Italian Dialogues: Learn Italian by Speaking Italian

Many students of spoken languages complain that they don't get much of a chance to speak the language during their class session.

This book will help remedy that situation.

This is a book of Italian dialogues. They are actual words in sentences that you can use. Some use the formal, polite forms, and others use the familiar forms used with family, friends and associates.

It's not a book of grammar, but there are short grammar summaries accompanying some of the dialogues.

It doesn't teach Italian pronunciation. For that, I suggest a teacher or my book on Italian pronunciation.

It's intended for a student of Italian at almost any level, from just past beginner to someone who is comfortable with the language.

It's not for Italians learning English - my translations into English are sometimes very literal, and would not be useful for learning English.

As in all my books, I write the standard written Italian accent marks on words that are accented on the last syllable, as in città, and also write it on words that are accented on the third-from-last syllable and the fourth-from-last syllable as well. Do not write this extra accent mark when writing Italian.

Some of the subject matter discussed in the dialogues includes:



Meeting people.

More talk, work, travel, books, film, family.

Introductions.

Personal interests.

Asking for directions.

Professions and trades.

Time, Weekdays, Months.

Means of transport.

Using Direct Object Pronouns.

Drinking a coffee.

Using Indirect Object Pronouns.

Shopping.

Appointments, making, breaking, changing.

Scheduling Meetings.

Visiting Roman monuments.

Shopping for a dress.

Practicing with the metric system.

Reserving a table in a restaurant.

Famous Italian Singers.

Regions, provinces of Italy.

Going out for an aperitivo.

Preferences, wine, cheese, after dinner drink.

Feelings and interjections.

Our furry friends.

Ordering coffee in a "pay first" bar.

Ordering coffee at a table in a bar



Each dialogue is in two parts, part "A", which contains the full dialogue in Italian and English, and in most cases, notes, a grammar supplement, and a vocabulary supplement. The second part, part "B", omits all the Italian except the first word of the sentence and the notes, grammar and vocabulary.

There are many ways to use the dialogues. One possible way is to read out loud the first part, referencing the English in order to be sure you understand the Italian. Study it, practice it as many times as you wish.Then you can use the second part to practice speaking the Italian from memory.

The dialogues can easily be used in a group setting or a classroom.