· 2 Cds with PDF transcript included
· Color coding to help you with pronunciation
· Alphabet, numbers
· Basic conjugation
This is Volume 1 of 2 volumes introducing the italian language to the total beginner. In this volume, you will work on the alphabet, numbers and verb conjugations. You will have a gentle and progressive approach to very common verbs and their most used tenses. You will practice with multiple examples, repeating and filling the blanks. You will be ready to proceed with Vol.2 to explore the basic vocabulary observed in very common conversations.
How did we choose the words that you should know first?
We interviewed Italian natives and let them speak about the subject of their choice. We then selected a minute and a half of these conversations and we isolated every word pronounced, classifying them into Basic, primary and secondary vocabulary. In the basic list we put all the words that appear systematically in every conversation. Table, pencil, or airplane, would be included in the primary vocabulary list but not in the basic vocabulary list where you will find words like: for, that, what, I, of, in, am, etc... We made an interesting discovery: 65% of all words used by people when they speak are basic words regardless of the person or the theme of the conversation.
After you work with these vol.1 and Vol.2, you will know 65% of every conversation you will happen to hear or be a part of. You will be ready to go further and work on real dialogs.
If your intention is to learn a few sentences to get by when you are in Italy, there is a better tool for you. You should get our - SmartItalian for Travelers (book and audios files) - or download it with the audios on the smartitalian website.
The way you will speak with SmartItalian is the natural way. You will sound like an italian person very early learning Italian and you will feel very confident speaking Italian.
Please use our system interactively. If the work on numbers is too long for you, take the first 20 and go through the steps. We use the numbers to work on your pronunciation and to start to develop your listening skills.