So the DW and I are planning to go to Italy for 3 weeks next year. I want to start studying up on Itallian and wondered if anyone has used a program such as Rosetta Stone (or others) for self study and if it works well? I just want to make sure it is worth the investment. Anyone have any other system you would recommend? Must be self study based or distance learning type as I have no time for attending regular classes.

Thanks!!!!!

Jeff

I used a "Living Language" set of CD's before my Italy trip. I don't recall how far I went into the series of (six?) CD's. But it was enough that I could more or less order in a restaurant (Italian restaurant menus are pretty easy to decipher), ask for and receive directions ("Excuse me, where is Hotel Sant'Anna?"), and function in non-tourist stores (such as Co-op grocery stores). Basic sign language ("down the street and second left") and helpful Italians also came in handy.

I think I paid around $50 for the CD's; I probably got that much out of it. Not sure you would need a $200 course for a few weeks touring.

Whatever you do, stay away from the Berlitz Rush Hour series. I have had the French one since May and it barely taught me anything for the trip I took to Paris last month! The small book I bought was more helpful than the Rush Hour cd was. That's not to say there aren't other language cd's you can buy that are probably awesome, just not the one I got.

Good luck!

I am using the Rosetta Stone program to learn Spanish and am very happy with it. I grew up in New Mexico, so pronunciation is a little easier for me, I heard much of the language all my life . . . A few years ago I tried to use the American Express program but couldn't learn from it. The combination of visual cues, spoken words and repetition seems to be the best way to learn.

Before buying new, try Ebay. I bought the advanced spanish lessons there for half the price of a new package.

Hope this helps, and arrivaderci . . .

Is this your 'first' second language? If you've learnt another language before you will find it fairly easy to pick up Italian. The good thing about it is that there are many similarities to English and other European languages.

I recommend the Pimsleur tapes for spoken conversation skills and the Teach Yourself series of books.

As for what to learn, obviously the basic greetings but also I find it useful to learn words like 'slice' 'grams' and other supermarket words. Italy's delis are great and there's nothing like fresh sliced proscuitto and cheese on a bread roll for lunch while sitting in the sun

FWIW I learnt Italian at university and had forgotten most of it by the time I finally went to Italy this year! Most useful phrase was -

"vorrei due biglietti per la citta per favore" two tickets to the city please

I also recommend the Pimsleur tapes for speaking/understanding. Check eBay for deals.

Pimsleur "Instant Conversation" CDs are good for learning to speak and understand.

I think they also have a "complete" pack which includes teaching written skills as well.

They're pretty good from my experience.

I agree.

Pimsleur is particularly useful if you're a visual learner and find it difficult to pick up the cadence of a language from regular conversation. Also good for low effort study as you can learn whilst walking or driving.

It's main drawback is cost, and that it's quite pedestrian in expanding vocabulary. Also there isn't much explanation of grammar although this wouldn't matter for a one-off trip.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!! I am headed to ebay to search out some choices

I did learn German back in the '80s but have probably forgotten most of it as I never get to use it. Italian though is a language that I have always wanted to learn (big time Italian food fan ^ ) so no time like the present

DW is going for the museums, I am going for the food

Thanks again everyone !!

Jeff

Ditto on Pimsleur. I have the full 90-lesson sets of Italian, German and French.

An easy way to try before you buy is to check out your local library. Many of them have the 8-lesson traveler sets that you can check out.