary, and grammar. Once you have a foundation in the present tense and passato prossimo, build on your skills in Italian Intermediate 1 at ABC Languages to work on your imperfect, future, and conditional tenses. Classes blend formal grammar and language structure with conversational practice. 

How to Start Learning Italian

When you start learning Italian, first consider what your goals are. Do you want to navigate through Italy more easily or enhance your job prospects? Perhaps you want a better understanding of the culture and arts of Italy in its native language. Maybe you are learning Italian purely for personal interest in language learning. Clearly recognizing your goals will help you stay motivated while you do the hard work of learning a new language, and keep you focused on the rewards of your efforts.

Once you understand why you want to learn Italian, look for learning resources that will help you reach your goals. There are a variety of options so explore which is the best fit for you. Many people learn better and faster in an in-person class, and you can practice first-hand with other language learners. Online classes, however, reach any place with an internet connection, allowing a diverse group of students to participate. You can also use a language learning app on your smartphone, so interactive lessons and exercises are as close as your pocket.

Finally, plan regular time to practice. Consistency is key when you are learning a language, so put study time on your schedule and stick with it. Practice your listening skills by watching Italian movies and TV shows or listening to Italian music and podcasts. Engage in conversation with a language exchange partner or conversation group. Keeping a journal in Italian, writing emails or letters, and joining Italian language forums or language communities will help you practice writing.

Italian Beginning 1 at Journey Language Center in Boulder, Colorado will help you discover )or rediscover) a love for the Italian language and culture. Lessons provide a balance between conversation and interactive exercises, which helps you retain information and have more confidence in speaking. You’ll be introduced to vowel and consonant pronunciation, as well as useful phrases and vocabulary sets. You’ll understand the basic grammatical structure of the language and enjoy learning through songs, videos, and fun games. 

If you can’t find an Italian class near you, check out online classes. You can learn from live instructors at home, without spending time commuting. You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a web-enabled device with a microphone to access your virtual class. 

Italian—Level 1 by Fluent City online is perfect if you are new to the language and you want to get the basics down for conversational Italian. You’ll learn how to talk about your friends and hobbies and describe your likes and dislikes. Plus, you’ll be introduced to the basics of reading and writing Italian and number and gender agreement. Continue learning Italian online in Italian—Level 2 by Fluent City online. This class covers everyday vocabulary, reflexive verbs, direct and indirect pronouns, and imperative and passato prossimo tenses. You’ll have a stronger vocabulary for communicating in different situations, and your speech will sound more fluid and confident.

Italian—Level 3 by Fluent City online is for students who are ready to build on their knowledge of the present tense and expand it into the past. You’ll also get an introduction to forms of slang that will make you sound like a native. This class covers everyday vocabulary, comparatives and superlatives, direct and indirect object pronouns, how to use CI, and passato prossimo and imperfetto tenses. You’ll be able to talk about your past and tell stories about your upbringing, tell someone what you did over the weekend, talk about your goals and accomplishments, and discuss Italian film and literature.

Key Takeaways

• Italian is known for its musicality, elegance, and expressive nature, a fitting character for a language associated with a rich world of culture, history, and art.
• Learning Italian opens doors to a world of fine art, literature, and cuisine, delightful travel, and opportunities for higher education and career advancement. 
• Learning a language like Italian improves cognitive skills and enhances creativity.
• You can contact CourseHorse to find options for online or in-person training, including private group sessions.