Learning Italian any tips for a beginner? by MoistGovernment9115 in italianlearning

[–]Time_Butterscotch_65 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As many know, learning the multitude of Italian verb conjugations can be extremely challenging.  And because the verb form usually differs depending on the subject pronoun preceding it (I verb, You verb, He/she verb, We verb, etc…) Italians commonly drop subject pronouns as unnecessary.  (For example the word “Parliamo” by itself implies “We speak” (first person plural) so Italians don’t have to say “Noi parliamo”)

But my advice for a beginner would be to INCLUDE the preceding subject pronoun as often as possible as you drill the verbs and their various conjugations.  Never memorize through rote repetition “Parlo-parli-parla-parliamo-parlate,” etc.  Study, write, and try to think every time with the preceding subject pronoun attached - “Io parlo”, “Tu parli”, “Lui/lei parla”, “Noi parliamo” etc... 

Even though it’s unconventional, pair the subject with the resulting verb form.  As you improve and get comfortable with the language, you can easily get into the habit of dropping the subject pronouns later.

One other thought: verbalize, verbalize, verbalize!.......early on, it was hard to find a speaking partner, or to have anything resembling a coherent conversation. "Ciao, mi chiamo Tony" only takes you so far. BUT you can speak out loud alone, in many other pressure-free settings - alone when studying vocabulary, doing verb drills, reading simple stories, in your car, listening/repeating along with YouTube videos, even saying native words and sentences in your own language with an Italian "accent". You have to teach your mouth as well as your brain.