Product Description

Experience the language learning method millions around the world have come to trust

Unlike most language learning systems, the Michel Thomas Method enables you to naturally and intuitively develop the building blocks for language comprehension. You learn at your own speed--listening, speaking, and thinking through the language. Guided by language teacher extraordinaire Michel Thomas, each CD takes you through an interactive lesson with two other learners. By the end of the program, you will have the ability to put together words and phrases together naturally and make your own sentences. You will have basic vocabulary, conversation skills, and the confidence to speak in Italian.

Contains ten audio CDs-including the two-CD Speak Italian Get Started Kit and two review CDs-and a brief user's guide in a zippered travel case.

Customer Reviews (16)

Would have loved it but....
This was a really great way to learn Italian except the grating annoyance of having to constantly listen to someone whose pronunciation was horrific.The woman's voice (student) sounded like she'd never heard Italian spoken before.Come on, use Italians so we can learn how the language is supposed to sound.We're going to be mimicking a really, really bad accent.I wanted to listen but I really just couldn't stand it.

a great method for teaching and learning a language
I have been very impressed with the method of learning verb forms and basic sentence structure first and letting vocabulary take care of itself. I have used the Barrons series for both French and Spanish and prefer this series. I used a tutor for French and this approach reminds me of that experience as it forces you to engage your mind and work your way through the language rather than just rote memorization. Some have criticized Mr. Thomas' accent and it took me a short while to adjust but it is not an issue. When in Italy you will encounter various accents as well. The formal versus informal is a valid point but a small one. If you need a big manual and learn by reading and writing (individuals learn in three different manners and we all favor one of them) then find something that is text oriented and use it as a supplement. After all Italian is a spoken language and you will mostly be speaking it and hearing it. And the convenience and portability is great, leave a disc in your car or plug in your ipod and you get a lesson while commuting or running errands without making time to do so.

Dissappointing
I got this set before going to Italy this year and I have to say the same as the other reviewer, that his accent just really gets in the way.While the technique seems okay, I just could not make out the words of what either he or his associates were saying so I quit the program.I already speak a second language fluently and know some Latin, so I assumed it would not be as challenging as this.Also I am disappointed that he did not use Italians for the exercises.I had expected that this set would be Italians teaching Italian. Anyway, a disappointment.I gave it two stars because it isn't a really bad program, just certainly not the right one for me.

My husband love it
My husband is Italian American. When he told me that he wants to learn Italian. I got this for his birthday. He loves it and practices speaking Italian everyday. Now he finished the beginner program and he wants to buy advanced program.

I recommend it
Michael Thomas Speak Italian is very easy to follow. I am surprised at how fast i am learning to speak the language. ... Read more

Product Description
This is The Divine Comedy - Inferno by Dante Alighieri in it's original Italian with a line by line English Translation by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This edition has been carefully edited with an easy to use Table of Contents linking you to each Canto. Also included is a short synopsis at the end of each Canto. The original illustrations by Gustave Dore are inserted throughout. Because of the large amount of content, The Divine Comedy has been issued in 3 volumes. This is the first volume - Inferno - Hell. All three volumes have been issued simultaneously so you can acquire the complete set.

This is a sample of the easy to read dual language format used in this issue. Dante wrote The Divine Comedy in 3 line stanzas with triple rime and this format has been maintained throughout.

1. Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita
1. Midway upon the journey of our life

2. mi ritrovai per una selva oscura
2. I found myself within a forest dark,

3. che' la diritta via era smarrita.
3. For the straightforward pathway had been lost.

4. Ahi quanto a dir qual era e` cosa dura
4. Ah me! how hard a thing it is to say

5. esta selva selvaggia e aspra e forte
5. What was this forest savage, rough, and stern,

6. che nel pensier rinova la paura!
6. Which in the very thought renews the fear.


7. Tant'e` amara che poco e` piu` morte;
7. So bitter is it, death is little more;

8. ma per trattar del ben ch'i' vi trovai,
8. But of the good to treat, which there I found,

9. diro` de l'altre cose ch'i' v'ho scorte.
9. Speak will I of the other things I saw there.

... Read more

Product Description
DON'T LEAVE FOR YOUR NEXT INTERNATIONAL TRIP BEFORE READING THROUGH THIS LITTLE WONDER!

This book has been updated with an active table of contents

If you want to learn quick, concise, Italian phrases, then this is the ebook guide for you! Whether you're going on a vacation, Commutating with friends or co-workers or just living in an area of the country with a high Italian speaking population, this book can help you to understand some things you couldn't before and actually have small conversations with other 'Italian-speakers'.

Pronunciation Tables For Vowels, Consonants, and Diphthongs In The Italian Language.


Learn How To Say Specific Words Such As: Colors, Telling Time & Dates, Plus Numbers and Counting.


Learn Helpful Travelling Phrases Like Hailing A Taxi, Asking About Bus and Train Travel, And Asking For Directions.


Ask About Hotel Accomodations, How To Order Specific Food And Drink In A Restaraunt, And Even Questions About What Types of Payments Are Accepted!
Goodbye.
Arrivederci. (ah-ree-vay-DAYR-chee)

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Learn Italian
Very disappointed with this e-book.I suppose that, since it's an e-book, the words are not spoken correctly.For example, the word "come" should be "co may" and it's spoken as the english word "come".I should have contacted Amazon for a refund but it wasn't worth the time I'd spend for the small amount I paid. ... Read more

Product Description
BERLITZ DELUXE LANGUAGE PACK ITALIAN

The comprehensive Italian language-learning course


Enjoy studying independently--Deluxe Language Pack is a comprehensive course designed to develop language skills at your own pace. Deluxe Language Pack immerses you completely in Italian; you ll gain listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Go from beginner to the intermediate level in the comfort of your own home no teacher, schedule or rules to follow!


Everything you need to succeed in Italian:

*6 audio CDs with native speakers to engage you in real-life conversations (5 hours total)

*2 fully illustrated course books

*100 quiz cards

*Bilingual dictionary

*Go online for free additional materials--easy to read audio script and learner s guide for those who like to read along with the audio

*Save up to $100 on Berlitz language classes


How Does the Course Work?1. Start with the Basic course book and audio CDs build confidence learning the basics

2. When you re ready, take your skills to the next level with the Intermediate course book and audio CDs

3. Test your newly acquired skills with 100 quiz cards

4. Use your bilingual dictionary for extra reference

5. Get additional support online--go to berlitzpublishing.com for a downloadable audio script and learner s guide

6. Compatible with your iPod® or MP3 devices
... Read more

Product Description
Updated with helpful facts and tips for international travelers, this new third editions of Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way is suitable as language teaching book for adults as well as for older children. It instructs beginners in the basics of reading, writing, understanding, and speaking Italian. The book lightens language-learning routines with cartoon-style illustrations, language games, and puzzles. A set of vocabulary flashcards and a small staple-bound bilingual dictionary booklet are bound into the book's spine and can be easily removed for supplementary use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way
This book provides an easy and fun way to learn a new language. Focusing on travel, once completing the entire book, I will very comfortable visiting and experiencing the entire Italian experience on my next trip to this beautiful country.

where's my cd?
I have always had great luck buying things on Amazon.I'm extremely disappointed in this last purchase however.I ordered the Learn Italian the Fast & Fun Way with the CD's for a class I'm taking.When it arrived the book was not in very good shape and one of the CD's is missing...the first CD to be exact which at this point in my class is the most important CD.I emailed the person that sent me the books and never received a response from her. I strong recommend thinking twice before you purchase something from this seller.

GOOD...NOT GREAT
We are studying Italian with a teacher via SKYPE and this is our workbook.It's a good basic text and we are learning.Both my husband I feel that there is not enough dialogue in it and it takes awhile to get around to verbs.We both wish there were more everyday phrases earlier in the book.The pull-out dictionary is fairly sparse, but it's also thin and easy to carry around.It's probably as good as most language usage books get and I would not hesitate to tell someone to purchase it if they also had another source such as a language teacher or disc so that the spoken language could be heard, too.

Encourages speaking the language
Although I've taken many language courses, this is the first time a text book encourages the user to speak the language and makes it easy by repetition and pronunciation aids.

Leatrning Italian
I find the book a little short on explanations and orientations. Also the material is a little weak. I find Italian a complex language even though I fluent in Spanish so a good book or method is vital. ... Read more

Product Description
BERLITZ ESSENTIAL ITALIAN

All you ll need to know to teach yourself Italian!


A comprehensive beginner-level language course with 20 chapters, each featuring an engaging dialogue, vocabulary, grammar lessons and activities, Essential is a well-rounded course for any style of learner.


What Do I Get?

*Lesson book

*Audio CD


Completely REVISED edition featuring:

*Grammar explanations that make sense

*Dialogues on audio CD hear Italian as it s really spoken

*A variety of exercises for quick and easy practice

*Glossary for easy reference


Learn online 24/7

*Access authentic Italian websites to boost your language skills

*Download additional audio to improve your pronunciation
... Read more

Product Description

This is an innovative book of exercises and language tasks for all learners of Italian, which can be used independently or alongside Modern Italian Grammar. Divided into three sections, this highly useful text includes:

• exercises based on essential grammatical structures
• everyday functions practice such as making introductions and expressing needs
• realistic role plays in short scenes, set in a range of different contexts.

Implementing feedback from its predecessor, this updated second edition features exercises graded on a three-point scale according to their level of difficulty and cross-referencing to the Modern Italian Grammar for each.

Also containing a comprehensive answer key for checking progress, this is a complete reference work suitable for both class-use and self-study.

Product Description
The newly revised and expanded edition of this language helper presents nearly 6,000 English words and phrases categorized by practical subject themes and translated into their Italian equivalents. Subject theme groupings include numbers and measurements, as well as words and phrases related to greeting, travel situations, shopping, using the telephone, and many others. New sections in this edition deal with computer and electronics terminology, pop culture, and finance. Type is set in two colors as an extra quick reference aid. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Unique organization makes it an indispensable study aid
I spent a few weeks trying to learn some Italian in preparation for my Italian vacation; I found this book very helpful. It is not comprehensive, but it contains most of the words a traveler will need. Most of all, its unique organization makes it an indispensable study aid.

This is a "categorized dictionary." That means words are found in very natural groupings like "Family and Friends," "The Body," "Quantity and Space," and so on. After all, if you want to know the Italian word for "left", you'll very likely want to know the words for "right", "front", "back", "up", "down", etc. So the book's organization makes it very easy to find a related group of words.

There is also an "English-Italian Wordfinder" section that is more like a convention dictionary: look up an English word and find its Italian equivalent.

The same author has written a book called "Italian Grammar" that may be of interest.

The book is rather small, so it easily fits into a backpack or suitcase. The book as a sturdy binding and a plastic cover, so it can withstand the rigors of travel (take it with you!).

My only gripe: I found a few places in the "English-Italian Wordfinder" section that had incorrect section number references back to the main text. ... Read more

Product Description

That's right, you already know Italian--even if you never took a language course in your life!

Many of the words you know in English are similar and often the same in Italian, such as arte and delizioso. And pizza, bambino, and diva have been part of our lexicon for so long you forget they were ever "foreign." You Already Know Italian is the easiest and fastest way to build your Italian vocabulary by using your prior knowledge as the foundation for language learning.

Inside you will find chapters devoted to three types of words: familiar terms, identical and similar terms, and "falsely similar" terms. By studying these words, you will realize just how many Italian words you already know and how easy it is to pick up those terms that are close in meaning to their English counterparts. You will have a 5,000-word Italian vocabulary in no time at all!

Look how much Italian vocabulary you already know:

Familiar Italian terms:

• Amore--Love
• Bandito--Outlaw
• Ciao--Hello
• Pasta--Pasta
• Simpatico--Agreeable
• Vino--Wine

Italian words identical or similar to English ones:

• Computer--Computer
• Jazz--Jazz
• Leader--Leader
• Quota--Quota
• Uso--Use
• Virus--Virus

But beware these falsely similar words:

• Ago--Needle
• Camera--Room
• Fatto--Fact
• Salto--Jump
• Stare--To stand
• Villano--Inconsiderate

Customer Reviews (1)

I feel smarter already!
Imagine being able to avail yourself of vocabulary you utilize every day, to make yourself understood in Italy?!What a terrific concept for a language guide...and the introductory pages concerning pronunciation, accent, and structure are some of the best presented I've read (and personally, a necessary addendum to expensive Berlitz classes!).I am delighted with this book. I just wish Gaelic were Latin-based, so Mr. Lowry could do a "You Already Know Irish" volume...that would be most helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn the customs and traditions of Christmas in Italy through a bilingual story while enjoying the season's favorite songs. This beautifully illustrated 32 page hardcover book comes with an audio CD, including the narration in Italian and 15 songs to sing along and enjoy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Christmas Traditions Book & CD...
Bought my daughter a few Italian music/book products for Christmas...my husband's family is first generation to America from Italy so my daughter will be exposed to the language quite a bit.We also think it's important for her to hear the language...this is a great CD and wonderfully illustrated book for children.Even though my daughter is still an infant, I know she will enjoy this for years to come.It's taught my husband a lot of Italian holiday traditions too that weren't passed down to him.I really like how the songs are always song in Italian and then English...helps me learn the language too!!!

A must have for every family, this holiday season
Kathie Kelleher's full page illustrations were so eye catching and delightful.This is a great book to share with the kids in your life, this holiday season.Every page created excitement and laughter. It's great to learn about other cultures while having fun.Each page was a "Smorges Board" filled with wonderful copy and exquisite full color illustrations. Highly recommend! Fun for children AND adults. ... Read more

Product Description
Take your Italian skills to the next level the fun and easy way with Intermediate Italian For Dummies! This practical, easy-to-follow guide will help you to be more fluent and comfortable in your Italian writing. You’ll learn key concepts, practice what you’ve learned, and check your answers. With the exercises and lessons featured in this book, you will be able master written communication in Italian.

You’ll quickly understand the basics of Italian grammar and pick up on the nuances of this romantic language. You’ll learn how to conjugate verbs, navigate tenses, and feel comfortable with gendered words. Say and spell words correctly, and no one will be able to tell that you’re not a native Italian. You’ll discover the basics of ordering words, answering questions, and forming complete sentences. You’ll be able to master parts of speech and apply articles as needed. Find out how to:

• Navigate grammar, language nuances, and verb tenses
• Conjugate verbs and understand the basics of gender
• Say and spell words correctly
• Order words correctly
• Answer questions and form complete sentences
• Use articles where necessary
• Understand the various parts of speech
• Write and speak Italian like a native

Complete with lists of ten facts to remember about Italian grammar and ten subtle terminology distinctions, Intermediate Italian For Dummies is your one-stop guide to taking your Italian skills to the next level and improving upon what you already know about this widely spoken language. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Summarizes the Basics
A beginner of Italian like me finds this book to have useful information and examples. "Intermediate" may be more in the sense that it summarizes beginner basics, rather than going beyond that. A beginner who has had other Romance languages like me might find this to be a good beginning Italian book. The book might be addressed to the general public as a follow up to the beginner book, more so than to "advanced" or "intermediate" college students. It is nice in terms of the usual Dummies titles.

Don't bother with this one.
This book was a real disappointment, very few meaningful exercises, lots of emphasis on material that is really more at a beginning level, very little on material at a real intermediate level. In general, this book is of no real use for an intermediate student--and, frankly, it's pretty useless for beginning students also. There are many better books out there. I was surprised--Italian Verbs for Dummies is one of my favorite workbooks. ... Read more

Product Description

The menu decoders are quite useful, and, despite the book's smallsize, it covers most contingencies--from bartering over hotel-roomprices to rental-car considerations, interpreting train schedules todiscussing medical conditions such as constipation and diarrhea,hemorrhoids and indigestion, body odor and the giggles. The dictionaryin the back shows the English, French, Italian, and German for each of1,200 words, and there's an appendix of useful information, includingthe European phone numbers for various calling-card operators as wellas their international access codes and country codes, a chart ofmonthly temperatures for each country and a metric conversion table,as well as tongue twisters in French, German, and Italian, to whileaway the train-travel hours and impress your compartment mates withyour willingness to launch into their language and dare to sound likea fool. --Stephanie Gold ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

My new travel buddy
This book is thorough, easy to use and well-written. It's perfect for our upcoming trip and will be a staple in our suitcase for years to come. Highly recommended for anyone learning one of these languages, especially those traveling to France, Germany or Italy.

Everything you need in one little book
This book is a great size. It can easily fit in a purse or travel bag. The book is divided into three sections - French, Italian, German. Each language is then divided into

Basics
Counting
Traveling
Sleeping
Eating
Menu Decoder
Activities
Connect
Help!
Services
Health
Chatting

Then Rick advises with

Tip for Hurdling the Language Barrier
Appendix
*Let's Talk Telephones
*Tear - Out Cheat Sheets
*Making Your Hotel Reservation
Illustrations
Maps
*Major Transportation Lines in France
*Major Transportation Lines in Italy
*Major Transportation Lines in Germany
*Austria and Switzerland
*Europe
*France
*Italy
*Germany
*Austria
*SWitzerland
*The United States
*The World

Pronunciation is provided for each word and phrase. And the pronunciation guides make sense. I felt comfortable pronouncing each word aloud, no confusion here!

Rick's writing style also pushes your confidence level. He knows the travveler might be afraid to communicate, but he gives you these little pushes to help you overcome your anxieties. On p. xi, " ... take the time to internalize and put into practice the pronunciation tips. I've spelled out the pronunciations as if you were reading English. Don't worry too much about memorizing grammatical rules, like which gender a particular noun is- forget about sex and communicate!"

Will definitely be taking this book with us when we travel to French Canada this summer! :)

My Daughter loved it.
My daughter asked for a french, italian, or german dictionary.I found this and she loves looking up phrases.She said I never thought I'd get all three in one.

Great phrasebook!!!!
I love this phrasebook. It is very small, but it has everything you need to know in it. The only negative thing is that I wish that it also included Spanish phrases, but if all you need are German, Italian, and French then it's perfect.

Super helpful
This is easy to use, and has proven to be very helpful time and again.It is also very light and compact.It will easily fit into a small handbag or backpack.You will want to keep to keep it handy. ... Read more

Product Description
Compiled in collaboration with a team of expert linguists, the Webster's New World concise bilingual dictionaries are the perfect choice for beginning students and advanced speakers as well. Comprehensive and authoritative, yet clear and concise, the dictionaries offer a full array of features, as well as wide-ranging coverage of current expressions. Long-standing favorites in hardcover, the dictionaries will continue to be standard references for years to come -- especially now that they are available in unabridged paperback editions.

• More than 100,000 words, giving wide-ranging coverage of current terms and expressions
• Detailed definitions so the user can understand and translate idiomatically
• Extensive examples of usage, showing how translations of words can vary according to context
• Verb tables, including irregular verbs
• Cross-references from every verb to the appropriate verb table

Customer Reviews (41)

they lied
do not order from these people. i should have had no delivery charge... i'm with prime amazon,,, got a delivery charge, should not have .. told them within 12 hours to cancel the order before it was sent.after seeing the delivery charge. and never got a reply, then got an email saying they sent the order and it wouldnt be there for three weeks... when it should have been in two days.. the other people i ordered from the same day had no shipping snd rec'd the book the next day... Terrible People here

Dictionary
Having a way to help in communications with Italian relatives is a big asset.
Thank You

Webster's New World Italian Dictionary
This book is easy to use.
The font is large and very readable.
It includes many common expressions and various uses of words.
Glad we bought it.

The Greatest Handbook!
This dictionary is the perfect handbook for anyone, at any level, who wants to learn or review Italian.Complete and thorough definitions, pronunciaton guide, a section on verbs and tenses, easy to read.Great price, too.I have studied different languages over the last 40+ years and used many different resources--this ranks with the best.

Multum in Parvo
I have three Italian dictionaries.The magnificent Oxford Paravia hardback sits on a lectern in my writing room.Cassell's is my use-on-the-sofa source.I needed a dictionary for recent trip to Italy and bought this one--the Oxford would need a suitcase to itself, and even the Cassell's is not light (and Kindle, infuriatingly, offers not one single usable Italian dictionary).I bought it with doubts, for I usually dismiss "portable" dictionaries.

It is a magnificent dictionary!Very occasionally I have to go back to the Oxford for an unusual, or old, word, or an unusual meaning.But rarely.For reading modern classic Italian writers, or serious newspapers (Corriere della Sera), or even, usually, Dante this portable comes through almost every time.The typography and the quality of print are excellent; it is easily read even by 66 year old eyes.The "India" paper seems of good quality.The definitions are literate and indicate usage ('colloquial', etc.)Stress is correctly given.There is a good section for irregular verbs (strictly speaking a pure extra in a dictionary).Illustrative phrases, which often reveal the proper preposition or adverb associated with a verb, are frequent.I cannot speak to its "technical" vocabulary, for that is not the kind of Italian I read or speak.

I am highly impressed.This dictionary is cheap and fairly light.I believe that it would suffice on its own for most foreign readers of Italian. ... Read more

Product Description
A 10-story anthology, in Italian, that captures the struggles that millions of Italians experienced in their search for a better life outside Italy.The immigrants' stories, told through the voices of descendants or friends, richly express the emotion, pride and heartbreak of their emigration to the United States, Australia, Argentina and Canada.The book includes exercises for comprehension, discussion, research and writing; footnoted vocabulary with explanations in Italian; a table of passato remoto verbs in three conjugations; and cultural notes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Interesting and emotional stories.
Very emotional short stories about Italian emigrants. The language used has a very good difficulty level for advanced Italian students. The language and cultural notes are very useful and interesting. I would really recommend this book to be used in a class or for independent study, too. I've been in Italy twice and really love the culture and people. Reading this book, I learned a lot about the reasons and consequence of the Italians emigration and I also learned some new and useful vocabulary. It is a very interesting and emotional book.

Travels And Travails Of The Italian Diaspora
Ten short but powerful stories (or sketches, or little memoirs) on the Italian emigrant experience, with all the conflicts, heartaches, and disappointments of any emigres. Some of it is told by the original emigrants (to America, Australia, Argentina) and some by their children or grandchildren. All are powerfully written, poignant and moving.

I acquired this book to help in my study of Italian, and it was admirable for the purpose. It's not a book for the absolute beginner, but with some study of Spanish behind me it was not too hard to navigate. There is an ample provision of footnotes (in Italian) for difficult words and turns of phrase, and the authors have supplied exercises and other helps in the back of the book.

If you're studying Italian and want some good writing to sink your teeth into, this may be just what you need. I love it and I recommend it highly. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.

Be proud. Enjoy. Ciao
What can I say? I've been to Italy. A couple of times. Forgive me. Once we had our own apartment there. For three months. You don't have to know Italian, but if you do, it helps. We took the buses. And the trains. And we walked. You can walk in Florence -- okay, Firenze, if you want to get fancy. You can walk in the dark, at midnight, and it's safe. The people are friendly, and lovely. The cobblestones may be hard on your feet.

Years ago, we went there for our daughter's wedding. She married a native Italian she met at the University of Pennsylvania when both were in graduate school. Now he is on the faculty at the Università di Firenze. She has been living there for over 16 years and teaches part time at some American university campuses in Florence. Their children are a boy 13 and a girl 10, who have been spending summers with us here, partly "to validate their English," our daughter says.

Earlier, millions of Italians came -- to America, Canada, Australia -- and stayed. "Non Soltanto un Baule: Storie di emigranti italiani" tells the stories of those who emigrated. Much more than Not Only a Trunk, they brought themselves, their hopes, their culture and language, their intelligence and hard work. The book cover has a photo of many such old trunks.

The preamble to the book was written by Matilda Raffa Cuomo, wife of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo. The ten brief stories -- all in Italian, all by different writers -- tell what the immigrants left, what they found, and how they fared. One story is by our well-known Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, television journalist Pat Ciarrocchi.

As an immigrant yourself or a descendant, you can read for comparison and enjoyment. Or as a student of Italian, you can work your way through, confident that the authors are well qualified,inspiring, and encouraging. At the end of the book are thoughtful exercises eliciting your comprehension, reactions, and further activities. Be proud. Enjoy. Ciao.

Excellent for intermediate learners
As an intermediate-level student of Italian this book is exactly what I wanted.The stories are very interesting and pertinent, and the "tests" at the end give the student an opportunity to use the book in conjunction with another student.Grazie mille, signora Perna.

Exceptional stories of courage and pride
Couldn't put this book down. Captures the true courage of all italian immigrants and their struggles and triumphs. Well written in Italian and truly touching. Buying copies as holiday gifts for many friends and family ... Read more

Product Description

Fast, focused lessons for when you need to learn the essentials of a new language--today!

Customer Reviews (3)

These CDs are great for short trips
I have now used the one-day Italian, French and German and all have been fantastic for learning some basic words to get about in the respective countries. You aren't going to learn the language, of course, but you can quickly and enjoyably develop a bit of an ear for it, as well as learn basic phrases needed for eating and getting around. I highly recommend this CD.

If you're going to Italy then get this CD first
If you are going to Italy and you don't know any Italian - get this CD and listen to it before you go.

I listened to it in my car on the way to work for several days before my recent trip to Italy and it was great. 50 very useful words and excellent pronunciation. It was great learning by listening and Elisabeth Smith has a great demeanor on the audio tracks that keeps you interested in learning the language.

The words she taught I used every day I was in Italy. They helped me give a very good impression to the Italians I dealt with in train stations, bakeries, restaurants and hotels and even on the street. Just by saying a few words in Italian generated immediate empathy for me as a traveler by the Italians I met and they would then go out of their way to help me.This CD made my trip to Italy much more enjoyable.

Elisabeth did a good job pacing the teaching so it built your confidence in speaking the new Italian words. She stuck to what was practical and usable.

I highly recommend this CD to anyone traveling to Italy.

I just bought her One-Day German CD for my daughter who will be studying in Berlin in a few weeks so she can pick up a little traveler's German. I was delighted when I found Elisabeth had produced a German CD. My daughter specifically asked if she had because I had let my daughter use the One-Day Italian CD by Elisabeth and she loved it, too. And my daughter has taken 6 years of French and is much better at languages than I am.

So go out and get this CD, you'll be glad you did.

Good Things Come in Small Packages
I recently purchased Teach Yourself One-Day Italian before a trip to Venice, Italy.I purchased the CD as a supplement to a 16 lessons set of Pimsleur Italian I had purchased and Michel Thomas' Deluxe Italian 8 CD set.I was very impressed with Elisabeth Smith's format and presentation.Far superior to any one CD language lesson I have come across and listened to.The CD provides exactly what it offers - 50 important words and a few sentences to help you on vacation.The format was very entertaining and instructive.It was easy and fun to listen to the CD over and over again as reinforcement of the learning process.I highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants to learn a few basic words and sentences before a trip.I was so impressed that I purchased all of Elisabeth Smith's other Teach Yourself One-Day CDs (French, German, Spanish and Greek).They all follow the same format.I always appreciate knowing a few basic words of the language of the country I am visiting.Typically, I use Pimsleur Level 1 CDs to get a basic grasp of a language and learn how to correctly pronounce the words.However, Pimsleur is costly.For those interested in just learning a few words at a great cost, you can't go wrong purchasing any of the Teach Yourself One-Day language CDs.The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because she made me want to learn another 50 words right away.I would immediately purchase any CD Ms. Smith would put out that offered to teach me 100 to 300 basic words and sentences using a similar learning format. Thank you for a great product.I only hope others will purchase these little gems to keep them in circulation. ... Read more

Product Description
With 736 pages and more than 70,000 entries--no other portable Italian and English paperbound dictionary offers you so much a so reasonable a price. The Bantam New College Italian & English Dictionary is the finest low-priced dictionary you can own, the most complete, the most convenient to use.  Designed by foremost authorities, it includes thousands of modern words and definitions you are not likely to find elsewhere.  Among the special features:  concise Italian grammar, a table of Italian irregular verbs, and a guide to Italian pronunciation.  All in one, easy-to-use, easy-to-carry compact volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Excellent Italian-English dictionary at a very affordable price
Great paperback dictionary for American English speakers who are studying Italian and as a quick reference for those who want to check something.Not only is the Italian to English section comprehensive in providing multiple forms of words that vary by gender or number, it adds value by including idiomatic expressions that employ the word.The front sections on Italian spelling and pronunciation, grammatical tables, table of regular endings of Italian verbs, and model verbs with six tenses are wonderful references "at a glance."

New College Italian/English Dictionary
Easy to use and quite comprehensive.Print a bit small, but to be expected with a work of this scope.Would buy again.

Great Dictionary, Binding Not Very Good
This dictionary is thorough yet easy to understand.It has a small grammar section and a verb chart of 20 pages with approx 200 verbs.The only problem is that the pages in the middle sectionare pulling away slightly from the binding on my new dictionary (hardly used)For this reason only I can not give 5 stars.I wish the publisher would use a little more gum on the binding.

Good Item
I have been using this dictionary to understand Josh Groban's Italian songs. It has been very helpful.

A good product
This little book seems quite complete, and the tables in the front are very helpful.The print on the pages smudges easily, but that is a function of the (probably) recycled paper.It is still a good value for the price. ... Read more

Product Description
You know how to order your favorite ravioli or vino--but that can only get you so far. If you are planning to travel to an Italian-speaking country or want a jumpstart on how to parlarle for a class, Learn Italian in a Hurry is your ideal pocket-sized primer to learning this beautiful language, with sections on:

• Commonly used Italian phrases (days of the week, numbers, letters)
• Pronunciations and conjugations
• Grammar and sentence construction
• Useful words and terms
• Helpful Italian-English and English-Italian dictionaries

Complete with easy-to-read tables, pronunciations guides throughout, and even a must-visit list of Italian cities, Learn Italian in a Hurryis your key to learning Italian rapidamente! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

But is this how Italian is spoken TODAY?
I first bought the Berlitz book of Italian in 1987, just for fun, and to see if I could teach myself a second language without going to college. I worked at it but not as hard as I could have. Then I went to Italy (including Sicily) in 1996 and realized I could not understand a single word I heard, though I could pick out a few words on menus. I also understood gestures.

Only recently did I decide to revive my interest in studying Italian. I have since been to college and earned degrees and I now credit myself with the ability to learn if properly taught. I looked up Italian languages and see that Berlitz is still considered an expert. One thing I knew about Italian before I started to study it is that it is close to Latin, so anyone with a gift for etymology (such as me) it would come naturally.

Having said that, and with the understanding that I have revitalized my interest in reading/studying the Berlitz book of Italian, I must say that the burning question I have now is the same one I had then, which is, "If I study this Berlitz book of Italian, will I be studying the classic, literate Italian, or will I be studying the great manners of the 1950's, and be a laughingstock amongst blue-nose or "hip" Italians?

I.E. Has the Italian language/colloquiallism changed as radically as the American language has, or can we count on Italian being what it once was/because it still is? Who can I ask, and who would tell me the truth? That is my question.

The Berlits Self Teacher Italian
This book has been very useful for our purpose. We are anticipating another class
to start in the near future. What I would like to know from you is; can you you get more of these books (About 30),
or recommend a suitable substitution. This book is presently being used as an aid to the students who
are inrolled in the "beginning Italian Class". Please reply.
Thank you

Great for getting in the know
Bought this shortly before I went to school in Italy; even brought it to school with me in Florence; On-the-ball with the way the language is used and worked great- easy to understand and learn - Just wish they made a series for scandinavian!

waste of time and money
When I initially started learning Japanese about twelve years ago, I picked up a Berlitz language book to help
me learn. Little did I know at the time that quite a bit of the info in the book was either incorrect or just
altogether inaccurate.
I think one perfect example of this was that according to the Berlitz book, the expression for "hello" was
"Ohayo Gozaimasu". What they fail to mention is that this term for "hello" really means "good morning"
and that you wouldn't use it after about 11 am. But they don't make this distinction and that seems
to extend throughout their entire course.
I've since spoken with friends who've found this to be true with other Berlitz language books (French,
Spanish, Italian, Korean, German, etc) as well.
Berlitz really fails to take into consideration that certain words that we may use in English are not
necessarily translated into the other languages with the same usage or meaning.

I've found the Pimsleur language courses to be much more effective in learning and more accurate
with information presented.

If you must use Berlitz, proceed with caution and do some research to verify the information they
provide is the correct usage in whatever language you're studying.

Since studying Japanese, I've also studied French and Italian and make every effort to avoid Berlitz books
in each occasion.

It works
I bought this for a friend who wants to learn Italian. I already speak Italian. Now we are conversing (very simple stuff, of course) in Italian! ... Read more

Product Description

The fun and easy way to quickly enhance basic reading skills--now with CD-ROMs!

Easy Italian Reader is based on the premise that the best way to learn a language is to start reading it, immediately. Suitable for the raw beginner to intermediate-level language learner, this book features engaging readings of progressive difficulty that allow you to rapidly build your comprehension. The additional CD-ROM contains recordings of thirty-five passages featured in the book, which can be used with a CD player, downloaded to an iPod or other mp3 player, or heardvia computer where the text can simultaneously be viewed on screen.

Customer Reviews (25)

It's For YOU!
I'm surprised by some of the reviewers who said that this book is not for the beginning student, that it is much too difficult and should be tackled only if the reader is at the intermediate level.

When I first obtained "Easy Italian Reader," I wasn't sure that it would serve my purpose.I had been pursuing a self-taught approach for about 6 months. I had worked through some fundamental Italian vocabulary and grammar, and now I needed something that would place the words in a larger context, so that one sentence would connect with another in a conversational or essay form. In short, I was ready for a reading text, but one which would not be overwhelming or too advanced for my understanding.

To my delight, I discovered that this book was exactly what I had hoped it would be.It presents a reading format through a progressive approach, starting with selections which are relatively simple, then moving to those which add more sophisticated vocabulary and become gradually more complex in grammatical structure. The selections are grouped by theme into three sections: the experiences of two school friends, Italian history and Italian literature. Each selection has a small glossary for particular words or phrases that are pertinent to the topic but may require a definition or further explanation- a larger Italian-English glossary at the back of the book- and exercises, such as true-false questions and fill-in-the-blank sentences, to test reading comprehension.In the literature section, there are also short profiles in English about the authors of the pieces that have been included.
I have found "Easy Italian Reader" not only very useful, but interesting and informative as well. I would recommend it to students who have started to understand the basics of the Italian language and want either to begin or to expand the practical application of their knowledge.I therefore think it is appropriate for both the active beginner and intermediate student alike.It is simply one of the best books of its kind.

Easy Italian Reader
Great book to help expand your Italian vocabulary as well as review.It makes an easy read because the stories are all short and they have exercises at the end.

ho-hum
Not a particularly amazing book, but does the job.One thing I found totally unacceptable was that the glossary at the end doesn't bother to tell you the gender of any nouns, such as those ending in -e.

A beginner book
This is a good book for begineer students of the Italian language, but, with a bit of imagination, it can be also useful to students who have comand of the language

Very Good, But There's One Better
I bought this book to keep my Italian fresh after taking one entire year of Italian at my college.

The first few chapters were easy to understand, and as I continued I noticed the vocabulary was getting tough as well as the grammar. As you read from cover to cover the text will become advanced.

As you notice, you're following a character who's also learning Italian. She goes to Italy with her family and slowly learns more about Italy and the Italian language, which I think is the most brilliant idea for a foreign language book. What better way to learn Italian than learning it alongside the main character. So the vocab and grammar the main character learns will later be used by her and her friends, which is a good drill.

Between chapters there will be questions in Italian with spaces for you to answer in Italian, which was helpful. Sometimes there's crossword puzzles, fill in the blanks, and true or false questions. I liked how this book had ideal answers in the back of the book so you can make sure you're understanding the question and know how to answer it. It leaves space for you to write in, but I like to use a separate loose leaf paper.

The reason why I gave this book 4/5 stars instead of 5/5 because I found the same exact book at my college library but with a CD. The story is on the disc so you can listen along as you read, which is helpful when you get to the dialogue portion of the book. I'm the type that can read and write a different language but as soon as you try talking with me... I'll blank out, lol. Oral is a big part of learning so try searching for the same book but with the CD accompaniment. Otherwise, I recommend this book to every beginner-intermediates. ... Read more