How I Learned Italian During the Pandemic (Top 5 Tips to Become Fluent)

[@TheEGA4421]

I used to work with some Italian surgeons. I learned some Italian from them and I have a couple of Italian books I study. I listen to Andrea Bocelli (I have several of his CDs) while at home. This helps me to learn and know how to pronounce Italian words.The one thing that is true is if you do not use the language on a regular basis, you will start forgetting it.

[@elainebadalamenti7579]

Thank you so much Julie for these tips…I am in Charlotte, NC and have also learned Italian during the pandemic😜!! I have used Duolingo and feel like I am burning out with this…I can’t wait to try all of your suggestions..I also wanted to say that I enjoyed watching your reality show that ended - it was like an escape for me as a Mom in the U.S.! I do check out your KZbin channel as well…Buona Giornata!

[@set921]

I used Duolingo for about 5 months, then it keeps making you go back and review too much so it kind of stalls out. The coffee break podcasts are a nice change!

[@woohoo5473]

Everyone should learn a second language. It will open up a new world for you. Good advice, Julie (and this is coming from an English as a Second Language teacher).

[@jen_brandon]

Hi from Blandford 👋 I've been learning Norwegian for about 8 months now. Only last week I was chatting with someone and they suggested looking on KZbin to find kids books in Norwegian. That's opened up all sorts. They also suggested watching Netflix with subtitles. I have several Norwegian crafter's on my Instagram and KZbin so I'm trying to comment in Norwegian, at least in part. I'm glad I started learning another language. I thought I would be terrible but I'm not and I'm proud of what I've learnt so far 😊

[@dottieparker7274]

I have been SO impressed watching you speaking Italian and was indeed curious about it. I tried learning it decades ago and even though I speak fluent French, I just couldn't get the Italian grammar!!! Bravo!!!!

[@melissaphillips3088]

Love all your little house in Italy video’s It is so much fun following along on this journey with you Julie. 💕

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@melissaphillips3088]

@@AmericanViscountess you are just doing a beautiful job Julie on all your vlogs. Can’t wait for the next one! 💕

[@MetaMM]

Thank you so much for all the links and tips as I am learning intermediate French so will choose all in French. I do speak fluent Italian though as well as English and Indonesian. Love this content of this vlog. Also love your Italian vlog as it brings back memories although I lived in Milan decades! Now enjoying living back in Jakarta, Indonesia.

[@leeh9420]

I have to admit the language piece is a bit of a concern as my wife and I consider buying a property in Italy and spending a big chunk of the year there in retirement. This is a great pointer to resources, but also hope :) Thanks!

[@azengland100]

Lee - don’t let the language barrier stop you from following your dream. From our experience, Italians are very tolerant and helpful to non-Italian speakers. One of our best memories was ordering and paying for lunch in a small Italian town where no English was spoken. We had fun, had a great lunch, and shared lots of smiles and gestures to collaborate. Yes, you should learn the language if you’re going to spend lots of time there, but please enjoy the process and treat it as a positive adventure. It’s a beautiful language and worth learning, even if it takes years…

[@leeh9420]

@@azengland100 Thanks Rob! We definitely had great experiences when we went to Rome, Florence and Venice a few years ago. I don't think we'd let language stop us :) Cheers!

[@coffeebreaklanguages]

Grazie mille! 🇮🇹 Thanks for the recommendation of Coffee Break Italian and we're delighted you're enjoying what we do. Auguri! 🙌

[@AmericanViscountess]

Would love to collaborate! you can email me at [e-mail]

[@azengland100]

Perfect timing Julie. My wife and I closed on our own piccola casa recently and now it's time for us to get serious about learning the language. Great tips across the board.

[@leannedavis2195]

My husband and I purchased a house in Boccheggiano (a few hours south of you) and just arrive here last week. Trying to find interesting ways to learn the beautiful language. I just found a yoga class about 15 minutes away that meets twice a week and its bi-lingual!!! I learned so much at last nights class. Can't wait to watch your video.

[@JeanineMarieCompassion]

Julie, your dedication to learning Italian is so inspiring!

[@WLM596]

Julie, I'm directly descended from Simon de Montagu 1st baron Montagu born 1250. He is my 21st Great Grandfather. Are we the same line?

[@ascaniosobrero]

Affascinante questo interesse per la lingua italiana. Se non fossi italiano non so se me la sentirei di studiarlo: è complesso, e anche molti italiani non lo parlano bene (congiuntivo, questo sconosciuto...). Vivo a Firenze, e il vero italiano si parla tra Firenze e Siena. 😀😀

[@adelecongia7946]

Concordo con te

[@deacjansp2]

I’ve done 109 consecutive days learning Italian with Duolingo, and I’ve been looking for the resources you have mentioned here. Gracie Mille! Roma non fu fatta in un giorno!

[@mihaelaclaudiap..2]

I will be going back to Italy in a couple of month's time, I cannot wait! Italy for me is and will remain the most beautiful and fascinating country in the world! xx

[@mistysanfilippo1465]

Great tips! Thank you! It is a goal of mine to learn Italian. I have discovered cousins in Sicily. I would love to speak with them in their language. Some of them speak perfect English but it would be beautiful to speak to the older people in their native language.

[@livingthegoodlifechannel]

Hi. I’m half Sicilian. Who knows? We might be cousins too. Lol. Just wanted to mention to you that Sicilian is different from Italian. It’s close but different. However, they likely could understand what you are saying. I apologize if you already knew this information.

[@amandathurston2720]

That’s cool, I did the same thing, but in Denmark, January 19, 2020, I have an Italian Nana, I learned some Italian at a young age, but I need to learn Danish now 😅 it’s horrible compared to Italian. Italian is a beautiful language.

[@livingthegoodlifechannel]

Hello. I’ve been learning Italian via Duolingo for almost 2 years. It’s giving me some good basics but I miss the conversational aspect. Plus I also learn visually and miss seeing verb conjugation on a page. However, I could still have some conversations the next time that I’m in Italy. It will be a lot better than using a limited Italian vocabulary and then falling back on Spanish like last time. 😀

[@mallorygraf8574]

I like Babbel...you have to pay but I like it better than Duolingo. I also fall back on my Spanish (I'm a fluent speaker) whenever I'm in Italy or France but finally decided to learn Italian. I also found that watching an Italian movie over and over again really helps with comprehension. (with English subtitles). Have fun!

[@amandathurston2720]

Duolingo is my main learning source, at least till I can afford to get to the classes , it’s very great at learning basics! I just hope it’s enough to pass my test 😅😬 it’s a great and FREE option, that’s what has me using it .

[@marie-evebrunet7331]

I also listen to Rai Radio 1 on Apple Music. Very interesting!

[@SStroud2024]

Ciao, Julie - sono nuovo nell'apprendimento dell'italiano! Aspetto il tuo video. Grazie! Suzy

[@Susan.I]

As a 2nd generation Italian American, I’d love to learn to speak and understand Italian!!

[@cloudchamois7004]

the language books used in school are really the best

[@JoanneFuda]

Can you tell us the name of the tutor you used please. Thanks.

[@deedeeacquisto8558]

I also listen to pop music by Il Volo (beautiful young men with gorgeous voices....), as well as watching RAI, ¨Easy Italian¨ KZbin channel, and Italy Made Easy, as well as other italian language instruction KZbin channels.....there are dozens. Also try out Vaporetto Italiano, he is a great teacher!

[@AmericanViscountess]

I'll check it out!

[@elewysoffinchingefeld3066]

My son started learning Italian on DuoLingo...and finished all the lessons. He is now looking for more learning opportunities, so this was a great group of tips for him to further explore fluency. He wants to visit Italy sometime in the next year after high school graduation.

[@lisamacdonald9375]

Julie, you are so inspirational and aspirational. You have such a passion for knowledge and it is infectious! Thank you for being so positive and sharing your joy for life, history, and being a citizen of the world! You rock! 😘

[@terrecisco2467]

I am working on my Spanish Skills and I found each of your suggestions are in Spanish and I started signing up. As usual, I learned from you today. Thanks julie!

[@marthaizaguirre6363]

Really enjoyed this because I'm an ESL & Spanish teacher and I've dabbled in French, Italian and Japanese. All of your tips are excellent and I'd add listening to Italian songs to strengthen those neural connections and pick up idiomatic expressions. Congratulations and kudos to you for your determination! 😊👏👏🙌

[@pennymauro]

Julie, this is the best video I’ve watched in months. Well done! You are so inspirational and your joy for learning is infectious. I’m learning French but I’ll be using your tips to improve my skills, for sure!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much Penny!

[@stephaniedent4833]

I love languages. I did German and Japanese at school. I also went to China in 2001. Im using duolingo as my platform. Im doing Latin and Gaelic, and also teaching my 2 year old daughter some too. My 10 year old daughter is doing a bit of French, so learning with her. And also a bit of Australian sign language with all my children. My two older boys 12 and almost 14, want to do Japanese too. I am home-schooling them. So many good ideas. The fairy tales sound perfect.

[@MsGringa24]

Its NOT a piccola casa... LOL You American English has bits of British English "ALL" for example, and "LOU". I agree, APPS are a good start, but you must be disciplined, I wasn't so BABBEL for me doesn't work, and cancel that.

[@DanSme1]

Wonderful DIY video explaining your experiences. As a STEM-focused personality, language has always been overwhelmingly challenging. Enjoyed your persistence-infused testimony.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emanuelaboiardi9520]

brava Julie, continua così.Sono un'insegnante di inglese italiana.Se ti serve qualche dritta,scrivimi.

[@joanneboty4882]

Dovresti guardare Vaporetto Italiano (You Tube, Spotify, ecc)

[@lgrillo]

This was *super* helpful! It obviously takes a commitment and the way you approached it with multiple vectors sounds wonderful. Congrats on your progress and thank you for the tips!

[@ascaniosobrero]

I think the first and main tip is: commitment (for any language, btw), as you are showing. In particular, Italian verbs are very difficult. I am working on Japanese, but I am not sure I have your dedication (and I don't own a house in Japan)

[@suerussell4476]

What a coincidence that I’ve been learning Italian too! Imparo italiano da venti mesi. Si può fare! Grazie per il vostro video!

[@lillygate401]

Super Video, my children are half Italian and I am trying. To learn it, but I live in Germany and I'm English so that was difficult, so a big thanks

[@heathermartinez8640]

Thank you so mch for the tips! Really enjoyed these!

[@AmericanViscountess]

You're so welcome!

[@auntbeth448]

Wonderful tips! I think, most of all (for me), I need a REASON to learn - buying a house in Italy is a fabulous motivator!

[@AmericanViscountess]

You can do it!

[@SuperBeadgirl]

The wonderful thing about watching the utube Italian shows is that you can slow the speed of the video slightly. It can help with undertaking a little better 💕

[@susanhemenway383]

Thank you so much for this video! I just started learning Italian a few months ago. I am going to follow some of your tips. Love your videos!

[@annamariabonarelli6801]

Cara Viscontessa, sono felice della tua passione per la mia lingua e del grande impegno che adoperi per impararla benee parlarla fluentemente. Io ho la stessa passione per l'inglese. Sei una bellissima persona, con un fantastico progetto di vita, ti seguo su tutti i tuoi canali. Spero di poter visitare Mapperton un giorno. Un abbraccio. Anna Maria

[@hedgiecc]

Excellent tips! Thanks you 😊

[@sligo123]

I love, love coffee break French and Irish. I will add coffee break Italian a little later.

[@rimaggio]

Il meu nome e Eduardo. Sono americano e abbiamo abitiate a Firenze per un anno 23 anni fa. La mia moglie ed io adoriamo tutto lo italiano. Una serie italiana di crimini molto buona é Imma. la puoi trovare in Amazon Prime. Magnifica!

[@larryevans5193]

Create program best places eat/stay Dorset & vid tourist guide

[@paulacoveney1660]

Great tips, was ready for a new approach to learning Italian!

[@maryjanekolesar8325]

Americans are not known for learning a foreign language, I am so impressed, Julie, I just love you!!! Great tips. I too love murder mystery and my German University prof had us reading a novel in German. I voraciously read because I wanted to find out who dun it. I would suggest "Thou shall not Kill" an Italian series on PBS and if you can find it, "Il commissario Montalbano".

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you!

[@azengland100]

Julie - all of you suggestions are spot on! My wife and I found a great tutor based on your advice and are learning Italian together. One suggestion I might add, based on learning as a couple, is FLASH CARDS. Possibly a bit old school, but a great way to practice and challenge each other during the evenings when we’re working on our Italian. Really helps with verb conjugations and increasing overall vocabulary depth.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Wonderful!

[@donnabaardsen5372]

I am fluent in Norwegian. Obviously, after living there for years, I should be. Fluency happened within a year via daily immersion; and just having conversations. Grammar wasn't a priority, because once I understood the language, it was easy to hear when it was incorrect. Have fun learning a language, and don't worry about things that will become clear, fall into place as time goes on. Great job, Julie 👍

[@michelle9483]

love it .. inspired and thanks

[@francesr48]

Great info for learning any language.

[@laurac8659]

You never cease to amaze! 😉💚❤️

[@anekirkegaard7734]

Brilliant! Thanks!

[@efhfejhfjskfnsdkfnweakhrcw]

Ciao bella! This was incredibly helpful! Me and my husband have always watched Italian movies and both speak a little Spanish, but it's been difficult to transition to Italian, especially holding conversations and listening to Italian has been a challenge. We recently bought a palace and will move our family to Italy this summer, hoping that we will be able to become fluent and make Italian friends. Your tips are the best ones we've found and we will certainly try everything you have suggested. 💛 Thank you!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

🤗 Its nice to learn new languages. Some words can be realy funny, Molto bene .... Dutch; mooie benen, nice leggs 😅 Learning language is fun. 😄

[@carainfrance]

Great tips that are pretty universal. We move a lot. Now that we are in Bordeaux, I’m learning French as my 4th language and agree that what you have highlighted is absolutely correct. I would also add listening to pop music and reading children’s books to this. One thing I regret now is not taking the official certificate exams for German and Spanish. They never expire and can come in handy (in the future) for securing residence visas and work permits. This year is dedicated to securing B1 certification in all my languages, and the prep definitely includes 1) an excellent tutor, 2) Listening to stories, news, podcasts and music, 3) reading stories and articles, 4) Grammar and vocabulary exercises and 5) watching films, series and documentaries.

[@renwat8314]

You are wonderful! I tried to learn Italian, but was sidetracked. "My Son's Room" is a good Italian video, as well. Thank you for your valuable tips. I wish to learn several languages.(❁´◡`❁)🥰

[@ArabianShalifa]

Before we went to Germany and the Netherlands in 2015 I had been working with Duo lingo app and bought some CDs. I felt like I could get by. Yet was hesitant to use it. I had taken German in high school 30 years ago. My husband had taken French in college he did better with just using the CDs. He was also more willing to speak when we needed to. We flew to Amsterdam, took trains to the city our son lived in on the German boarder. We travel around Germany for a week with our son and three days on our own. He flew us from Berlin where he left us back to Amsterdam spent the day there and came home by way of England and Chicago O’Hare.

[@tarameyer8895]

This is helpful. Thank you so much. I am wanting to learn Spanish and I am going to apply these techniques. I admire your dedication. It's inspiring!

[@CuriousCalligrapher]

Fabulous & informative video & notes!! Thank you!!

[@lynnwing2176]

Julie, I am so happy to here you will be filming more vlogs in Italy. Great job, you are so engaging!

[@wendyhart8968]

Great tips, congratulations on your achievement

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thanks so much!

[@moonglow4395]

…Bravo!!!

[@michelle9483]

Thanks!

[@ceferinocanibano6284]

That's tje way to learn a language. That's why I follow you to kero yo with my English.

[@tzok09]

I'm 10% Italian and 15% Sicilian. I know a few words. Emerson is a great method to learn.

[@set921]

Thanks for the Coffee Break podcasts suggestion. I'm now listening to Coffee Break Spanish. 15 minute episodes which is perfect as my commute is 8 minutes each way = one episode a day!!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Wonderful!

[@ingrida3575]

Thank you so much for this video! I've just started learning Italian, had my first 4 lessons already, will have another 2 later today, so this video was just in time for me! 😁Thank you again!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Wonderful!

[@brendam5356]

Ciao Julie I too am learning Italian new beginner the podcast is brilliant will try the children’s fairytales I remember so many children learnt Spanish watching Dora Bellissimo I just love how eloquent you are and encouraging learning a new language feeling connected to the culture Grazie Mille Amore😘😘😍😍❤️❤️👌👌

[@AmericanViscountess]

Wonderful!

[@lizw.4901]

Loved your video! I've been wanting to study Italian and have been putting it off. Your video has inspired me to begin learning. Thank you for your encouragement and helpful tips!

[@AmericanViscountess]

hurray!

[@cedarcottagefarm2885]

I have been watching French television to relearn French.

[@scottphillips6847]

This is awesome information! Thank you for sharing this. I started following back when you first posted your video about your new home in Italy. I look forward to seeing more news on that project. Can you provide the link to your video on buying a home in Italy? Cheers!

[@AmericanViscountess]

If you head to my channel - you'll see the video in the 'My Little Italian House' in a playlist .

[@krisannette84]

New to your channel, this is the second video of yours! Thank you so much for all the tips! So encouraging for me to start learning Italian again and continue dreaming for one day living in Italy 🇮🇹 so looking forward to more of your remodel as I also love interior design and antique and vintage finds! ❤️

[@AmericanViscountess]

Welcome!!

[@lisaharrington6488]

You should be very proud of sticking with it and mastering a new language. It is not always easy. I can't start yet but I am looking forward to learning a new language soon and I will definitely use your tips.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you! 😃

[@catherineematrudo1111]

Grazie mille! I'm going to try your tips!

[@suek8177]

Thanks Julie - such great tips - very useful. Grazie! ❤️

[@AmericanViscountess]

You are so welcome!

[@katiemcdonald3562]

Great tips👍

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@corinnecoffrini8024]

Excellent advice. Thank you so much! Can't wait to see the updates to your casa too.

[@AmericanViscountess]

You are so welcome!

[@CindyLMunger]

How many hours a week do you devote to this Julie? I took 3 yrs of French and 3 of Spanish, and the only time that I have ever used either one is on a cruise vacation to find pizza in Mexico because I wanted some “American” food. No, I’m not kidding. And I am 65 yrs old. I’m concerned about the amount of time I might have to commit to learn Swahili. Going to Africa if this Pandemic ever dies. You BBB are one impressive person Julie. I feel like I know no how much you had to devote to learning a new language. I’ll let ya know from time to time how I’m doing. Or if I’m doing…..

[@ascaniosobrero]

Pizza "American" food?? Good grief!

[@AmericanViscountess]

About 7 hours a week. :-)

[@CindyLMunger]

@@ascaniosobrero In Mexico. Don’t forget that important part. You made me laugh Alessandro.

[@longwaytotipperary]

This is great!

[@rebekahlow8375]

Julie,your amazing!! You are such a bright bulb! Your advice is excellent! Love from Vermont

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!

[@markusneumann146]

Thanks a lot. That was lovely and very much helpful.

[@lifeinourrv]

Two good short lessons daily on Instagram are instagram.com/italianwithdavide? and instagram.com/italianmatters?

[@paulgilliland2992]

When are you doing a video on the remodeling? Who cares about English historical houses .

[@hotmixxable]

Someone said ,it's not about being fluent but being comfortable in a second language

[@karentarascio7184]

I love the detective series 'Inspector Montalbano' starring the gorgeous Lucca Zingaretti, based on the books written by Andrea Camillieri. Available to stream on MHZ Choice. Congratulations on your accomplishments in learning Italian! I am currently on a 74-day streak on Duolingo in Italian. Really enjoying it!