The Italian language, like all languages, requires you to practice as long as you can. However, it is not necessary that you sit in a chair to exercise or have classes for hours.
Italian is a highly phonetic language. This means that each sound is (almost) always graphically represented by the same combination of letters (vowels and/or consonants). In comparison to other languages, this makes it relatively easy for English speakers to learn Italian pronunciation.
Nonetheless, it is critical that you take the time to learn proper pronunciation. There are numerous enjoyable exercises you can do to practice.
Similar to the English language, Italian uses the vowels, a, e, i, o, u. However, there is a slight difference in the way vowels are pronounced in Italian.
There are only 7 Italian vowel sounds (one each for a, i and u; two each for e and o) compared to 15 or so in English, but the most striking differences between Italian and English vowels are
- Italian vowels are pure. A sound written with a single letter has a single, unchanged value, whereas in English the sound often changes from one pure sound to another. For example, the o in go changes from the pure o-sound of Italian to the sound made by oo in the English word boot.
- Unaccented English vowels tend to change value towards a more neutral sound ; Italian vowels don’t. Compare the two a’s in amass. No Italian vowel ever makes a sound (schwa) like the first a.
Let’s take a look at 5 practices to improve your vocabulary and pronunciation and help you better understand this language.
Think in Italian
When we learn a new language, our brain usually translates sentences or words literally; However, some things may not have the same meaning when you pass from one language to another.
Ideally, you should think about how we structure each statement in Italian.
Speak in your mind
Suddenly, you will find yourself structuring statements in your head more frequently. It’s time to take it to another level! Have fun talking to yourself, you can say anything: ask yourself how you feel today, what you would like to eat or where you would like to go and why.
The important thing is that you exercise your mind and remember, do not translate and think in Italian.
Describe what you see around you out loud
This is a fantastic activity that you can do on your own to quickly improve your vocabulary.
You can begin right away by describing what you see around you in Italian. You can do it at home, a friend’s house, the supermarket, a restaurant, the train station, and so on.
Consider using Vocabulary Stickers to assist you in your new endeavor. Instead of having to remember the names of everyday objects, these stickers are already made—all you have to do is place each one on its corresponding object.
Now that you have a lot of practice speaking in your mind, you will feel more confident to speak out loud.
Describing what you see around you will help you identify common words or phrases you do not know how to say, you can even self-assess your pronunciation, fluency and vocabulary.
Write down what you do not know
Structuring, thinking and speaking aloud will have a better result if you identify them when you identify them. By doing this you can keep a count of your doubts in both pronunciation and grammar.
You’re probably a very busy person with a lot on your plate. Maybe that’s why you can’t seem to find the time to learn that list of new Italian words?
Why not make a list of everything you need to do in Italian? It may feel strange and difficult at first, but it will yield positive results because you will learn new vocabulary every day without putting in too much effort.
To begin, consider the following phrases:
- Domani devo andare al cinema. (I have a movie date tomorrow.)
- Oggi pranzo con Monica (Today I’m having lunch with Monica.)
Remember that in our virtual tutorials you have access to your teachers at the time you need, take advantage of it and solve your doubts.
Get physical!
Pronunciation is a physical skill. You’re teaching your mouth a new way to move and using different muscles. Focus on difficult sounds each day.
If you freeze up every time you try to order ‘gnocchi’ in a restaurant, you are not alone.
Imagine if an English word started with ‘ny’ and then a vowel. That’s more or less what ‘gn’ in Italian sounds like. To pronounce ‘gn’ in Italian, start with the middle of your tongue place right behind your top two front teeth.
Pronunciation is a physical skill. You’re teaching your mouth a new way to move and using different muscles. Focus on difficult sounds each day.
If you freeze up every time you try to order ‘gnocchi’ in a restaurant, you are not alone.
Imagine if an English word started with ‘ny’ and then a vowel. That’s more or less what ‘gn’ in Italian sounds like. To pronounce ‘gn’ in Italian, start with the middle of your tongue place right behind your top two front teeth.
Give each of these tips a try next time you have a chance and find out which of them works best for you. Remember, none of them is an instant fix but they will all help you reach your goals as part of regular practice.
Are you ready to improve your Italian pronunciation?
