Italian Facts
Italian is written using the Roman alphabet, but the letters J, K, W, X and Y are not part of the standard Italian alphabet, appearing only in loan words
Italian is widely taught in schools around the world, but rarely as the first non-native language
During the Renaissance, Italy was considered the artistic centre of the world for educated European gentlemen, who would be expected to make the 'Grand Tour'
Get audio
Mia zia Olga abita in campagna ed ha una fattoria.
Quando vado a trovarla, al mattino presto andiamo insieme nel pollaio per dare da mangiare alle galline e al gallo. Dopo andiamo dai conigli che mangiano l’insalata. Vicino ai conigli c’è la chioccia con i suoi pulcini, che pigolano quando hanno fame e freddo.
Nel pomeriggio andiamo alla stalla a mungere le mucche e a trovare uno dei vitellini appena nato. Dopo andiamo al pascolo con le pecore e il vecchio Billy, pastore tedesco della zia. Al rientro ci fermiamo a salutare le oche che fanno il bagno nello stagno. Vicino allo stagno c’è un porcile con dieci maiali e tre scrofe.
La sera diamo da mangiare al gatto che è stato tutto il giorno nel fienile. Lo zio torna stanco dai campi per aver spinto un asino tutto il giorno. Prima di andare a dormire andiamo a dare la buonanotte a Furia, il cavallo più bello e veloce che abbia mai visto.
Italian links
Our Italian speakers, fully qualified to teach their native tongue, can train you and, if need be, the rest of your group at a time that is suitable to you, at your home or place of work. Sessions can take place on the day of your choosing - even weekends - and at the time you want: whether it be morning, afternoon or evening. If circumstances arise where your home or office is not convenient, the classes can be held at your trainer's office. Resources for the course are provided for you.
Book now / EnquiryThose who would benefit the most from these Italian tutorials are those who feel they need to learn Italian to help them out in their business lives. For starters, learning salutations and business etiquette is integral; once these have been practiced then reading and writing courses can start. Typical studiers have been those involved in international import/export, negotiations and acquisitions, those in multinational companies requiring another language, and those working in any way with international governments and relevant administration. Just our simplest course for beginners will have students finishing the lessons with basic telephone and e-mail Italian, as well as survival Italian should a visit to the country be necessary.
Book now / EnquiryItalian courses of this type are broader and are aimed towards students with a variety of requirements. While all beginner level students will cover survival Italian - needed for short visits to countries where English isn't widely spoken, or if you wish to 'go local'; those studying Italian usually go in different directions at this point, depending on what they need. Those who have benefitted from these Italian classes have been those investing in or buying property overseas, those married to overseas nationals, people setting off on a round-the-world trip, enthusiasts in Italian culture, and those enthusiastic to pass a specific exam in Italian.
Book now / EnquiryCourses in Italian are also accessible for 2 or more studying in tandem (Two-to-One Italian Course or Small Group In-Company Italian Course). All those involved must have around the same experience of the language, similar needs of areas of proficiency, and must be able to work at the same time and place. Bookings must be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn do not advise classes of more than 6-8 people, although In-Company Taster Italian sessions can be run with as many as 12 people.
Book now / Enquiry
York
A city in North Yorkshire with a population of around 140,000, York's economy is based mostly on tourism, science and service-based industries - a far cry from its position as a chocolate manufacturer and railway town up until the middle of the 20th century. However, the city is still home to the headquarters of several confectionary brands: Nestlé Rowntree, who create the KitKat, Smarties and eponymous "Yorkie" bar, and up until recently, Terry's chocolate factory. The city also has many historical points of interest: featuring many museums and a veritable plethora of churches and pubs, some of which date back to the medieval period.
Italian Testimonials
"This is just a quick note to say thank you for arranging our Italian classes. We really enjoyed them and we liked Maria very much. We are interested in having some more lessons, perhaps once a week now. We'd like them to focus on conversation so that we can practise what we've learned so far."