essay in italian language

• Vocabulary and Expressions

50 Helpful Italian Essay Phrases to Make Writing a Breeze

March 13, 2019 10:00 am

Writing an essay can be nerve-racking. But doing it in a foreign language like Italian? Well, hello anxiety! But you don’t need to worry too much because here in this article, we’ve compiled some of the most useful Italian essay phrases to help you. Try sprucing up your essays with these phrases and take it from there.

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Italian writing styles and examples to write like a native

An interactive lesson guiding you from key takeaways to expert insights. Comes with Q&A, useful vocabulary, interactive audio, quizzes and games.

• (A1) Beginner
• How to learn Italian

Key Takeaways

• To write like a native Italian, balance receptive skills (listening, reading) and productive skills (speaking, writing).
• Use formal language in emails and essays, and informal language in WhatsApp messages with friends.
• For formal emails, start with Gentile / Egregio / Egregia / Spettabile and end with Distinti saluti / Cordiali saluti .
• In essays, use structured phrases like Prima di tutto (first of all) and In conclusione (to conclude).
• Practice creative writing by composing poems, songs, or stories to enhance your Italian skills.
• Consider using an AI conversation partner to improve both written and spoken Italian skills with real-time feedback.

Stefano's Insights

Quick facts, how can improving receptive skills enhance productive skills in language learning, why should you choose reading materials appropriate for your language level, what is the benefit of maintaining a personal diary in a foreign language, when is it acceptable to use informal language in written communication, what are some common italian abbreviations used in informal texting, how can creative writing enhance language learning, what is a key difference between formal and informal emails in italian, what is the importance of structure in writing an academic essay, why is it useful to have a list of connecting words for essay writing, how can ai conversation partners benefit language learners without speaking partners, audio images.

Main Article

Studying Italian for quite some time may urge you to write like a native.

There are many styles for informal and formal writing. But, to write like a true Italian, check out these Italian writing tips.

Language skills

When you’re learning a foreign language, there are four main skills you’ll develop and practice: listening, speaking, reading, and writing .

All four are very important and you have to make sure you work on all of them unless you have a specific reason why you should be focusing more on one rather than the others.

Listening and reading are receptive skills . They refer to the ability to understand and comprehend language .

We develop these skills in a more passive way since we don’t actually produce language but we receive it.

Speaking and writing are productive skills . They refer to the ability to produce language .

When we focus on these two skills, we’re more active since we’re actually producing language.

To improve your productive skills, you have to work on receptive skills. The more you work on receptive skills, the better you’ll be in productive skills.

You can use what you read and listen to as your template or your guide . This way, it’ll be easier to produce language since you would be writing or speaking based on a “sample”, and not out of the blue.

In this blog post, we’re going to focus on Italian writing . Let’s get started!

Some people say that if you want to write better, you have to read , and this applies to your native language too.

You shouldn’t read books or articles that you consider too difficult. You should read something appropriate for your level , something you understand and feel comfortable reading.

What you could do then is write a text-based on what you just read . Make sure every time you write something you use text as a template .

Finally, we recommend having a personal diary where you write your thoughts. You don’t necessarily have to write deep stuff. You could just write about what you did during the day.

Think this way: it’s better to write something simple and make mistakes than not writing all.

Formal vs. informal language

When we write, we use more formal language than usual, unless we’re writing a WhatsApp message or similar types of texts.

Similarly, spoken language allows informal language much more than written language.

Languages are first of all learned orally . We learn to understand language before we can produce it. Thus, written language is not as natural as spoken language .

Texts are artificial which means we have to learn rules to be able to write “well”.

Sometimes we associate the idea of writing well with using formal language and avoiding slang words, bad words, shortened words, and spelling mistakes.

When you write, you have to think of the purpose and the target. Once you know this, you can decide whether to use formal or informal.

WhatsApp messages

Let’s start with the least formal type of text: WhatsApp messages.

Obviously, not all WhatsApp messages are informal. If your boss or teacher messages you, you might still want to use formal language . However, if you’re talking to friends , you’ll more likely use informal language .

Spelling mistakes, wrong word choices, or wrong punctuation are generally accepted in WhatsApp messages.

There are also some abbreviations you might find handy, like cmq ( comunque – anyway), grz ( grazie – thanks), qlcs ( qualcosa – something), tvb ( ti voglio bene – love you), and xò ( però – but). They are mainly used by teenagers but if you’re in a hurry you can use them!

Creative writing

The great thing about learning a foreign language is that you can put your skills into practice by being creative . And you can be creative in many ways. In any case, remember it’s always good to have a template before you start writing.

If you’re a fan of poetry, write a poem. It can be a free verse poem , with no rules at all. Or you could write a poem with rhymes and a specific structure .

If you like music, write a song. First, think about what you want to write . Then think about the melody and rhythm and you’re ready to write your song!

If you enjoy reading, write a story. Think about the plot of your story, how long you want it to be, your characters, and the setting, and off you go!

Writing an email

Writing an email can be very easy if you know the structure. Again, it can be formal or informal depending on who you’re addressing it to .

Below, you’ll find appropriate words for a formal email. The different options are divided by a slash (/). You can use one, or the others, but not all at the same time.

Gentile / Egregio / Egregia / Spettabile + Sig. / Sig.ra / Prof. / Prof.ssa / Dott.Dott.ssa + Rossi , (this is how you start your email)

Sono… (you explain who you are in case they don’t know)

Le scrivo in merito a… / Le scrivo perché… (you explain why you’re writing)

Distinti saluti / Cordiali saluti / Cordialmente, (this is how you end your email)

In attesa di un suo cortese riscontro, la saluto cordialmente / distintamente. (This is a longer way to end your email)

Silvia Marchisio (your name and surname)

As you can see, we use Lei and Le (you formal) to show respect.

Writing an essay

If you have to write an academic text such as an essay , you must follow a structure .

You first need to think about the type of essay you’re going to write. It might be narrative, argumentative, or descriptive, among others. You also need to consider the topic .

Finally, you need a good bibliography and references .

In all cases, you need an introduction where you explain the purpose of your essay . Then you need to develop your essay into different paragraphs.

Finally, you need a conclusion . You can then think of a catchy title.

Here are some useful words you might need for an essay:

• Prima di tutto / Innanzitutto (first of all)
• In conclusione (to conclude)
• Ad esempio (for example)
• Invece (instead)
• Oppure/ Altrimenti (otherwise)
• Tuttavia (however)
• Poiché / Siccome (since)
• Quindi / Perciò / Insomma (therefore)

You can always check out our blog post about Communication Skills in a Foreign Language

How to Improve Your Speaking if You Don’t Have a Speaking Partner?

Are you struggling to improve Italian-speaking skills, because you don’t have a conversation partner?

Or, your Italian friends are fantastic to hang out, but they don’t correct you as often as you’d like. If that’s the case, you can get an AI conversation partner , powered by GPT technology, and engage in unlimited, beginner, intermediate or advanced conversations, based on your level, through both text or speech.

While you chat, you get instant feedback on your errors. Plus, you can switch between Italian and English at any time. Not only you’ll be improving your written skills, grammar and vocabulary, but spoken skills and pronunciation as well.

Test your knowledge in 10 quick questions

Gentile Signora Rossi, spero che questa e-mail la trovi bene.

Dear Mrs. Rossi, I hope this email finds you well.

Prima di tutto, vorrei ringraziarla per il suo tempo e la sua attenzione.

First of all, I would like to thank you for your time and attention.

Alla fine della giornata, è importante riflettere su ciò che abbiamo imparato.

At the end of the day, it's important to reflect on what we've learned.

Egregio Direttore, le scrivo per esprimere il mio interesse per la posizione.

Dear Director, I am writing to express my interest in the position.

In conclusione, credo che sia essenziale continuare a migliorare le nostre competenze linguistiche.

In conclusion, I believe it is essential to continue improving our language skills.

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Writing Essays in Italian: Tips and Techniques

Writing essays in Italian can be a rewarding and enriching experience, especially for language learners eager to deepen their understanding of the language and culture. Italian is a beautiful language, rich with expressive power, and writing essays can help you develop both your linguistic and cognitive skills. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to craft compelling essays in Italian.

Understand the Essay Structure

Before diving into the writing process, it’s crucial to understand the basic structure of an essay in Italian. Much like in English, an Italian essay typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, there are some cultural and linguistic nuances to keep in mind.

Introduction (Introduzione)

The introduction is your opportunity to set the stage for your essay. It should be engaging and informative, providing the reader with a clear idea of what to expect. In Italian, the introduction should include:

– **A hook:** An interesting statement or question to grab the reader’s attention. – **Context:** Background information relevant to the topic. – **Thesis statement:** A concise statement that outlines the main argument or purpose of the essay.

Example: “Il Rinascimento italiano è stato un periodo di straordinaria creatività e innovazione. Ma quali erano le influenze principali che hanno contribuito a questo straordinario movimento culturale? Questo saggio esplorerà l’impatto dell’arte, della scienza e della filosofia sul Rinascimento italiano.”

Body Paragraphs (Corpo del Testo)

The body of your essay is where you develop your arguments and provide evidence to support your thesis. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or point and include:

– **Topic sentence:** A sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. – **Supporting details:** Examples, facts, and quotes that back up your point. – **Analysis:** Explanation of how the supporting details relate to your thesis.

Example: “L’arte del Rinascimento italiano è stata influenzata da numerosi fattori. Ad esempio, l’opera di Leonardo da Vinci dimostra una profonda comprensione dell’anatomia umana, che era il risultato di studi scientifici dettagliati. Questo connubio tra arte e scienza ha permesso agli artisti del Rinascimento di creare opere incredibilmente realistiche e dettagliate.”

Conclusion (Conclusione)

The conclusion is your chance to summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new light. It should leave a lasting impression on the reader and provide a sense of closure. In Italian, the conclusion should include:

– **Summary:** A brief recap of the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. – **Restatement of thesis:** Reaffirmation of your main argument. – **Final thoughts:** A closing statement that leaves the reader with something to ponder.

Example: “In conclusione, il Rinascimento italiano è stato un periodo di grande innovazione artistica e scientifica. L’influenza dell’arte, della scienza e della filosofia ha giocato un ruolo fondamentale nel plasmare questo straordinario movimento culturale. Riflettendo su queste influenze, possiamo comprendere meglio l’importanza del Rinascimento nella storia dell’umanità.”

Language and Style Tips

Writing in Italian involves more than just translating your thoughts from English. Here are some tips to help you write with fluency and style:

Use Formal Language

Italian essays, especially in academic contexts, require a formal tone. Avoid colloquial expressions and slang. Instead, use formal vocabulary and expressions to convey your ideas with clarity and sophistication.

Example: Instead of “C’è un sacco di roba interessante,” use “Ci sono molti argomenti interessanti.”

Master the Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood (congiuntivo) is often used in Italian to express doubt, uncertainty, or hypothetical situations. Mastering the subjunctive is essential for writing nuanced and sophisticated essays.

Example: “È importante che gli studenti comprendano l’importanza della storia.”

Vary Sentence Structure

To keep your writing engaging, vary your sentence structure. Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to add variety and rhythm to your essay.

Example: “Il Rinascimento italiano è stato un periodo di grande innovazione. Durante questo periodo, artisti come Leonardo da Vinci e Michelangelo hanno creato opere che hanno cambiato il corso della storia dell’arte. Queste opere non solo riflettevano la bellezza del mondo, ma anche la profondità della mente umana.”

Use Connectors and Transition Words

Connectors and transition words help to create coherence and flow in your writing. They guide the reader through your arguments and make your essay easier to follow.

Example: “Tuttavia, nonostante l’importanza dell’arte, anche la scienza ha avuto un ruolo cruciale nel Rinascimento. Infatti, molti artisti erano anche scienziati.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even advanced learners can make mistakes when writing essays in Italian. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Literal Translations

One of the most common mistakes is translating expressions and idioms literally from English to Italian. This can result in awkward or incorrect sentences. Instead, try to think in Italian and use expressions that are natural to the language.

Example: Instead of “fare senso” (make sense), use “avere senso.”

Incorrect Use of Articles

Italian articles (il, la, i, le, un, una) can be tricky for English speakers. Pay close attention to the gender and number of nouns to ensure you use the correct article.

Example: “La storia” (the history) vs. “Il libro” (the book).

Wrong Verb Conjugations

Verb conjugations in Italian can be complex, with different endings for each tense and subject. Make sure to review and practice verb conjugations regularly to avoid mistakes.

Example: “Ho studiato” (I studied) vs. “Studierò” (I will study).

Overuse of Simple Sentences

While simple sentences are important, overusing them can make your essay feel choppy and unsophisticated. Aim to use a variety of sentence structures to create a more polished and engaging piece of writing.

Practice and Improvement

Writing essays in Italian is a skill that improves with practice. Here are some ways to hone your skills:

Read Italian Essays

Reading essays written by native speakers can provide valuable insights into the structure, style, and vocabulary used in Italian writing. Look for essays on topics that interest you and analyze how the authors construct their arguments.

Write Regularly

Practice makes perfect. Set aside time each week to write essays on different topics. The more you write, the more comfortable you will become with the language and the writing process.

Seek Feedback

Share your essays with teachers, tutors, or native speakers and ask for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing skills.

Use Writing Prompts

Writing prompts can be a great way to stimulate your creativity and practice writing on a variety of topics. Here are some prompts to get you started:

– Describe your favorite Italian city and explain why you love it. – Discuss the impact of Italian cuisine on global food culture. – Analyze the themes in a famous Italian literary work.

Additional Resources

To further enhance your essay writing skills in Italian, consider utilizing the following resources:

Italian Grammar Books

Invest in a good Italian grammar book to help you understand the intricacies of the language. Some popular options include “Italian Grammar in Practice” by Susanna Nocchi and “Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian Grammar” by Marcel Danesi.

Online Courses and Tutorials

There are numerous online courses and tutorials available that focus on Italian writing skills. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Babbel offer courses tailored to different proficiency levels.

Language Exchange Partners

Finding a language exchange partner can provide you with the opportunity to practice writing and receive feedback from a native speaker. Websites like Tandem and ConversationExchange can help you connect with language partners.

Writing Apps and Tools

Utilize writing apps and tools to assist with grammar, vocabulary, and style. Some useful tools include:

– **Grammarly:** A writing assistant that helps with grammar and style. – **Reverso:** A translation tool with contextual examples. – **Lang-8:** A platform where native speakers correct your writing.

Final Thoughts

Writing essays in Italian is a valuable skill that can enhance your language proficiency and deepen your appreciation for Italian culture. By understanding the essay structure, mastering the language and style, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can become a confident and skilled essay writer in Italian. Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the learning process. Buona scrittura! (Happy writing!)

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6 Tips To Help You Write An Essay In Italian

Writing an essay in Italian can seem like a daunting prospect. However, it also marks a significant achievement, in that you have secured the basic grammar rules of the language and have sufficiently developed your Italian vocabulary to be able to write an essay.

For many people, however, it can be easy to get too focused on the grammar and spelling and forget how to make the essay creative and interesting. Here are 6 simple tips to help you write an essay in Italian .

1. Understand The Purpose And Target Audience Of The Essay

Begin by identifying what the essay is asking you to do and who it is you are writing for. This will help you to establish the type of language you will need to use and the style of essay you will be writing (for example, narrative , persuasive or descriptive ).

When doing your research, try to look for sources and references in Italian.

3. structure your essay.

You can use the basic five-paragraph format to ensure that your essay is well structured, including when writing in Italian . This will include an introduction, in which you outline your thesis statement. The main body or arguments of the essay will usually be divided into three paragraphs, each consisting of a point, explanation and example. Finally, provide your readers with a conclusion in which you restate the thesis statement and wrap up all loose ends.

2. Research In Italian

Once you are clear about what it is you are writing, brainstorm your ideas for the essay. Begin by listing all the things you already know about the topic and what areas you need to research further. Try to make your notes in Italian , as this will help you practice and develop your writing skills further.

“When doing your research, try to look for sources and references in Italian ,” suggests Diane Silver, an educator at Paper Writing Service and Boomessays . “Make sure that you make notes in Italian and that you keep a detailed record of your references to use in your essay.”

You can use the basic five-paragraph format to ensure that your essay is well structured, including when writing in Italian.

4. useful phrases to help your essay flow.

Even though you might be more conscious of your grammar and spelling because you are writing in Italian , instead of your native language, try to allow your own voice and expression to come through in your writing. If you’re unsure how to properly use a complex sentence, break it up into two simple sentences instead.

You might also want to use some Italian useful phrases or sentence starters to give your essay more individuality and flair. For example:

First of all – Prima di tutto Firstly – In primo luogo Moreover – Inoltre Likewise – Allo stesso modo Similarly – In modo simile As well as – Come pure However – Tuttavia Instead – Invece On the other hand – D’altra parte For example – Ad esempio To conclude – In conclusione

5. Edit And Proofread The Essay

Once you have written your essay, it’s important to spend some time editing and proofreading it. Read through your entire essay and see if you have successfully conveyed your main point and cited all your sources. Read it again a second time, this time focusing on the grammar and spelling. If you’re struggling with proofreading, consider using a service like OXEssays , Bigassignments , Eliteassignmenthelp or Best Writing Services to help you improve your essay.

6. Keep Writing And Reading

The best way to improve your essay writing skills in Italian is to keep practicing. Learn from your mistakes and view these as learning opportunities, instead of being disappointed. Try to read in Italian , as this will help to develop your vocabulary and improve your writing skills.

“If you can, try to write something in Italian each day . It can be as simple as keeping a diary or writing a short paragraph of your opinion on a news topic. Crucially, daily writing will help you to develop your confidence and overall writing ability,” says David Monroe, an essay writer at Paper Fellows and Essayroo .

Try to read in Italian, as this will help to develop your vocabulary and improve your writing skills.

Writing an essay can be daunting in any language, but even more so when it’s in a foreign language. When writing an essay in Italian , remember to identify who it is you’re writing for and try to conduct all of your research and planning in Italian. Use helpful phrases to add more fluency to your essay and remember to proofread it at the end.

Emily Henry

About the author: Emily Henry is an experienced writer at Personal Statement Help , where she regularly writes about essay writing. She also offers tips on how to improve essay structure and the correct use of references at Stateofwriting . Emily is passionate about writing and enjoys sharing tips and advice with others to help them improve their writing and she is also a tutor at Book Report Writing . When not writing, Emily enjoys spending time reading and learning new foreign languages.

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• Tabucchi Pereira
• Tasso Aminta
• Tasso Jerusalem
• Tommaso Landolfi
• Torquato Tasso
• Transavanguardia
• Ugo Foscolo
• Umberto Eco
• Umberto Saba
• Ungaretti poems
• Ungaretti war
• Verga short stories
• Verismo Movement
• Vittorini conversation
• Women's writing Italy
• Zavattini neorealism
• Italian Social Issues
• Italian Vocabulary

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Definition of Italian Essays

Learning about Italian essays can be incredibly enriching, not only for your language skills but also for your understanding of Italian culture. Italian essays are a popular form of writing in Italy and are used in academic, professional, and personal contexts.

What Are Italian Essays?

Italian essays, known as saggi in Italian, are pieces of writing that explore a particular topic or issue. These essays can be descriptive, analytical, or argumentative, and they often reflect the writer's personal viewpoints and critical thinking. The structure and style of Italian essays may vary based on the purpose and audience.

Italian essays : Essays written in Italian that investigate a topic thoroughly, often reflecting personal insights and critical analysis.

Types of Italian Essays

There are several types of Italian essays you can encounter:

• Descriptive Essays : These essays focus on describing a person, place, or event in detail.
• Analytical Essays : These essays break down a topic into parts to understand it better.
• Argumentative Essays : These essays present a point of view and provide evidence to support it.

Each type has its specific features and style, which should be adhered to for clarity and effectiveness.

Example: A common topic for an argumentative Italian essay could be 'La salvaguardia dell'ambiente in Italia,' where you might argue about the importance of environmental protection in Italy, supported by statistics and expert opinions.

Structure of Italian Essays

The structure of an Italian essay typically includes:

• Introduction : This is where you present the topic and your thesis statement.
• Body : This section contains several paragraphs, each presenting a main idea supported by evidence and analysis.
• Conclusion : This part summarises the key points and restates the thesis in light of the evidence presented in the body.

Organising your essay in this manner ensures coherency and helps readers follow your arguments more easily.

Deep Dive: The Italian essay's structure may also reflect the influence of classic Italian literature . For instance, essays may include references to works by prominent Italian authors like Dante Alighieri or Alessandro Manzoni . Understanding these influences can enhance your appreciation and execution of Italian essay writing.

Tips for Writing Italian Essays

Writing an Italian essay can be challenging, but following these tips can help you succeed:

• Plan Your Essay : Outline your main points and organise them logically.
• Use Formal Language : Stick to formal vocabulary and avoid colloquialisms.
• Proofread : Always check your essay for grammatical errors and consistency.
• Read Widely : Familiarise yourself with different types of Italian essays to understand various writing styles and techniques.

Remember to cite your sources correctly when writing an Italian essay to avoid plagiarism and lend credibility to your arguments.

Themes in Italian Literature Essays

When writing Italian literature essays, certain themes frequently emerge. Understanding these themes can help you craft more insightful and engaging essays. They are often deeply rooted in Italy's rich cultural and historical context.

Love and Romance

Love and romance are prevalent themes in Italian literature due to Italy's storied history of romance, from the poetic works of Dante Alighieri to modern romantic novels. Essays on this theme often explore the complexities of relationships, the impact of love on individuals, and the cultural significance of romantic ideals.

When writing about love and romance, consider these aspects:

• The portrayal of romantic relationships in different literary periods.
• The influence of cultural and societal norms on romantic expressions.
• Symbolism and motifs related to love and romance.

Example: In an essay about Dante's 'La Divina Commedia,' you might explore how Dante's love for Beatrice influenced his spiritual journey and the structure of his epic poem.

Politics and Power

Politics and power are essential themes in Italian literature, reflecting Italy's complex political history. Literature often critiques political systems, explores the nature of power, and examines the interplay between authority and the individual. These themes are especially prominent in works set during periods of political upheaval or under oppressive regimes.

When addressing politics and power, your essay might focus on:

• How historical context influences political themes in literature.
• The role of literature in social and political critique.
• Character studies that highlight the impact of power dynamics.

Deep Dive: Niccolò Machiavelli's 'Il Principe' is a seminal work in political literature. An essay on this text can delve into Machiavelli's views on power, leadership, and ethical governance, and how these ideas resonate in contemporary political thought.

Human Nature

Human nature is a recurrent theme in Italian literature, often explored through characters' moral dilemmas, existential questions, and the pursuit of personal identity. Italian writers frequently delve into the depths of human psychology and behaviour to uncover universal truths about the human condition.

In writing about human nature, consider:

• The portrayal of protagonists and their internal conflicts.
• Philosophical questions raised by the text about human nature.
• Comparisons between different authors' approaches to this theme.

Reflect on how authors use specific literary devices, such as symbolism or allegory, to convey complex ideas about human nature.

Characters in Italian Literature Essays

Italian literature is renowned for its well-crafted characters, which play a pivotal role in the narratives. Understanding these characters is essential for writing insightful Italian literature essays.

Protagonists and Antagonists

Protagonists and antagonists are foundational elements in any story, and Italian literature is no exception. The protagonist is the main character around whom the story revolves, while the antagonist opposes the protagonist, creating conflict.

These characters are often complex and multi-dimensional, offering rich material for analysis:

• Analyse their character development throughout the story.
• Examine the motivations driving their actions.
• Consider the impact of their relationships with other characters.

Example: In 'I Promessi Sposi' by Alessandro Manzoni , Renzo and Lucia serve as the protagonists who must overcome various obstacles, while Don Rodrigo embodies the antagonist whose actions create significant challenges for them.

Supporting Characters

Supporting characters often play crucial roles in advancing the plot and developing the main characters. They provide depth and context to the story, influencing the protagonists and antagonists in various ways.

When writing about supporting characters, consider:

• How they contribute to the main characters' journeys.
• Their own subplots and development.
• Their role in highlighting themes and motifs.

Deep Dive: In Luigi Pirandello's 'Sei personaggi in cerca d'autore,' the supporting characters known as 'The Six Characters' serve to explore the boundaries between fiction and reality, offering a unique meta-theatrical twist that challenges conventional storytelling.

Archetypal Characters

Archetypal characters in Italian literature embody universal patterns of human nature. These characters can represent virtues, vices, or fundamental human experiences recognised across cultures and time periods.

Examples of archetypal characters include:

• The Hero: Often on a quest, facing challenges to achieve a goal.
• The Mentor: Guides the hero, offering wisdom and support.
• The Trickster: Challenges the status quo, often causing complications.

These characters provide a lens through which to examine universal themes and cultural values.

Consider how archetypal characters reflect societal norms and cultural ideals in the context of the story.

Importance of Italian Essays in Education

Writing Italian essays holds significant importance in educational contexts. They not only improve your Italian language skills but also enhance your critical thinking and analytical abilities. Italian essays offer opportunities to explore Italy's rich cultural and historical heritage, making you more knowledgeable and culturally aware.

Italian Essay Writing Techniques

Mastering Italian essay writing involves understanding specific techniques that ensure clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness. Here's a breakdown of key techniques:

• Planning: Outline your main arguments before starting to write. This helps in maintaining a clear structure.
• Formal Language: Use formal vocabulary and avoid slang or colloquial expressions.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument or thesis in the introduction. This guides the reader on what to expect.
• Evidence and Analysis: Support your arguments with evidence and provide analysis. This demonstrates critical thinking and depth of understanding.

Example: When writing about the influence of Petrarch on Renaissance literature, you could structure your essay to start with his biographical background, followed by an analysis of his works, and conclude with their impact on later writers.

Include quotations from primary sources to strengthen your arguments and provide textual evidence.

Historical Context in Italian Essays

Understanding the historical context is crucial when writing Italian essays. This context provides background information that helps readers understand the significance of specific events, characters, and themes in the literature.

Always consider the following when integrating historical context:

• Time Period: Identify the time period in which the work was written or set. Historical events during this time often influence the themes and characters.
• Author's Background: Explore the author's background and how their personal history might have influenced their work.
• Socio-Political Climate: Consider the socio-political environment of the era. This can provide insights into the narrative's underlying messages.

Deep Dive: For instance, examining the historical context of Alessandro Manzoni's 'I Promessi Sposi' reveals the impact of the 17th-century plague on Milan. Understanding this context highlights how the novel serves as a commentary on social and religious issues of the time, making your essay richer in analysis.

Italian essays - Key takeaways

• Definition of Italian Essays : Italian essays, called saggi in Italian, are writings that delve deeply into a subject, often containing the writer's personal perspectives and critical evaluations.
• Structure of Italian Essays : Typically includes an introduction with a thesis statement, a body with evidence and analysis, and a conclusion summarising key points.
• Types of Italian Essays : Descriptive essays utilise detailed descriptions, analytical essays break down topics for better understanding, and argumentative essays offer a viewpoint supported by evidence.
• Themes in Italian Literature Essays : Common themes include love and romance, politics and power, and human nature, all influenced by Italy's historical and cultural context.
• Characters in Italian Literature Essays : Analyses often focus on the development and motivations of protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters, exploring their impact on narrative themes.

Flashcards in Italian essays 12

The protagonist is a character who serves as a mentor and provides wisdom.

The Hero, often on a quest, facing challenges to achieve a goal.

They are used primarily for learning colloquial expressions.

Primarily the depiction of mythical creatures

Only works from modern Italian literature

Analytical Essays

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Useful Phrases for Advanced Italian Students

We have been concentrating on beginners’ Italian in our language lessons so far but we know that some of you are quite advanced in your Italian studies. So we are going to give you some “link phrases” that you can use in discursive essays or in formal discussion situations. We have grouped the words and phrases into categories and we’ll start with giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing.

secondo me /a mio parere / a mio avviso in my opinion

sono del parere / d’avviso / d’opinione che…. I’m of the opinion that..

penso / reputo che... I think / consider that..

sostengo che.. I maintain that..

è opinione comune che... it’s a common opinion that...

è una questione d’opinione... it’s a matter of opinion...

pare / sembra che [+ subjunctive] ... it seems that...

essere pro ... to be for...

sono della stessa opinione... I think the same..

sono assolutamente d’accordo... I agree wholeheartedly...

è un’idea convincente... it’s a persuasive idea...

sono d’accordo con quelli che dicono che... I agree with those who say that...

c’è molto da dire in favore dell’una e dell’altra parte... there’s much to be said on both sides...

è risaputo che... it’s accepted that...

Disagreeing

essere contro... to be against...

non sono d'accordo ... I disagree / take the opposite view...

dall'altro canto ...  conversely / on the other hand...

contrariamente a ciò che lei dice... contrary to the claims made by..

essere contrario/a a... to be opposed to...

è vero il contrario... the opposite is true...

osteggiare un progetto.. to be against a plan..

non c'è una base logica per questa affermazione .... there’s no sound basis for the argument..

è una politica destinata al fallimento... it’s a policy doomed to failure...

è un approccio datato... it’s an outdated approach...

è un modo superficiale di affrontare un problema difficile... it’a a casual approach to a difficult problem...

non vedo possibilità di riuscita... I see no prospect of success...

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How to write in Italian (even if you don’t know the grammar)

June 18, 2013 by Daniel

How much time do you spend learning how to write in Italian?

If you’re like most people, it’s probably not one of life’s greatest priorities.

Speaking the language, on the other hand, and understanding what others say to you, usually comes high on the list.

But sometimes, you may have to write in Italian. And if you reach a reasonable level, you’ll really be handicapped if you can’t (or won’t) write.

You probably won’t be able to work or study, for example. Or write e-mails. Or chat with friends on social networks. You’ll be pretty left out of things.

Back when I was just starting out with Italian, I took a master’s degree at the local business school, here in Bologna. It was taught completely in Italian, but it was cheap. I had my doubts whether I’d be able to cope. But I needed a better job, and hoped that business school would help me get one.

“What the hell!” I thought,

“I’ll get by.”

It soon became clear that though my level in Italian was completely inadequate, my professors and classmates were happy to practise their English and so didn’t make a big thing of it.

I scraped by. At least until the first written exam was scheduled.

My Italian is far from perfect NOW, but in those days I couldn’t form even the simplest of sentences without screwing up the tense, the gender, or missing the article. My spelling was also terrible, and I tended to use lots of words that I hoped were Italian, but weren’t.

Often a single sentence would suffer from all of these problems.

So how on earth was I supposed to express my thoughts on business strategy, in Italian, in writing?

I needed a plan.

Being an English teacher by profession, and often having had to mark essays written in English by Italians, I knew that one of the most typical weaknesses in student essays is the overall lack of coherence.

The grammar might be OK at sentence level, but the ideas simply don’t flow. The reader is often left scratching her head, or having to re-read parts of the text to make sense of it. Teachers hate that.

What’s missing is usually a conscious effort  on the part of the writer to CONNECT the ideas. To guide the reader through the argument. Students either don’t know it’s important, or they can’t be bothered. Either way, it shows.

OK, I thought. So my grammar sucks and I’m probably going to get roasted for it, but at least let me learn a list of “connecting words” to use to join up my embarassingly bad sentences into a reasonably coherent argument.

So I sat down to make a list. A bit like the one below, which I’ve just copied from Daniele’s new B2 e-book …

( Italian Workout! B2 is currently available at  50% off , so just 9.99 euros!

Download your FREE sample pages here  to see how great it is!

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Siccome / Poiché / Visto Che / Dato Che Sebbene / Nonostante / Benché Ormai / Già Inoltre Oltre a A parte / Eccetto / Tranne Però Perciò / Quindi Tuttavia / Comunque

Once I had my list of common “connecting words”, all I had to do was memorise them, so that on the day of the exam I would be able to use the words on my list to turn my gibberish into something that at least seemed organised.

Gibberish however gibberish on the other hand gibberish therefore gibberish so gibberish and gibberish. For example, gibberish. To sum up, gibberish.

And guess what? I passed the exam!

P.S. Usually this is the bit where I promote our latest e-book, but I already did that, so here’s a tip, instead.

If you want to learn to write, you have to actually write.

Doesn’t matter if you make mistakes. But you have to start, or you’ll never gain confidence and develop good writing habits, like checking your text fro spelling mistakes (that was deliberate, Mum.)

An excellent place to begin writing in Italian is the OnlineItalianClub.com forums . They’re free to members, and you can choose to write in Italian,  in English,  or a mix of both, if that helps.

And from today, we’ll have a teacher checking in regularly to answer your questions and interact with you.

So, why not head on over to the forums and give it a go?

P.P.S. Got any ideas about learning to write in Italian? I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment below (or if you’re reading this as an e-mail, click here to leave a comment on the website )

Nazanin Aliabadi says

June 23, 2013 at 7:42 pm

Ciao Daniel!

I really liked your list of common “connecting words”, I found that to be a useful tip. For me, personally, I find understanding others speak the hardest and writing the easiest. Then again, we all learn differently. Something I found useful when learning how to write in Italian is broken Italian. For example, for a native English speaker they could write there sentences in English and substitute the words they do know in Italian. It would look something like this: Oggi sono went to work. That’s what I still do today to help me build my vocabulary and slowly gain more confidence. I hope this will help others as well! At least you will be attempting Italian even if your sentences aren’t 100% in Italian 🙂

Daniel says

June 23, 2013 at 8:45 pm

Hi there Nazanin,

Welcome to OnlineItalianClub.com, and thanks for you comment.

Two things come to mind: 1. What you’re saying sounds like the idea of “meta-language”. In effect, all of us learning a foreign Language are in a “meta” or “in-between” stage, between begining, and full competency. People think that it’s only at low levels that you have to adopt strategies, as you suggested. But, in fact, it never finishes. Even after 15 years Learning and using Italian, I’m still making exactly the same sort of compromises to get the job done.

2. The best learners, it is said, are those most tolerant of ambiguity and imperfection. Sounds like you’d be a great learner! Italians would say that you’re willing to “buttarti” (throw yourself in). That’s just what’s needed.

Now how about throwing yourself into our forums??

A presto! Daniel

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Writing an extended essay in Italian

Choosing an Extended Essay Topic

• Begin with a subject area that personally interests you- this could be something relating to Italian history , art , literature , or cinema .
• Gradually narrow down this topic to a specific question or hypothesis which you intend to explore in depth.
• Be mindful to ensure that the scope of your topic is not too extensive, restricting your ability to sufficiently cover all aspects due to word limit constraints.

Investigating Literature

• Consider studying the evolution of themes in Italian literature over time.
• Choose a specific author, such as Primo Levi or Elsa Morante , and analyse their body of work, influences and their relevance in Italian culture.
• Examine a single piece of Italian literature, such as The Leopard or The Name of the Rose , focusing on its symbolism, themes, and style.

Exploring Historical and Cultural Aspects

• Look into the enduring impact of Roman civilisation on contemporary Italy.
• Study periods of societal change, such as Italy’s transition from a monarchy to a republic.
• Analyse the prominence of Italian culture in everyday life, from cuisine and fashion to social behaviour.

Analysing Film and Cinematography

• Explore a specific era or movement in Italian cinema, such as the Tavianis’ historical dramas .
• Select a well-known Italian film director, like Luca Guadagnino or Alice Rohrwacher , and delve into their stylistic choices and influence.
• Investigate the societal commentary in notable Italian films and their significance to Italian culture.

Conducting Thorough Research

• Make use of reliable and varied sources of information, such as books, academia, documentaries, and interviews.
• Balance your research with primary and secondary sources, for a well-rounded perspective.
• Always critically evaluate your sources for their credibility, accuracy, and potential bias.

Structuring and Writing Your Extended Essay

• Provide a thorough introduction that sets the context and outlines the objective of your research.
• Structure your arguments in a clear and logical manner. Each paragraph should serve a specific purpose and contribute to your overall argument.
• Conclude by summarising your analysis and reaffirming your initial hypothesis.
• Properly cite all sources according to the specified citation style.

Review and Reflect

• Upon completion, review your extended essay to identify any potential discrepancies or gaps in your research.
• Reflect on your learning journey, how the process has expanded or challenged your initial preconceptions.
• Suggest areas for possible future research relating to your chosen topic.

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13 Italian Writing Practice Ideas

I have a simple but effective rule for you to remember: To write, you have to write.

Seems like common sense, I know, but writing is a skill that gets better the more you do it.

In other words, practice is vital. But don’t worry—Italian writing practice doesn’t have to be tedious.

Read on to find 13 fun ideas to add to your language program that’ll send your writing skills soaring!

1. Send Texts: Say TTFN to Procrastination

• 2. X: Keep It Short and Sweet
• 3. Facebook: Log On

4. Make Lists: Do Your Shopping in Italian

5. copy: imitate to learn, 6. songs: listen and write down the lyrics, 7. worksheets: get nostalgic for school, 8. journal: tell all to your dear diary.

• 9. Bullet Journal: Aim for Fluency

10. Write Letters: Send Some Snail Mail

11. read: learn by example, 12. blog: find your audience, 13. write: get creative, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

The simple text message is a form of writing. This basic form of communication is usually condensed into the fundamental vocabulary that you actually use to communicate.

Core vocabulary is the foundation of reading, writing and speaking!

Whether we like to admit it or not, most of us are pretty proficient texters.

Why not put your texting prowess to extra good use by adding texts in Italian to your daily routine? And while you’re at it, turn your entire phone into a learning machine by changing the language to Italian.

To change your iPhone language follow these simple steps:

Open Settings → Tap General → Select Language & Region → Tap Add Language → Select Language → Confirm

It’s just as simple for Android users:

Open Settings → Tap Languages and Input → Add Language → Activate Language by dragging it to the top of the list of languages (it should now be #1)

Now that your phone is ready, find a buddy or a language exchange partner  and start texting in Italian! You’ll be surprised at how proficient you can become at some basic writing skills just by texting.

2. X : Keep It Short and Sweet

Even so, the average tweet is short and sweet —kind of like eating a sumptuous  bombolone  (donut) for breakfast.

But while eating too many high-calorie breakfasts will impact your waistline, practicing Italian writing while tweeting can never be too much of a good thing.

X is fantastic for writing practice because it forces expression in succinct phrases. That is, we get straight to the point with X. It’s a forum for writing clearly and concisely, and that’s worth practicing in any language!

Need a couple of relevant Italian X accounts to follow? Try ACMilan and become one of the 8.5 million followers who keep track of the Milan football team! If you’re into Formula 1, consider following Scuderia Ferrari .

You can also find your own X accounts to follow by searching for some Italian hashtags.

3. Facebook : Log On

How? By  posting in Italian!

And if you’re not comfortable writing your status updates in Italian, how about commenting in Italian?

Still not quite sure about it? Then why not check out a few Italian Facebook pages and see how much fun—and entirely un-threatening—this can be!

Fatto in casa da Benedetta (Homemade by Benedetta) is a cooking page that always has mouth-watering photographs and incredible recipes. Laura Pausini , the famous Italian singer, keeps a dynamic page with updates about upcoming concerts or new releases.

So log on and start learning!

Writing practice comes in many forms—including lists!

Unless you draw your lists instead of writing them, all the lists we keep count toward writing practice.

But that’s only if you make your lists in Italian!

Your weekly grocery list, daily to-do list and even holiday shopping list are all examples of writing practice.

Lists help with vocabulary acquisition as well as keeping core vocabulary right on the tip of your tongue—figuratively speaking, of course!

One great way to boost your confidence quickly is by copying from others.

That’s right—this is one instance where being a copycat is encouraged! Of course, this is for personal purposes and not as an act of plagiarism. So don’t publish what you copy—keep it to yourself.

What should you copy? Almost anything— Italian quotes , great lines from magazines ,  newspaper excerpts  and easy short stories are all first-rate choices.

The act of copying builds confidence and also gives you “a feel” for writing. Copying passages and sentences builds vocabulary, shows grammar rules at work and is an excellent way to actually see how Italian words are ordered .

Once you’ve gained some confidence, branch out. Look for and then copy down some quotes that are really meaningful to you. They can be about anything—life, love, friendship. The possibilities are endless.

Another way to learn from your copying is by  sentence mining . Dissect everything you write into its components to learn how expertly-written sentences are put together, then use this knowledge to write your own sentences following the same formula.

As well as copying quotes, you could also try writing down song lyrics. Italian songs are great as they are not only fun to listen to , but they can also be used by Italian learners of all levels !

For example, beginner learners could search for the lyrics online and copy them while listening to the song, taking note of sentence structure and any specific vocabulary.

For more advanced Italian learners, a great way to get both writing and listening practice is by listening to the song and attempting to write down the lyrics . Once you’ve finished, you can search for the official song lyrics and compare them to what you’ve written.

Worksheets are language-learners’ friends. They’re especially great for beginners to the language but they’re also useful for more advanced students who want to refresh their skills.

Some worksheets are downloadable and printable while others are meant to be worked online.

For example, on Teachers Pay Teachers , you can find Italian worksheets covering a range of vocabulary and grammar topics. While some of the resources are sold for a fee, there are also plenty of free worksheets available to download.

ToLearnFree has a variety of Italian worksheets to be completed online. They offer the advantage of an instant check feature so you’ll know right away whether your writing makes the grade. It’s good to see what points need improving and this resource provides that instantly.

Click here to discover more helpful resources that you can use to find Italian worksheets.

Working on an Italian journal is a super way to get daily writing practice in. While you’re chronicling your life or keeping memories safe for a later date, your writing ability will be drastically improving.

Thinking in Italian, giving your thoughts form, considering Italian word order and then getting all of that from your head to the page is an epic adventure.

This isn’t a task for a beginner but you don’t need to wait until you’re fluent in Italian to do this, either.

Remember, a journal is for you—write like no one’s ever going to read it!

If you find yourself struggling to come up with topics for your journal, make a journal prompt jar and fill it with ideas. Then, when you’re facing writer’s block, just reach in and pull out a random prompt to write about!

9. Bullet Journal : Aim for Fluency

If you’re feeling a bit more confident, step up the journaling game and keep your life organized with an Italian bullet journal.

A bullet journal is a journal that keeps track of appointments, goals, fitness and dietary routines and any activities on your calendar.

If you commit to keeping a bullet journal in Italian you’re not only prioritizing your life but you’re also working on your language learning!

All the extra writing practice will feel like part of your routine—and that’s exactly how your Italian skills should feel: natural, routine and just part of your everyday life!

Letter writing provides tons of writing practice. And the great part of the whole endeavor is that it offers unlimited potential for language learners at every skill level.

If you’re a beginner, keep the sentences and thoughts brief and simple. More proficient? Add thought-provoking concepts and complicated sentence construction to your missives.

Finding an Italian pen pal is a snap. Check out PenPal World  or Global Pen Friends  to find someone who shares your interests. Then write on—and make a new friend!

Reading provides an excellent opportunity for writing practice by giving you content and a theme.

Remember the old-school book reports many of us wrote when we were in school? We read, then wrote about what we read. That’s still a useful practice.

There are amazing Italian books to choose from, and translation apps can help provide explanations for words or phrases you’re unsure of.

Take notes. Write a review. Form an online book club with other Italian language learners, then read and discuss books in Italian.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

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Blogging is like writing a journal with an audience. It’s a great way to  improve your writing skills, get some feedback on your Italian and even start a conversation.

Blogs allow you to share your hobbies, ideas or travel experiences with others.

You could start a page to discuss Italian restaurants or share information about interesting podcasts . Or you might want to document your Italian learning program. The choices are endless!

For extra practice, you could also provide an English translation of what you’re writing in Italian.

The only limit to a blogging journey is the writer’s imagination. So put on your thinking cap and start writing!

Are you feeling especially brave?

Think you’d like to see your name on a cover someday?

If that’s the case, open a file or a notebook and write your own story , play, novel or article in Italian! Jump right in—right away and write away!

Searching for story ideas? Try the daily writing prompts at “ Story A Day ” and you’ll never be at a loss for words!

There’s no fast track to achieving proficiency in certain skills.

Want to ride a bicycle? Practice.

Want to paint? Practice.

Want to write? Practice!

Practice is the key to all of these—and many more—life skills. But practice doesn’t need to be a hassle. It can be entertaining, too.

Incorporate a few of our fun Italian writing practice exercises into your daily language routine and you’ll hardly feel like you’re studying Italian!

Buona fortuna! (Good luck!)

If you're as busy as most of us, you don't always have time for lengthy language lessons. The solution? FluentU !

Learn Italian with funny commericals, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:

FluentU helps you get comfortable with everyday Italian by combining all the benefits of complete immersion and native-level conversations with interactive subtitles . Tap on any word to instantly see an image, in-context definition, example sentences and other videos in which the word is used.

Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and review words and phrases with convenient audio clips under Vocab .

Once you've watched a video, you can use FluentU's quizzes to actively practice all the vocabulary in that video. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you’re on.

FluentU will even keep track of all the Italian words you’re learning, and give you extra practice with difficult words. Plus, it'll tell you exactly when it's time for review. Now that's a 100% personalized experience !

The best part? You can try FluentU for free with a trial.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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• Profile of Italy
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• Media Overview
• The Italian Economy
• Italy is the next market
• Artistry of Italian Leather
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• Lamborghini
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• Learning Italian in Italy
• Italian Lakes
• Alberobello Video
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• Sardinia Beaches Video
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• The Amalfi Drive Video
• Tropea Video
• Living in Italy
• Stunning Italian Properties for Sale
• Where to live in Italy
• The Buying Process
• Accessing Italian Healthcare
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• Under a Sardinian Sky
• Bella Figura
• Drive Yourself Crazy!
• Give me a break!
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• In My Best Italian
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Italian Language Learning through Essay Writing: Enhancing Language Proficiency and Cultural Understanding

Beyond mere words and sentences, essays unlock the gateway to linguistic prowess, encouraging learners to delve into the depths of expression and articulate their thoughts with eloquence. Whether one is embarking on a linguistic journey or seeking to refine their existing language skills, this essay writing service is a must , igniting a flame of inspiration and fostering the growth of linguistic mastery.

From the romantic rhythms of spoken words to the lyrical poetry that has captivated hearts for centuries, Italian is a language that transcends mere communication. It encapsulates the spirit of Italy, a land adorned with timeless art, mouthwatering cuisine, and a tapestry of traditions. Beyond grammar and vocabulary, mastering Italian invites learners to immerse themselves in a cultural symphony, connecting with the essence of a nation and its people.

Embracing the art of essay writing in the pursuit of Italian language mastery is akin to unlocking a treasure trove of linguistic and cultural riches. Through the act of weaving words into coherent narratives, learners embark on a transformative journey of self-expression, bolstering their language skills with each stroke of the pen. Moreover, these essays become vessels of cultural exploration, transporting learners into the heart of Italian heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the nuances that make Italy a beacon of creativity and history. Thus, it is evident that essay writing, in all its literary splendor, holds the key to unlocking the door to language proficiency and cultural understanding for Italian language learners.

The Benefits of Essay Writing in Language Learning

Development of language skills.

1. Vocabulary expansion

• Like a flourishing garden, essay writing nourishes language learners with a bountiful array of vocabulary. With each essay crafted, learners uncover new words and phrases, adorning their linguistic repertoire with vibrant hues that add depth and precision to their expressions.

2. Grammar and sentence structure improvement

• The artistry of essay writing beckons learners to refine their grammatical brushstrokes, weaving sentences with precision and grace. Through practice and exploration, learners navigate the intricacies of grammar, sculpting their sentences into polished masterpieces.

3. Reading comprehension and critical thinking skills

• Essays serve as gateways to intellectual growth, challenging learners to immerse themselves in compelling texts and analyze them with discerning eyes. As learners engage in essay writing, they sharpen their reading comprehension skills and foster critical thinking abilities, unraveling layers of meaning and forging connections with the broader world.

Cultivation of writing skills

1. Organization and coherence

• Within the realm of essay writing, learners discover the hidden gems of structure and organization. They learn to arrange their thoughts like a symphony, creating harmonious compositions that guide readers through a coherent narrative, seamlessly connecting ideas and arguments.

2. Argumentation and persuasion

• Essays invite learners to don the armor of persuasion, wielding words as weapons of influence. With each essay, learners hone their abilities to construct compelling arguments, presenting their viewpoints with clarity, conviction, and artful persuasion.

3. Style and voice

• Like fingerprints, every writer possesses a unique style and voice. Essay writing nurtures this individuality, allowing learners to explore their artistic inclinations, experimenting with diverse tones, rhythms, and rhetorical devices. Through this exploration, learners discover their authentic voice, making their written compositions an extension of their own personalities.

Integrating Essay Writing into Italian Language Learning

Selecting essay topics relevant to italian culture and society.

1. Historical events and figures

• Unveiling the captivating tales of Italy's past, learners immerse themselves in the narratives of historical figures and events, breathing life into the annals of Italy's rich heritage.

2. Italian art, literature, and music

• Essays become canvases through which learners delve into the realm of Italian artistic expression. By exploring the works of legendary artists, delving into the pages of classic literature, and embracing the melodies of Italian music, learners forge connections between language and culture, their words imbued with the essence of Italy's creative legacy.

3. Social and political issues

• Essays provide a platform for learners to engage with the social and political fabric of Italy. By tackling topics such as societal challenges, political landscapes, and cultural movements, learners deepen their understanding of the complexities that shape contemporary Italian society.

Utilizing authentic materials and resources

1. Italian literature and newspapers

• From the poetic verses of Dante to the contemporary prose of Calvino, essays draw inspiration from the vast tapestry of Italian literature. By engaging with authentic texts, learners immerse themselves in the linguistic nuances and literary treasures that define Italian culture.

2. Films and documentaries

• Visual storytelling becomes a source of inspiration as learners explore Italian cinema and documentaries. By watching films that capture the spirit of Italy and delving into thought-provoking documentaries, learners gain insights into the cultural fabric and societal dynamics of the country.

3. Online platforms and language exchange programs

• In this digital age, essay writers can harness the power of online platforms and language exchange programs. These resources offer opportunities to engage with native speakers, fostering linguistic and cultural exchange that enriches the essay writing experience.

Providing guidance and feedback in the essay writing process

1. Pre-writing activities (brainstorming, outlining)

• Before the ink touches the page, learners embark on the journey of pre-writing activities. Through brainstorming sessions and outlining exercises, ideas take shape, guiding learners towards a coherent and well-structured essay.

2. Drafting and revising

• The art of essay writing blooms in the revision process. Learners refine their initial drafts, polishing their language, clarifying their arguments, and ensuring their ideas flow seamlessly. This iterative process of drafting and revising hones their writing skills and cultivates attention to detail.

3. Peer and instructor feedback

• In the realm of essay writing, the perspectives of others serve as catalysts for growth. By seeking feedback from peers and instructors, learners gain valuable insights and constructive criticism, allowing them to refine their writing, expand their horizons, and cultivate their unique voice.

Enhancing Language Proficiency through Essay Writing

Expanding vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

1. Researching and incorporating relevant vocabulary

• Essays act as treasure hunts, where learners unearth new vocabulary gems that embody the essence of the Italian language. By researching and incorporating relevant vocabulary, learners enrich their linguistic palette, infusing their writing with authenticity and depth.

2. Learning idiomatic expressions and collocations

• Idiomatic expressions and collocations paint vibrant strokes on the canvas of language. Through essay writing, learners delve into the world of idioms, embracing these linguistic treasures that convey cultural nuances and add flair to their expressions.

Reinforcing grammar and sentence structure

1. Practicing different verb tenses and sentence constructions

• Like a linguistic tapestry, essay writing allows learners to interweave a variety of verb tenses and sentence constructions. Through practice, learners gain confidence in employing complex grammatical structures, enhancing both their written and spoken Italian.
• The symphony of essay writing encompasses sentence variety and complexity. By experimenting with different sentence types, lengths, and rhetorical devices, learners elevate their prose, crafting compositions that resonate with readers and demonstrate a mastery of language.

Improving reading comprehension and cultural awareness

1. Engaging with authentic texts and analyzing their content

• Essays serve as portals to authentic texts, granting learners the opportunity to engage with the works of Italian authors, philosophers, and intellectuals. By critically analyzing these texts, learners sharpen their reading comprehension skills and deepen their cultural awareness.

2. Developing a deeper understanding of Italian culture, history, and society

• Essay writing transcends language proficiency, inviting learners to embark on a journey of cultural exploration. Through essays, learners unearth the hidden gems of Italian culture, history, and society, developing a profound understanding of the people and the intricacies that shape the Italian identity.

Fostering Cultural Understanding through Essay Writing

Exploring cultural themes and perspectives.

1. Analyzing Italian values, customs, and traditions

• Essays become voyages of cultural exploration, where learners immerse themselves in the intricacies of Italian values, customs, and traditions. Through in-depth analysis, learners gain insights into the rich tapestry of Italian culture, unraveling the threads that weave together the vibrant fabric of Italian society.

2. Examining societal issues and their impact on Italian culture

• Essays serve as lenses through which learners scrutinize societal issues that shape Italian culture. By delving into topics such as immigration, social inequality, or environmental sustainability, learners develop a nuanced understanding of the challenges and dynamics that impact contemporary Italy.

Encouraging research and critical thinking

1. Investigating Italian history, literature, and art

• Essays embark on archaeological expeditions into the realms of Italian history, literature, and art. Through rigorous research and analysis, learners unearth the gems of Italy's past and connect them to the present, fostering a deep appreciation for the cultural foundations that continue to shape Italian identity.

2. Reflecting on cultural differences and similarities

• Essay writing becomes a mirror that reflects upon cultural differences and similarities, offering learners the opportunity to ponder and articulate their observations. By engaging in critical thinking, learners navigate the delicate dance of understanding and celebrating diverse perspectives, nurturing empathy and fostering cultural cohesion.

Promoting intercultural communication and empathy

1. Exchanging ideas and perspectives with native Italian speakers

• The realm of essay writing transcends borders, inviting learners to engage in intercultural dialogue. Through exchanges with native Italian speakers, learners gain firsthand insights into Italian perspectives, engaging in enriching conversations that bridge linguistic and cultural divides.

2. Building bridges between cultures through written communication

• Essays become bridges that span cultural divides, fostering mutual understanding and empathy. By crafting thoughtful and respectful compositions, learners facilitate cultural exchange, nurturing connections that extend beyond language, paving the way for a more interconnected and harmonious global community.

As learners embark on this linguistic journey, they discover the transformative potential that essays hold in fostering cultural understanding. Through the analysis of Italian values, customs, and societal issues, learners develop a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of Italian culture. Research and critical thinking unlock the door to Italian history, literature, and art, while fostering reflections on cultural differences and similarities. Ultimately, essay writing promotes intercultural communication and empathy, enabling learners to build bridges between cultures and embrace the shared human experience. In this way, essay writing transcends its linguistic boundaries, becoming a catalyst for cultural exchange and understanding.

Italian Writing Examples

The following shows writing examples at various proficiency levels. These were produced by real language learners and may contain errors. See Writing Section Tips at the bottom of this page.

Italian Proficiency Tests and Resources

Writing Examples

At this level, I am able to create individual words that have no extended meaning.

I can share some simple vocabulary, which deals with the prompt/task/situation, but I tend to struggle to connect those words to create meaning.

giochi tv carte da gioco di calcio

At this level, I am beginning to develop the ability to create meaning by grammatically connecting words.

Specifically, I can connect some basic subjects and verbs or verbs and objects, but I may be inconsistent at doing this.

I am often limited in my vocabulary to Novice level topics that I experience in my every-day life or that I have recently learned.

giochi tv giocare a giocare a carte di gioco di calcio

At this level, I can create simple sentences with very basic grammatical control and accuracy.

There are often errors in my responses, while at the same time I might have good control with some very simple structures and functions of the language that I have just learned or studied.

At the Novice levels, errors are expected as I try to create simple sentences. Generally, the sentences that I am able to create are very basic and simple with few, if any, added details.

i ragazzi giocano guardare le ragazze tv studiare. Gioco ai giochi

At this level, I can create simple sentences with some added detail; such sentences help create VARIETY.

At the Intermediate Low level, simple sentences are enhanced by use of prepositional phrases, helping verb usage, as well as some adverbs and a variety of adjectives.

I generally create independent sentences (ideas) that can be moved around without affecting the overall meaning of the response. There are still a number of errors in my response, but I have fairly good control of more basic sentences. I am feeling more confident in using different structures and expanding vocabulary and taking more risks with my responses.

Nella mia epoca, io andava al parco a giocare a calcio, a correre con gli amici e giocare qualcosa, fuori. Ma allore gli ragazzi soltanto stanno nel computer, telefoni

At this level, I can now create enough language to show groupings of ideas.

My thoughts are loosely connected and cannot be moved around without affecting meaning.

I can also create a few sentences with complexity and am able to use some transition words.  I am also able to use more than just simple present tense, but often make mistakes when I try to use other tenses.

My vocabulary use is expanding and I am able to use more than the usual, high frequency or most common vocabulary. I feel that I am able to create new language on my own and communicate my everyday needs without too much difficulty.

Quando ero piccolo, non avevo un telefonino nelle elementari. Ma ho ricevuto un telefonino quando ho cominciato a frequentare le medie. Penso che i ragazzi che frequentano le elementari non debbano avere i telefonini. Quando io frequentavo le medie, avevo bisogno di telefonare ai miei genitori quando scoula ha finito, o quando mi sono divertito con i miei amici. Quando i ragazzi hanno più anni, loro escono più spesso. Ma i ragazzi giovanissimi non escono. I telefonini non sono buoni per le elementari, perché i ragazzi devono crescere e giocare normalmente.

At this level, I have good control of the language and feel quite confident about an increasing range of topics.

There are still some occasional errors in my language production, but that does not hinder my ability to communicate what I need to share.

I can use circumlocution to explain or describe things for which I do not know specific vocabulary or structures. I can understand and use different time frames and am just beginning to develop the ability to switch most time frames with accuracy. I can use transition words and concepts with some ease. My language has a more natural flow, but I still may have some unnatural pauses or hesitations.

L'uso dei cellulari si sta spargendo sempre di più, soprattutto tra le generazioni più giovani. Io penso che bambini delle elementari non dovrebbero avere un proprio telefono. È un mezzo elettronico non utile e pericoloso per bambini così piccoli. Per esempio, tramite il cellulare e internet, i bambini posso navigare e accedere a siti pericolosi e non adeguati per la loro età. É stato creato per comunicare tramite chiamate e messaggi, ma io penso che a bambini così piccoli non serva. Per esempio, se i bambini volessero usare i cellulari per uscire con i propri amici, potrebbero chiedere ai propri genitori di aiutarli. Infine, penso che l’uso dei cellulari debba essere vietato per i bambini delle elementari. É un mezzo che puó crere dipendenza e problemi nella vita del bambino.

At this level my response contains a number of complexities with higher degree of accuracy.

Such language allows me to address each aspect of the prompt more completely and with more depth of meaning.

I am able to use Advanced vocabulary or Advanced terms, conjugations etc. with confidence. I feel that I can create natural flow using as much detail and descriptive language as possible to create a clear picture. Errors with more complex structures may still occur. My ability to switch time frames begins to increase in accuracy.

I telefonini stanno diventando sempre più diffusi fra le giovani età, specialmente bambini e giovani adolescenti. Si é spesso dimostrato che l'uso continuo del telefonino potrebbe dannegiare la vista e rallentare il processo di socializazzione e apprendimento nei bambini. Molti genitori permettono ai loro figli di avere accesso al telefonino per farli stare calmi mentre loro sono troppo occupati per prendersi cura dei bisogni dei loro figli. Penso che i bambini dovrebbero avere un accesso limitato ai telefonini. Da piccola io non ho mai avuto bisogno di avere un telefono cellulare pero d'altronde spesso si dice che i tempi sono cambiati e oggi giorno ci sono molti più pericoli dai cuali bisogna stare lontano. Ho avuto una meravigliosa infanzia e invece di stare tutto il giorno a vedere video sul telefono, io giocavo a nascondino e a saltare la corda con i miei amici.Se mia madre voleva sapere dove fossi lei doveva semplicemente strillare il mio nome e io gli rispondevo subito, solitamente ero a casa della mia vicina. Io penso che i cellulari sono molto importanti se gli dai un buon uso e penso anche che i bambini dovrebbero avere accesso ai telefonini solo se non sono "telefoni intelligenti" anche chiamati "smartphone".

At this level my response demonstrates my ease with the language.

I am able to create a response which not only addresses each aspect of the prompt, but delves into each point with clarity and concise language.

I am able to incorporate a number of more complex structures as well as Advanced vocabulary and Advanced phrases with a higher degree of accuracy throughout the majority of the response.

The language I create has a natural flow due to the way I incorporate a variety of patterns and complexities into my response. My response shows my ability to create language that has sophistication of language skills and syntactical density. My ability to switch time frames accurately is evident, if called for in the prompt.

È vero che i cellulari sono dappertutto nella nostra società ma i bambini della scuola elementare non dovrebbero avere i cellulari. La prima ragione per cui i bambini della scuola elementare non dovrebbero avere i cellulari e che non ne hanno bisogno per comunicare. Ragazzi di ques'età non dovrebbero essere senza adulti mai così non avranno bisogno di telefonare nessuno. Anche ragazzi di quest'età dovrebbero imparare che ci sono altri modi di comunicare con altri. È importante che imparino come parlare con altre faccia a faccia senza un cellulare. Parlare faccia a faccia è un modo di comunicazione che perdiamo come una società perchè della tecnologia. I ragazzi non dovrebbero perdere quest'abilità semplicemente perchè della tecnologia. Inoltre i ragazzi hanno bisogno di imparare cosa fare in situazioni di emergenze senza un telefono perchè un telefono non è sempre disponibile. I bambini dell scuola elementare non dovrebbero avere i cellulari con l'Internet perchè non è uno strumento utile per insegnargli come pensare ed imparare. Secondo me perchè abbiamo i cellulari con l'Internet non dobbiamo pensare o ricordare quasi niente oggigiorno. Per esempio, se io volessi visitare un luogo nuovo userei il GPS sul cellulare per le indicazioni e come risultato non imparerò come arrivare a quel luogo. Vedo sempre adulti che parlano di un programma televisivo o un film vecchio e quando non possono ricordare i nomi degli attori o delle dettaglie guardano direttamente ai loro cellulari per le risposte. Non hanno bisogno di ricordare o di pensare di niente! Questa non è una qualità che dovremmo passare ai nostri bambini. I cellulari non sono necessari per i bambini di scuola elementare perchè non arricchiscono le loro abilità di comunicare, pensare, imparare o ricordare.

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Teach Yourself Italian

My relationship with Italian takes place in exile, in a state of separation.

Every language belongs to a specific place. It can migrate, it can spread. But usually it’s tied to a geographical territory, a country. Italian belongs mainly to Italy, and I live on another continent, where one does not readily encounter it.

I think of Ovid, exiled from Rome to a remote place. To a linguistic outpost, surrounded by alien sounds.

I think of my mother, who writes poems in Bengali, in America. Almost fifty years after moving there, she can’t find a book written in her language.

In a sense I’m used to a kind of linguistic exile. My mother tongue, Bengali, is foreign in America. When you live in a country where your own language is considered foreign, you can feel a continuous sense of estrangement. You speak a secret, unknown language, lacking any correspondence to the environment. An absence that creates a distance within you.

In my case there is another distance, another schism. I don’t know Bengali perfectly. I don’t know how to write it, or even read it. I have an accent, I speak without authority, and so I’ve always perceived a disjunction between it and me. As a result I consider my mother tongue, paradoxically, a foreign language.

As for Italian, the exile has a different aspect. Almost as soon as we met, Italian and I were separated. My yearning seems foolish. And yet I feel it.

How is it possible to feel exiled from a language that isn’t mine? That I don’t know? Maybe because I’m a writer who doesn’t belong completely to any language.

I buy a book. It’s called “Teach Yourself Italian.” An exhortatory title, full of hope and possibility. As if it were possible to learn on your own.

Having studied Latin for many years, I find the first chapters of this textbook fairly easy. I manage to memorize some conjugations, do some exercises. But I don’t like the silence, the isolation of the self-teaching process. It seems detached, wrong. As if I were studying a musical instrument without ever playing it.

In graduate school, I decide to write my doctoral thesis on how Italian architecture influenced English playwrights of the seventeenth century. I wonder why certain playwrights decided to set their tragedies, written in English, in Italian palaces. The thesis will discuss another schism between language and environment. The subject gives me a second reason to study Italian.

I attend elementary courses. My first teacher is a Milanese woman who lives in Boston. I do the homework, I pass the tests. But when, after two years of studying, I try to read Alberto Moravia’s novel “La Ciociara” (“Two Women”) I barely understand it. I underline almost every word on every page. I am constantly looking in the dictionary.

In the spring of 2000, six years after my first trip to Italy, I go to Venice. In addition to the dictionary, I take a notebook, and on the last page I write down phrases that might be useful: Saprebbe dirmi ? Dove si trova ? Come si fa per andare ? Could you tell me? Where is? How does one get to? I recall the difference between buono and bello . I feel prepared. In reality, in Venice I’m barely able to ask for directions on the street, a wakeup call at the hotel. I manage to order in a restaurant and exchange a few words with a saleswoman. Nothing else. Even though I’ve returned to Italy, I still feel exiled from the language.

A few months later, I receive an invitation to the Mantua literary festival. There I meet my first Italian publishers. One of them is also my translator. Their publishing house has a Spanish name, Marcos y Marcos. They are Italian. Their names are Marco and Claudia.

I have to do all my interviews and presentations in English. There is always an interpreter next to me. I can more or less follow the Italian, but I can’t express myself, explain myself, without English. I feel limited. What I learned in America, in the classroom, isn’t sufficient. My comprehension is so meagre that, here in Italy, it doesn’t help me. The language still seems like a locked gate. I’m on the threshold, I can see inside, but the gate won’t open.

Marco and Claudia give me the key. When I mention that I’ve studied some Italian, and that I would like to improve it, they stop speaking to me in English. They switch to their language, although I’m able to respond only in a very simple way. In spite of all my mistakes, in spite of my not completely understanding what they say. In spite of the fact that they speak English much better than I speak Italian.

They tolerate my mistakes. They correct me, they encourage me, they provide the words I lack. They speak clearly, patiently. Just like parents with their children. The way one learns one’s native language. I realize that I didn’t learn English in this fashion.

Marco and Claudia give me this turning point. In Mantua, thanks to them, I finally find myself inside the language. Because in the end to learn a language, to feel connected to it, you have to have a dialogue, however childlike, however imperfect.

The Conversations

Returning to America, I want to go on speaking Italian. But with whom? I know some people in New York who speak it perfectly. I’m embarrassed to talk to them. I need someone with whom I can struggle, and fail.

One day I go to the Casa Italiana at New York University to interview a famous Roman writer, a woman, who has won the Strega Prize. I am in an overcrowded room where everyone but me speaks impeccable Italian.

The director of the institute greets me. I tell him, in Italian, that I would have liked to do the interview in Italian. That I studied the language years ago but I can’t speak well.

“Need practicing,” I say.

“You need practice,” he answers kindly.

In the spring of 2004, my husband gives me something. A piece of paper torn from a notice that he happened to see in our neighborhood, in Brooklyn. On it is written “ Imparare l’italiano ”—“Learn Italian.” I consider it a sign. I call the number, make an appointment. A likable, energetic woman, also from Milan, arrives at my house. She teaches in a private school, she lives in the suburbs. She asks me why I want to learn the language.

I explain that I’m going to Rome in the summer to take part in another literary festival. It seems like a reasonable motivation. I don’t reveal that Italian is an infatuation. That I cherish a hope—in fact a dream—of knowing it well. I don’t tell her that I’m looking for a way to keep alive a language that has nothing to do with my life. That I am tortured, that I feel incomplete. As if Italian were a book that, no matter how hard I work, I can’t write.

We meet once a week, for an hour. I’m pregnant with my second child, who will be born in November. I try to have a conversation. At the end of every lesson, the teacher gives me a long list of words that I lacked during the conversation. I review it diligently. I put it in a folder. I can’t remember them.

At the festival in Rome I manage to exchange three, four, maybe five sentences with someone. After that I stop; it’s impossible to do more. I count the sentences, as if they were strokes in a tennis game, as if they were strokes when you’re learning to swim.

In spite of the conversations, the language remains elusive, evanescent. It appears only with the teacher. She brings it into my house for an hour, then takes it away. It seems concrete, palpable, only when I’m with her.

My daughter is born, and four more years go by. I finish another book. After its publication, in 2008, I receive another invitation to Italy, to promote it. In preparation I find a new teacher. An enthusiastic, attentive young woman from Bergamo. She, too, comes to my house once a week. We sit next to each other on the couch and talk. We become friends. My comprehension improves sporadically. The teacher is very encouraging, she says I speak the language well, she says I’ll do fine in Italy. But it’s not true. When I go to Milan, when I try to speak intelligently, fluently, I am always aware of the mistakes that hamper me, that confuse me, and I feel more discouraged than ever.

In 2009, I start studying with my third private teacher, a Venetian woman who moved to Brooklyn more than thirty years ago, who brought up her children in America. She’s a widow, and lives in a house surrounded by wisteria, near the Verrazano Bridge, with a gentle dog that’s always at her feet. It takes me nearly an hour to get there. I ride the subway to the edge of Brooklyn, almost to the end of the line.

I love this trip. I go out of the house, leaving behind the rest of my life. I don’t think about my writing. I forget, for several hours, the other languages I know. Each time, it seems like a small flight. Awaiting me is a place where only Italian matters. A shelter from which a new reality bursts forth.

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I am very fond of my teacher. Although for four years we use the formal lei , we have a close, informal relationship. We sit on a wooden bench at a small table in the kitchen. I see the books on her shelves, the photographs of her grandchildren.

Magnificent brass pots hang on the walls. At her house, I start again, from the beginning: conditional clauses, indirect discourse, the use of the passive. With her my project seems more possible than impossible. With her my strange devotion to the language seems more a vocation than a folly.

We talk about our lives, about the state of the world. We do an avalanche of exercises, arid but necessary. The teacher corrects me constantly. As I listen to her, I take notes in a diary. After each lesson I feel both exhausted and ready for the next. After saying goodbye, after closing the gate behind me, I can’t wait to return.

At a certain point the lessons with the Venetian teacher become my favorite activity. As I study with her, the next, inevitable step in this odd linguistic journey becomes clear. At a certain point, I decide to move to Italy.

The Renunciation

I choose Rome. A city that has fascinated me since I was a child, that conquered me immediately. The first time I was there, in 2003, I felt a sense of rapture, an affinity. I seemed to know it already. After only a few days, I was sure that I was fated to live there.

I have no friends yet in Rome. But I’m not going there to visit someone. I’m going in order to change course, and to reach the Italian language. In Rome, Italian can be with me every day, every minute. It will always be present, relevant. It will stop being a light switch to turn on occasionally, and then turn off.

In preparation, I decide, six months before our departure, not to read in English anymore. From now on, I pledge to read only in Italian. It seems right, to detach myself from my principal language. I consider it an official renunciation. I’m about to become a linguistic pilgrim to Rome. I believe I have to leave behind something familiar, essential.

Suddenly, none of my books are useful. They seem like ordinary objects. The anchor of my creative life disappears, the stars that guided me recede. I see before me a new room, empty.

Whenever I can—in my study, on the subway, in bed before going to sleep—I immerse myself in Italian. I enter another land, unexplored, murky. A kind of voluntary exile. Although I’m still in America, I already feel elsewhere. Reading, I feel like a guest, happy but disoriented. Reading, I no longer feel at home.

I read Moravia’s “Gli Indifferenti” (“Time of Indifference”) and “La Noia” (“The Empty Canvas”). Pavese’s “La Luna e i Falò” (“The Moon and the Bonfires”). The poetry of Quasimodo, of Saba. I manage to understand and at the same time I don’t understand. I renounce expertise to challenge myself. I trade certainty for uncertainty.

I read slowly, painstakingly. With difficulty. Every page seems to have a light covering of mist. The obstacles stimulate me. Every new construction seems a marvel, every unknown word a jewel.

I make a list of terms to look up, to learn. Imbambolato , sbilenco , incrinatura , capezzale (dazed, lopsided, crack, bedside or bolster). Sgangherato , scorbutico , barcollare , bisticciare (unhinged, crabby, sway, bicker). After I finish a book, I’m thrilled. It seems like a feat. I find the process demanding yet satisfying, almost miraculous. I can’t take for granted my ability to accomplish it. I read as I did when I was a girl. Thus, as an adult, as a writer, I rediscover the pleasure of reading.

In this period I feel like a divided person. My writing is nothing but a reaction, a response to reading. In other words, a kind of dialogue. The two things are closely bound, interdependent.

Now, however, I write in one language and read exclusively in another. I am about to finish a novel, so I’m necessarily immersed in the text. It’s impossible to abandon English. Yet my stronger language already seems behind me.

I think of two-faced Janus. Two faces that look at the past and the future at once. The ancient god of the threshold, of beginnings and endings. He represents a moment of transition. He watches over gates, over doors, a god who is only Roman, who protects the city. A remarkable image that I am about to meet everywhere.

I arrive in Rome with my family a few days before the mid-August holiday. We aren’t familiar with this custom of leaving town en masse. The moment when nearly everyone is fleeing, when almost the entire city has come to a halt, we try to start a new chapter of our life.

We rent an apartment on Via Giulia, a very elegant street that is deserted in mid-August. The heat is fierce, unbearable. When we go out shopping, we look for the momentary relief of shade every few steps.

The second night, a Saturday, we come home and the door won’t open. Before, it opened without any problem. Now, no matter how I try, the key doesn’t turn in the lock. There is no one in the building but us. We have no papers, are still without a functioning telephone, without any Roman friend or acquaintance. I ask for help at the hotel across the street from our building, but two hotel employees can’t open the door, either. Our landlords are on vacation in Calabria. My children, upset, hungry, are crying, saying that they want to go back to America immediately.

Finally a locksmith arrives and gets the door open in a couple of minutes. We give him more than two hundred euros, without a receipt, for the job.

This trauma seems to me a trial by fire, a sort of baptism. And there are many other obstacles, small but annoying. We don’t know where to take the recycling, how to buy a subway and bus pass, where the bus stops are. Everything has to be learned from zero. When we ask for help from three Romans, each of the three gives a different answer. I feel unnerved, often crushed. In spite of my great enthusiasm for living in Rome, everything seems impossible, indecipherable, impenetrable.

A week after arriving, the Saturday after the unforgettable night, I open my diary to describe our misadventures. That Saturday, I do something strange, unexpected. I write my diary in Italian. I do it almost automatically, spontaneously. I do it because when I take the pen in my hand I no longer hear English in my brain. During this period when everything confuses me, everything unsettles me, I change the language I write in. I begin to relate, in the most exacting way, everything that is testing me.

I write in a terrible, embarrassing Italian, full of mistakes. Without correcting, without a dictionary, by instinct alone. I grope my way, like a child, like a semiliterate. I am ashamed of writing like this. I don’t understand this mysterious impulse, which emerges out of nowhere. I can’t stop.

It’s as if I were writing with my left hand, my weak hand, the one I’m not supposed to write with. It seems a transgression, a rebellion, an act of stupidity.

During the first months in Rome, my clandestine Italian diary is the only thing that consoles me, that gives me stability. Often, awake and restless in the middle of the night, I go to the desk to compose some paragraphs in Italian. It’s an absolutely secret project. No one suspects, no one knows.

I don’t recognize the person who is writing in this diary, in this new, approximate language. But I know that it’s the most genuine, most vulnerable part of me.

Before I moved to Rome, I seldom wrote in Italian. I tried to compose some letters to an Italian friend who lives in Madrid, some e-mails to my teacher. They were like formal, artificial exercises. The voice didn’t seem to be mine. In America it wasn’t.

In Rome, however, writing in Italian is the only way to feel myself present here—maybe to have a connection, especially as a writer, with Italy. The new diary, although imperfect, although riddled with mistakes, mirrors my disorientation clearly. It reflects a radical transition, a state of complete bewilderment.

In the months before coming to Italy, I was looking for another direction for my writing. I wanted a new approach. I didn’t know that the language I had studied slowly for many years in America would, finally, give me the direction.

I use up one notebook, I start another. A second metaphor comes to mind: it’s as if, poorly equipped, I were climbing a mountain. It’s a sort of literary act of survival. I don’t have many words to express myself—rather, the opposite. I’m aware of a state of deprivation. And yet, at the same time, I feel free, light. I rediscover the reason that I write, the joy as well as the need. I find again the pleasure I’ve felt since I was a child: putting words in a notebook that no one will read.

In Italian I write without style, in a primitive way. I’m always uncertain. My sole intention, along with a blind but sincere faith, is to be understood, and to understand myself.

The Metamorphosis

Shortly before I began to write these reflections, I received an e-mail from a friend in Rome, the writer Domenico Starnone. I had been in Rome for a year. Referring to my desire to appropriate Italian, he wrote, “A new language is almost a new life, grammar and syntax recast you, you slip into another logic and another sensibility.” How much those words reassured me. They contained all my yearning, all my disorientation. Reading this message, I understood better the impulse to express myself in a new language: to subject myself, as a writer, to a metamorphosis.

Around the same time that I received this note, I was asked, during an interview, what my favorite book was. I was in London, on a stage with five other writers. It’s a question that I usually find annoying; no book has been definitive for me, so I never know how to answer. This time, though, I was able to respond without any hesitation that my favorite book was the Metamorphoses of Ovid. It’s a majestic work, a poem that concerns everything, that reflects everything. I read it for the first time twenty-five years ago, in Latin, as a university student. It was an unforgettable encounter, maybe the most satisfying reading of my life. To understand this poem I had to be persistent, translating every word. I had to devote myself to an ancient and demanding foreign language. And yet Ovid’s writing won me over: I was enchanted by it. I discovered a sublime work, a living, enthralling language. I believe that reading in a foreign language is the most intimate way of reading.

I remember vividly the moment when the nymph Daphne is transformed into a laurel tree. She is fleeing Apollo, the love-struck god who pursues her. She would like to remain alone, chaste, dedicated to the forest and the hunt, like the virgin Diana. Exhausted, the nymph, unable to outstrip the god, begs her father, Peneus, a river divinity, to help her. Ovid writes, “She has just ended this prayer when a heaviness pervades her limbs, her tender breast is bound in a thin bark, her hair grows into leaves, her arms into branches; her foot, a moment before so swift, remains fixed by sluggish roots, her face vanishes into a treetop.” When Apollo places his hand on the trunk of this tree “he feels the breast still trembling under the new bark.”

Metamorphosis is a process that is both violent and regenerative, a death and a birth. It’s not clear where the nymph ends and the tree begins; the beauty of this scene is that it portrays the fusion of two elements, of both beings. The words that describe Daphne and the tree are right next to each other (in the Latin text, frondem / crines , ramos / bracchia , cortice / pectus ; leaves/hair, branches/arms, bark/breast). The contiguity of these words, their literal juxtaposition, reinforces the state of contradiction, of entanglement. It gives us a double impression, throwing us off. It expresses in the mythical, I would say primordial, sense the meaning of being two things at the same time. Of being something undefined, ambiguous. Of having a dual identity.

Until she is transformed, Daphne is running for her life. Now she is stopped; she can no longer move. Apollo can touch her, but he can’t possess her. Though cruel, the metamorphosis is her salvation. On the one hand, she loses her independence. On the other, as a tree, she remains forever in the wood, her place, where she has a different sort of freedom.

As I said before, I think that my writing in Italian is a flight. Dissecting my linguistic metamorphosis, I realize that I’m trying to get away from something, to free myself. I’ve been writing in Italian for almost two years, and I feel that I’ve been transformed, almost reborn. But the change, this new opening, is costly; like Daphne, I, too, find myself confined. I can’t move as I did before, the way I was used to moving in English. A new language, Italian, covers me like a kind of bark. I remain inside: renewed, trapped, relieved, uncomfortable.

Why am I fleeing? What is pursuing me? Who wants to restrain me?

The most obvious answer is the English language. But I think it’s not so much English in itself as everything the language has symbolized for me. For practically my whole life, English has represented a consuming struggle, a wrenching conflict, a continuous sense of failure that is the source of almost all my anxiety. It has represented a culture that had to be mastered, interpreted. I was afraid that it meant a break between me and my parents. English denotes a heavy, burdensome aspect of my past. I’m tired of it.

And yet I was in love with it. I became a writer in English. And then, rather precipitously, I became a famous writer. I received a prize that I was sure I did not deserve, that seemed to me a mistake. Although it was an honor, I remained suspicious of it. I couldn’t connect myself to that recognition, and yet it changed my life. Since then, I’ve been considered a successful author, so I’ve stopped feeling like an unknown, almost anonymous apprentice. All my writing comes from a place where I feel invisible, inaccessible. But a year after my first book was published I lost my anonymity.

By writing in Italian, I think I am escaping both my failures with regard to English and my success. Italian offers me a very different literary path. As a writer I can demolish myself, I can reconstruct myself. I can join words together and work on sentences without ever being considered an expert. I’m bound to fail when I write in Italian, but, unlike my sense of failure in the past, this doesn’t torment or grieve me.

If I mention that I’m writing in a new language these days, many people react negatively. In the United States, some advise me not to do it. They say they don’t want to read me translated from a foreign tongue. They don’t want me to change. In Italy, even though many have encouraged me to take this step, many support me, I’m still asked why I have a desire to write in a language that is much less widely read in the world than English. Some say that my renunciation of English could be disastrous, that my escape could lead me into a trap. They don’t understand why I want to take such a risk.

These reactions don’t surprise me. A transformation, especially one that is deliberately sought, is often perceived as something disloyal, threatening. I am the daughter of a mother who would never change. In the United States, she continued, as far as possible, to dress, behave, eat, think, live as if she had never left India, Calcutta. The refusal to modify her aspect, her habits, her attitudes was her strategy for resisting American culture, for fighting it, for maintaining her identity. Becoming or even resembling an American would have meant total defeat. When my mother returns to Calcutta, she is proud of the fact that, in spite of almost fifty years away from India, she seems like a woman who never left.

I am the opposite. While the refusal to change was my mother’s rebellion, the insistence on transforming myself is mine. “There was a woman, a translator, who wanted to be another person”: it’s no accident that “The Exchange,” the first story I wrote in Italian, begins with that sentence. All my life I’ve tried to get away from the void of my origin. It was the void that distressed me, that I was fleeing. That’s why I was never happy with myself. Change seemed the only solution. Writing, I discovered a way of hiding in my characters, of escaping myself. Of undergoing one mutation after another.

One could say that the mechanism of metamorphosis is the only element of life that never changes. The journey of every individual, every country, every historical epoch—of the entire universe and all it contains—is nothing but a series of changes, at times subtle, at times deep, without which we would stand still. The moments of transition, in which something changes, constitute the backbone of all of us. Whether they are a salvation or a loss, they are moments that we tend to remember. They give a structure to our existence. Almost all the rest is oblivion.

I think that the power of art is the power to wake us up, strike us to our depths, change us. What are we searching for when we read a novel, see a film, listen to a piece of music? We are searching, through a work of art, for something that alters us, that we weren’t aware of before. We want to transform ourselves, just as Ovid’s masterwork transformed me.

In the animal world metamorphosis is expected, natural. It means a biological passage, including various specific phases that lead, ultimately, to complete development. When a caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly it’s no longer a caterpillar but a butterfly. The effect of the metamorphosis is radical, permanent. The creature has lost its old form and gained a new, almost unrecognizable one. It has new physical features, a new beauty, new capacities.

A total metamorphosis isn’t possible in my case. I can write in Italian, but I can’t become an Italian writer. Despite the fact that I’m writing this sentence in Italian, the part of me conditioned to write in English endures. I think of Fernando Pessoa, a writer who invented four versions of himself: four separate, distinct writers, thanks to which he was able to go beyond the confines of himself. Maybe what I’m doing, by means of Italian, resembles his tactic. It’s not possible to become another writer, but it might be possible to become two.

Oddly, I feel more protected when I write in Italian, even though I’m also more exposed. It’s true that a new language covers me, but unlike Daphne I have a permeable covering—I’m almost without a skin. And although I don’t have a thick bark, I am, in Italian, a tougher, freer writer, who, taking root again, grows in a different way. ♦

( Translated, from the Italian, by Ann Goldstein. )

Italian translation of 'essay'

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Essay noun —, saggio m (almost always used), ▸ wikipedia, ▾ external sources (not reviewed).

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Most Important Coordinating Conjunctions in Italian and More

Without conjunctions, we would be talking like robots, putting together a sequence of detached sentences. You might not realize this, but conjunctions are a very important part of our language. They have the important job of coordinating and linking phrases.

So, let’s discover and practice the most commonly used conjunctions in Italian (including coordinating conjunctions in Italian), because these little bricks in your sentences will help you connect your Italian phrases and make your Italian conversation flow. And this is exactly what you’ll need to speak Italian like a pro! (See how I used conjunctions to link the last three sentences?) 🙂

As you can see, even the most simple Italian conjunctions can make a huge difference.

But before learning Italian conjunctions, let’s take a more detailed look at what a conjunction is.

Table of Contents

• What is a Conjunction?
• Italian Conjunctions to Correlate Similar Thoughts
• Italian Conjunctions to Express Condition
• Italian Conjunctions to Express Cause
• Italian Conjunctions to Express Opposition
• Italian Conjunctions to Express Purpose
• Italian Conjunctions to Express Time
• Italian Conjunctions to Explain
• Italian Conjunctions to Express a Conclusion
• ItalianPod101: Your Guide to Italian Grammar & Culture

1. What is a Conjunction?

Conjunctions serve as connectors to link together two or more sentences or groups of words. They are invariable, meaning that they don’t change—and this is good, because you won’t have to worry about the agreement of feminine, masculine , singular, or plural.

There are two types of Italian conjunctions:

• Italian coordinating conjunctions, which put together two or more elements of the same importance
• Italian subordinating conjunctions, which put together two or more elements establishing a dependence

For example, take Vado in pizzeria e poi al cinema (meaning “I go to a pizzeria and then to the movies,” when translated). In this sentence, e poi (and then) are two coordinating conjunctions.

But if I say, Vado in pizzeria perché ho fame (or “I go to the pizzeria because I am hungry,” when translated), this is a subordinative conjunction, because going to the pizzeria depends on the fact that I am hungry (in this case, it’s the cause).

Now, are you ready to learn Italian conjunctions? We thought so! Without further ado, here’s our Italian conjunctions list!

2. Italian Conjunctions to Correlate Similar Thoughts

Let’s start with some basic Italian conjunctions: those that correlate similar thoughts.

E : This is the very first conjunction you’ll learn when you start studying Italian. E means “and,” and it’s impossible to do without because you use it to link two or more words in a sentence:

“I eat bread and cheese.” ( Mangio pane e formaggio .)

It can also link two sentences/verbs:

“I went to the movies and I saw a nice Italian film.” ( Sono andato al cinema e ho visto un bel film italiano .)

Whenever you write in Italian, pay attention to the difference between e to connect parts of your phrases and the third person verb è ( it is ) that needs the accent. This is a very common mistake that many young Italian students make, and nonetheless it’s a red pen mistake! To help you remember, here’s a little filastrocca (nursery rhyme):

E senza accento lega, È con accento spiega.

“ E with no accent binds, È with an accent explains.”

Take a look at this Italian conjunctions chart to see how other common and useful correlative Italian conjunctions work:

3. Italian Conjunctions to Express Condition

Se non piove, vado al mare. ( If it doesn’t rain, I’ll go to the beach.)

This is a very common sentence structure that you’ll often need when you want to talk about a hypothetical situation. To do so, you’ll need to use another one of the most common Italian conjunctions, se (if), which is used to introduce a hypothetical sentence.

What does “hypothetical” mean? Simply that you’re stating a doubt, or a possibility (either realistic or impossible) that could occur. The difference between being realistic or not is actually very important in Italian, since what tenses you’ll use in your sentence depend on this.

Look at the example in the table to see the difference. Do you want to know more about Italian verbs and tenses ?

4. Italian Conjunctions to Express Cause

Oggi vado al mare perché c’è il sole (Today I go to the beach since it is sunny.)

Perché (since; because) is one of the most useful Italian conjunctions to know and use, because it explains the reason or the cause behind some action.

Other conjunctions to express cause are poiché, siccome , and visto che . They are synonyms of perché and also mean “since.” Notice how, unlike perché , they can be at the beginning of a sentence.

• Poiché non mi chiami, vado da sola. ( Since you didn’t call me, I’ll go by myself.)
• Siccome piove, non vado al mare. ( Since it’s raining, I won’t go to the beach.)
• Visto che sei italiano, devi sapere fare la pizza! ( Since you’re Italian, you must know how to make pizza!)

Sono Italiano ma non so fare la pizza! La mangio solamente… (I’m Italian, but I can’t make pizza. I only eat it… )

Another difference is that perché is also used to ask a question: Perché non vai al mare? (Why don’t you go to the beach?).

So you see that while in English there are two separate words for it ( why and because ), depending on whether it’s a question or an answer/explanation, in Italian, they’re the same word: perché . And don’t forget to put the acute accent on the é at the end of perch é !

Perché? Perché sì! (Why? Just because!)

5. Italian Conjunctions to Express Opposition

These conjunctions in Italian are the perfect tool when you want to make an excuse for some action. So obviously, they’re very useful to help you politely decline an invitation, an opinion you don’t agree with, or a second helping of lasagna from your friend’s grandma…

The most common conjunctions to express opposition are ma or però (both mean “but” when translated):

• Mi piacerebbe andare al mare, ma oggi devo studiare. (I would love to go to the beach, but today I have to study.)
• Capisco il tuo punto di vista, però non sono d’accordo. (I understand your point of view, but I don’t agree.)
• La lasagna è buonissima, ma sono proprio sazio! (The lasagna is fantastic, but I am really full!)

6. Italian Conjunctions to Express Purpose

Affinché, così , and perché all mean “so that.”

Whenever you want to express the purpose of an action that you stated in the main sentence, use conjunctions such as per, affinché, cosí , or perché , which all mean “so that.” For most of these, you need to pay extra attention because they require the use of the congiuntivo (the subjunctive tense).

• Ti chiamo perché tu capisca la situazione. (I’m calling you so that you understand the situation.)
• Scrivo l’esercizio affinché tu possa correggerlo. (I’ll write down the exercise so that you can correct it.)
• Lo spiego di nuovo cosí che voi comprendiate. (I’ll explain it again so that you’ll all understand.)

When the two sentences (main and subordinate) have the same subject, you can use the simpler conjunction per without the subjunctive. I bet you loved that…!

Ti chiamo (io) per spiegarti (io) la situazione. (I call you to explain the situation.)

If you want to know more about this type of sentence, check out this lesson on our website.

7. Italian Conjunctions to Express Time

Quando? and Per quanto tempo? mean “When?” and “For how long?” respectively. Whenever you need to answer those questions, you’ll be using conjunctions to express time .

Guardo la clessidra mentre il tempo passa (I watch the hourglass, while time goes by).

The most common of Italian conjunction words for this is definitely quando (when). And you must have heard the old and very famous Italian song ‘60 Quando, Quando, Quando by Tony Renis. Can you sing along ?

• Mentre (While) Non parlare mentre mangi. (Don’t talk while you eat.)
• Quando (When) Esco sempre quando nevica. (I always go out when it’s snowing.)
• Appena/Non appena (As soon as) Ti chiamo (non) appena ho finito. (I’ll call you as soon as I’m done.) Notice how appena/non appena have exactly the same meaning.
• Prima di/che (Before) Bevo un bicchiere d’acqua prima di dormire. (I drink a glass of water before I go to sleep.) Ti voglio parlare prima che tu esca. (I want to talk to you before you leave.)
• Dopo di/che (After) Esco solo dopo avere finito i compiti. (I only go out after I finish my homework.) Esco solo dopo che hai finito i compiti. (I only go out after you finish your homework.)

8. Italian Conjunctions to Explain

How many times have you said something in Italian and then realized your idea wasn’t clear enough? In that case, these conjunctions to explain will come in quite handy! The most common in Italian are cioè (that is) and infatti (in fact).

• Mi piace l’entomologia, cioè lo studio degli insetti. “I like entomology, that is the study of insects.)
• Ha nevicato tutta la notte, infatti stamattina fuori è tutto bianco! (It snowed all night, in fact this morning it was all white outside!)

Have you noticed how much young Italians say cioè (that is)? Since the 70s, it’s become very common in spoken Italian as a way to take time to think about what you want to say. This is similar to “well…” in English at the start of a sentence. Some younger kids use it all the time! In fact, Cioè has even become the name of a very famous Italian teen magazine!

Cioè… non ho capito la domanda. (Well… I didn’t get the question.)

You might have also noticed how often Italians answer a question with infatti (in fact). In this case, it’s not used to explain the previous sentence, but simply to answer a question. It’s a way to reinforce your sì (yes), as in “Yes, absolutely/That’s right!”

          – C’é un bel sole, non ho voglia di stare a casa!           – Infatti!

          – “It’s nice and sunny, I don’t feel like staying home.”           – “That’s right!”

Cioè… Allora… Quindi… (That is… So…). You’ll hear these words a lot from young Italians!

9. Italian Conjunctions to Express a Conclusion

And finally, to conclude, what could be more appropriate than talking about conjunctions to express a conclusion? So here we go. The most common Italian conjunctions to express a conclusion are allora (then), quindi (so), and dunque (therefore).

• Non vuoi andare al cinema, allora cosa vuoi fare? (You don’t want to go to the movies, then what do you want to do?)
• Sono tornata a casa tardi, quindi mia madre si è preoccupata. (I came home late, so my mom got worried.)
• Voglio imparare l’Italiano, dunque studio con ItalianPod101.com ! (I want to learn Italian, therefore I study with ItalianPod101.com !)

Even though these conjunctions serve mainly to conclude a sentence, you’ll often hear Italians start their sentences with them. In this case, they have the same function as cioè … (that is). They merely earn you some time while you think of what you’re about to say.

10. ItalianPod101: Your Guide to Italian Grammar & Culture

You’ll have lots of fun playing with Italian conjunctions because they’re the glue that allows you to bring your Italian conversation and writing to the next level. In Italian grammar, conjunctions really are that essential! So, try and use these conjunctions as much as possible, and keep having fun with ItalianPod101.com .

Which of these conjunctions do you plan on putting to use soon? Are there any you’re struggling with? Let us know in the comments!

Until next time, keep practicing, because your hard work is going to pay off and you’ll be speaking Italian like a native before you know it!

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Why Learn Italian Language

There are numerous reasons why Italian is the perfect language to learn , and here we try to convince you to pursue the path of its discovery.

1. A true discovery of Italy’s hidden gems

The first reason, of course, is its country of origin: Italy is one of the most beautiful and historically rich countries in the world, it is the country with the most UNESCO world heritage sites in the world !

Everyone dreams about travelling to cities like Florence, Rome and Venice, and their fame is indeed well deserved. Italy in general is an extremely varied country because of its past, made up of divisions and internal borders. From north to south, from the seaside resorts to the extraordinary mountain landscapes, you can find stunning surprises just a few kilometres away from each other.

But we think that there is only one, true way to get into the atmosphere of those incredible cities and towns, and it is by speaking a bit of the local language , to be able to communicate with the locals and immerse yourself in the places that they know and love. It seems obvious, but Italian is the main, effective means to discover the beauty of Italy, still a traditional and mysterious country .

Knowing the language, or even just the basics, you can make a start on opening a gap into its mystery. A holiday in Italy will become far more interesting because every recommendation from the locals can become a new point on your itinerary, a discovery off the usual touristic routes.

2. Admiring, tasting, listening to Italian cultural heritage

Italian is probably the language most linked to the world of art and culture. You can find Italian influence in all major areas of life and culture: from painting arts to architecture, from literature to music, from design to food and wine…

Italy has always been the cradle (today we could say the “incubator”) of an amazing creativity, a great passion for life and for its aesthetic celebration: the majestic beauty of ancient Rome and the Florence of Dante, Michelangelo and Raffaello; the peculiarities of landscapes shaped by centuries of collective work, which have brought the goodness of Italian cuisine and wine, the birth of opera and classical music, the art in the production of design objects and artistic crafts.

Knowing the language is essential to understand many aspects of the passionate Italian lifestyle. Streets all over the world are filled with Italian Restaurants with Italian names, but only if you learn Italian will you understand the “character” of what you are eating: you might be surprised to find out what some of the names mean. When you eat farfalle, you’re eating butterflies, or that spaghetti arrabbiata literally means angry spaghetti. You will notice that all the classical pizza names, all the words related to coffee-making are still expressed in Italian all over the world; all the specialised language used in classical music (“soprano”, “violoncello”, “adagio”, “concerto”…) is still Italian, because in all these fields, Italian has been the language that shaped their words.

3. The beauty of the language itself

The peculiarity of the Italian language lies in its musicality, its melodic and gentle being. Throughout the world, Italian is renowned as one of the most loved languages there is.

Several authors in history have celebrated it:

Italian is also much easier to learn than other languages. While it may be difficult at first to get your head around the nitty gritty of the subjunctive or imperfect, you will soon find yourself picking up new words and phrases. The sound of the language really helps words to stay in your head and the fact that it has stayed closer to Latin than other languages means that a lot of words are similar, or have the same roots as in other languages. So while you may not be able to speak it immediately, you should be able to understand at least some of what an Italian is talking to you about!

4. A way to get out of your comfort zone

Learning Italian is also a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Indeed, many of our students proudly claim that they begin to see a new side to themselves, becoming more expressive, open and carefree as they learn to communicate like Italians .

It is a powerful way to push you outside of your comfort zone, as you will be able to talk to a whole new group of people and share with them a whole new culture. It will be easy to find something that interests you as you learn, whether it is watching famous italian films, reading Italian newspapers or listening to Italian music.

As you learn about the congiuntivo, imperfetto and passato prossimo, you might even understand a bit more about how your own language works and functions or even see your own vocabulary improve! Italian is the language that has stayed the most closely linked to Latin, the language from which so many others have borrowed words and phrases. This means that as you develop your own Italian dictionary, you may find yourself learning words in your own language at the same time or just find the process of learning the language easier.

By learning Italian, you have the real opportunity to see yourself developing, as you go from learning your first words to having your first conversation to reading your first Italian book, and at the end, the sense of achievement will be like nothing else. You will finally find yourself able to grasp a different culture and to compare it with your native one .

5. For professional reasons

For certain professional sectors in which Italian companies are world leaders , the Italian language takes on a different utility, and its study also becomes something useful for professional growth and career development. For sectors such as fashion, design, haute cuisine, fine arts & culture, food & beverage productions and distribution, football, the luxury car industry and engines in general … Or even for the Vatican career, and to become foreign language teachers in Italy, Italian is the leading language. There speaking the language can open up a number of doors and it can make you more attractive to employers. Brands and businesses like Fiat, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, often look for employees who are able to speak Italian.

Lastly, speaking Italian is not only beneficial if you want to work for one of these famous Italian business branches, but is also useful to get any job. Nowadays, business is happening on a far more global and international scale with companies from all over the world working together and communicating with each other in a range of different languages. As a result, employers are now searching for potential employees who speak and understand more than one language, and in fact, people who can speak Italian or other languages often find themselves in better paid and more high powered jobs.

Receive free resources to learn Italian

Describe yourself in Italian

Can you describe yourself in Italian? It’s useful to be able to talk about yourself when you’re getting to know new people, speaking to an official person or filling out a form. Whatever the situation, the Rocket Italian team have created this free audio lesson to make it easier for you.

Perhaps you’re booking into a hotel, or going for an interview. You’ll probably be asked some basic personal questions in Italian like “what is your name?” “where are you from?” or “what is your date of birth?”

Resources for further reading: The top ten Italian hacks How to learn Italian fast

These are all useful things to be able to talk about for everyday conversations as well, so how about we start with some numbers in Italian…

How to describe yourself in Italian

Practice your pronunciation with rocket record.

Rocket Record lets you perfect your Italian pronunciation. Just listen to the native speaker audio and then use the microphone icon to record yourself. Once you’re done, you’ll get a score out of 100 on your pronunciation and can listen to your own audio playback. (Use a headset mic for best results.) Problems? Click here!

Let's go through some of the most common questions you might be asked, whether you're filling out a registration form in a hotel or at the consulate getting a new passport.

In these situations, you'll be addressed with " Lei " the formal form of "you." So, though you have seen some of these questions before, all the questions below are expressed formally.

Come si chiama (Lei)?

What's your name? (formal)

Come ti chiami (tu)?

What's your name? (informal)

Da dove viene (Lei)?

Where are you from? (formal)

Da dove vieni (tu)?

Where are you from? (informal)

Di che nazionalità è (Lei)?

What's your nationality? (formal)

Di che nazionalità sei (tu)?

What's your nationality? (informal)

Quanti anni ha (Lei)?

How old are you? (formal)

Quanti anni hai (tu)?

How old are you? (informal)

Quando è nato (Lei)?

What is your date of birth? (masc. formal)

Quando è nata (Lei)?

What is your date of birth? (fem. formal)

Quando sei nato (tu)?

What is your date of birth? (masc. informal)

Quando sei nata (tu)?

What is your date of birth? (fem. informal)

(Lei) ha fratelli e sorelle?

Do you have siblings? (formal)

(Tu) hai fratelli e sorelle?

Do you have siblings? (informal)

Quanti fratelli e sorelle ha (Lei)?

How many siblings do you have? (formal)

Quanti fratelli e sorelle hai (tu)?

How many siblings do you have? (informal)

(Lei) ha bambini?

Do you have children? (formal)

(Lei) ha figli?

(Tu) hai bambini?

Do you have children? (informal)

(Tu) hai figli?

Quanti figli ha (Lei)?

How many children do you have? (formal)

Quanti figli hai (tu)?

How many children do you have? (informal)

(Lei) è sposato?

Are you married? (masc. formal)

(Lei) è sposata?

Are you married? (fem. formal)

(Tu) sei sposato?

Are you married? (masc. informal)

(Tu) sei sposata?

Are you married? (fem. informal)

Dove abita (Lei)?

What is your address? (formal)

Dove abiti (tu)?

What is your address? (informal)

Qual è il Suo numero di telefono?

What is your telephone number? (formal)

Qual è il tuo numero di telefono?

What is your telephone number? (informal)

Qual è il Suo numero di cellulare?

What is your cell phone number? (formal)

Qual è il tuo numero di cellulare?

What is your cell phone number? (informal)

Qual è il Suo numero di passaporto?

What is your passport number? (formal)

Qual è il tuo numero di passaporto?

What is your passport number? (informal)

Qual è il Suo indirizzo di posta elettronica?

What is your email address? (formal)

Qual è il Suo indirizzo e-mail?

Qual è il tuo indirizzo di posta elettronica?

What is your email address? (informal)

Qual è il tuo indirizzo e-mail?

How to answer questions about yourself

When you're responding, you can follow one of the simple formats below. Just insert the appropriate information in the brackets.

In Italian to express your age you have to use the conjugated verb 'to have' + age number + anni (example: I'm 30 years old = Io ho 30 anni ).

Mi chiamo [your name].

My name is [your name].

Vengo da [country name].

I'm from [country name].

(Io) sono [nationality].

I'm [nationality].

Ho [number] anni.

I am [number] years old.

Il mio compleanno è il [day] [month] [year].

My birthday is on [day] [month] [year].

Sì, ho fratelli e sorelle.

Yes, I have siblings.

No, non ho fratelli e sorelle.

No, I have no siblings.

Ho [number] fratelli e sorelle.

I have [number] siblings.

Sì, ho [number] bambini.

Yes, I have [number] children.

Sì, ho [number] figli.

Sì, sono sposato.

Yes, I'm married. (masc.)

Sì, sono sposata.

Yes, I'm married. (fem.)

No, non sono sposato.

No, I'm not married. (masc.)

No, non sono sposata.

No, I'm not married.

Il mio indirizzo è [your address].

My address is [your address].

Il mio numero di telefono è [your number].

My telephone number is [your number].

Il mio numero di cellulare è [your number].

My cell phone number is [your number].

Il mio numero di passaporto è [your number].

My passport number is [your number].

How to fill out forms in Italian

If you find yourself being asked to fill out forms with your personal details, you won't get the complete questions that you've studied above. Instead, you'll get short words or phrases.

Nazionalità

Nationality

Data di nascita

Date of birth

Numero di telefono

Telephone number

Numero di cellulare

Cell phone number

Numero di passaporto

Passport number

Here are a few recommended Italian lessons to try next!

• How do you say things are beautiful in Italian ? It's a little trickier than you may think!
• What about describing other people in Italian ? Check this Italian lesson out.
• This lesson is all about describing your face in Italian.

Maria DiLorenzi and the Rocket Italian Team

Make It Stick With Rocket Reinforcement

Reinforce your learning from this lesson with the Rocket Reinforcement activities!