½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

James, in a word apallingly badly, although I did have a major setback when my wife died shortly after we came here, I had expected to learn the language from a linguaphone course and books, it is extremely difficult mate, also, the local people (I live in the country), mostly speak in dialect, I would recommend anyone, if they can possibly afford it, to have lessons from an ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, in the area you propose to live, and, once you are confident, mix as much as possible with the local people, I can't speak for everywhere, but, here in my little bit of Le Marche, they are wonderful and more than helpful when you get confused with your grammer... But, heck your a young bloke you aren't going to have too many problems, it's just when you get to be a boring old codger like me you sit in watching East enders every night, only 4 days, then, the adventure begins.... You'll LOVE it. :D

James,

As a teacher I can only confirm that the best way to learn ½ûÂþÌìÌà is by mixing with the local people. Go to pubs, clubs and the like, and try to meet as many new people as possible. You'll definitely find someone among them more than willing to help you with the language. Don't have them talk to you in English (unless they're telling you the pub's on fire and you have to go!!!!), and ask them to speak slowly. ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs are really keen to helping foreigners with their language (mind you, it's mostly because most of them don't speak English!).
At the same time, watch TV or listen to the radio, even if you can't understand a word of what they're saying: you'll just get used to sounds. And if you add regular lessons at least twice a week, in 6 months you'll find yourself speaking a decent ½ûÂþÌìÌà (and possibly not repeating that "capisce??" all the time!!!).

Francesco
[url]www.learnitalian.bravehost.com[/url]

We've been here about 6 months and things are settling down now. Prior to living here we had holiday ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, simple stuff, now we are by no means fluent but ticking along okay.

I am italian and my husband is trying to learn... he surprised me with the speach at the wedding, he never asked me anything and just made it up himself, it was amazing!!
I notice the difference , everytime we go home he learns something new and he is now understandin most of the conversations.

There is hope!!!

Paola

also, if you are Scottish, you will find that pronouncing italian words will come a lot easier that for other English speakers... I think it is because of the way the r is pronunciated here in Scotland, but all the Scottish that try to say a word in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, even for the first time, have a very good accent.

hello

from experience (learning English and teaching languages) i would say that if you don't get the chance to mix regularly with italians you must hear italian from other means (radio, television is great...) find what suits you best, don't give yourself a break and just let it come to you! you will understand it before you can talk properly but never let your confidence go away!!
buona fortuna

Nathalie

Michel Thomas CD's dont require any paper - or learning - you begin to understand English language more and its structures - and you are able to form sentences easily

This can give you a kick start - but listening to the TV - getting friendly with a local ½ûÂþÌìÌà family and speaking over the dinner table and the USE of a hefty ½ûÂþÌìÌà English dictionary really helps

Its fun for both sides! :)

I would agree with the above - the best way is just to get out there and speak. Do not worry if you make mistakes, nobody minds and will politely correct you. I think when we try to learn a foreign language we are all too fixated on speaking the language perfectly, just relax and chat, after all, how many of us really speak perfect English????
Watch the television, especially quiz shows, they may be awful, but often the questions/answers are displayed on the screen which helps comprehension; use an all ½ûÂþÌìÌà dictionary rather than an ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ/English one, much more informative and you are more likely to pick up the word and others related to it; buy and read magazines concerning a topic you are interested in; buy & read childrens books that you know the story.
But at the end of the day just get out there and speak, complete submersion is the best and cheapest way to learn, at the end of 6 months your spoken ½ûÂþÌìÌà will be a high standard and you should be able to deal with most situations.
Good luck
Anne2