Summary

The author is learning Italian through a mix of informal methods, including YouTube channels featuring content creators from various regions of Italy, alongside traditional learning tools like Duolingo and reading Italian novels.

Abstract

The author expresses a deep affection for Italy and a desire to communicate effectively in Italian for both practical and cultural reasons. They acknowledge their aversion to traditional language courses and have instead turned to YouTube channels hosted by an Australian, a Brit, and an Italian, which provide real-life contexts and regional variations of the language. The author also uses Duolingo for structured learning and reads books by Italian authors to enhance vocabulary and understanding. They emphasize the importance of learning colloquial language and regional dialects, and invite readers to share their own language learning tips.

Opinions

The author believes that it is essential to speak Italian when venturing beyond tourist centers in Italy, considering it rude not to make the effort.
They find formal language courses unsuitable for their learning style, preferring more engaging and flexible methods.
Watching YouTubers who speak Italian in various contexts is seen as an effective way to learn the language in a more natural and engaging manner.
The author appreciates the exposure to different Italian accents and dialects, recognizing the importance of understanding regional variations in language.
They value the use of technology, such as Duolingo, for its convenience and the gentle nudge it provides to maintain a regular learning habit.
Reading Italian novels is considered beneficial for language acquisition, as it introduces new words and phrases in context.
The author encourages interactive learning, suggesting that reader comments can be a mutual source of help in language learning.

Why I’m Learning Italian from an Australian

And a Brit, and an Owl.

I doubt any of you will be surprised when I reveal that I love Italy. Who doesn’t? The history, architecture, food, art, environment are all gorgeous. I long to spend time there again, and COVID permitting I will. This summer. I can’t wait! The only problem is I can’t speak Italian.

Now, I’ve been to Italy on vacation many times and I’ve managed just fine with English, a bit of acting and some pointing, but frankly it’s embarrassing not to speak the language. Similarly, English is ok if you’re in a tourist centre like Rome or Sorrento but when you begin to explore deeper, visiting the smaller towns and villages that are a little beyond the usual tourist trail, you find that you really do need to speak Italian. Apart from anything else, it’s just plain rude not to.

The thing is, I am not the kind of person who can consistently sit down to a formal language course. Am I a bit flaky? Alright, you got me. But I’ve found what I think is an effective combination of tactics to help me learn Italian in a way that I don’t find boring and that has some hidden advantages.

My YouTube Best Buddies

Are you going to think I’m really sad when I admit that there are a few YouTubers that I almost see as friends? I’m not that person who tries to strike up an actual relationship with them, that’s a bit weird and stalker-ish, but some of these folks have got me through tough times.

Kylie Flavell, an Australian, is a YouTuber with a background in television who is currently documenting her life in Italy. Her work is absolutely beautiful in many ways. She has released some episodes which specifically teach Italian in various contexts, and these are outstanding. Also, she’s married to an Italian and many of their conversations are held in Italian. Sometimes with subtitles in English and sometimes without. I find it so useful to be able to hear the language used in a domestic context.

It’s very different from the type of learning you get from a formal language course. And one big realization I’ve had from listening to them talk is the importance of understanding that Italians from different regions have different accents. Well, of course, they do – I mean, that should have been obvious to me. I’m from Britain, where someone’s accent can help you pin down where they were brought up to within 20 miles sometimes, as well as identify their socio-economic group. Totally the same in Italy.

So don’t expect an upper-class Florentine to pronounce words the same way as a working-class guy from Calabria.

This brings me to my next YouTuber. Nicki Positano and her husband Carlo live on the Amalfi Coast. This is another one where they talk back and forth in Italian. Nicki is just like a BFF – she’s down to earth and real and let's face it, Positano is pretty great to look at. It’s confidence-boosting when you recognize words that are being said – even more helpful when Carlo occasionally corrects Nicki’s pronunciation. Plus, in some of their episodes, they venture into Naples, which has a completely different dialect.

That’s another thing to be aware of – not only do different regions have different accents, but they also have completely different words and grammar. I find this here in Canada – I studied French at school in the UK, but I haven’t a bloody clue what the Québécois are talking about half the time!

My final YouTube recommendation is Easy Italian. This is, as you might guess, a channel specifically dedicated to learning the language. What I love about this one is how they intentionally teach colloquial words and phrases that Italians use all the time, and that they take it out in the streets and talk to Italians in a kind of vox pop format. Fantastic!

Homework

But to all this, you must add a little bit of formal learning, so you can understand grammar and develop your vocabulary. I started using Duolingo with my kids to help them with school, but it’s great for me too. I can do a quick couple of 5-minute lessons anyway anytime when I have a moment and if I forget, the little owl avatar (Duo) will send me a reminder. And if I forget for a few days, it sends me a guilt trip (“You made Duo sad”). Guilt trips totally work on me.

Novels

Finally – read books set in Italy. Words and phrases will come up that you don’t know, and you can research those and add further to your knowledge. Elena Ferrante, Donna Leon — it doesn’t really matter which author or genre you choose. All have something to teach.

If you’ve any other recommendations for me, do drop me a comment and follow me. Maybe we can help each other!

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