Top 10 Myths About Learning Italian

Myth: No one I know speaks Italian, so there's no opportunity to practice
Reality: Contact the Italian department at your local college or an Italian American organization since they frequently sponsor wine tastings or other events where participants can meet and mingle to practice Italian. Or join your local Italian Language Meetup group. Organized by Meetup.com, the Italian Language Meetup is a free gathering at a local venue for anyone interested in learning, practicing, or teaching Italian.

Myth: I don't have time to learn a language
Reality: For those pressed for time, here are ten ways to speak Italian quickly. In fact, the fastest way to learn Italian (or any foreign language, for that matter) is in a total-immersion course. Two weeks at a language school in Italy is more effective than a full year in high school or college. And less expensive than a vacation too. Typically, mornings are devoted to classes while the afternoons are at leisure, so you'll have time to visit churches, museums, and other sites.

Myth: Native Italians won't understand me
Reality: If you make an effort, chances are they'll parse out what you're saying. Try Italian hand gestures too. And if you strike up a conversation, you'll be practicing Italian. An important part of learning to speak Italian is building your self-confidence - so the more you try to express yourself, the quicker you'll learn the language.

Myth: I'm only visiting Italy for a short time so why bother
Reality: Why bother indeed? Travelers to Italy will want to learn Italian survival phrases to help them with both the practical (you do want to know where the bathroom is, don't you?) as well as the mundane (i.e., how to decipher an Italian menu).

Myth: I have to use a textbook to study Italian
Reality: There are many effective ways to study Italian. Whether it's reading an Italian textbook, completing workbook exercises, listening to a tape or CD, or conversing with a native Italian speaker, any method is appropriate. The shotgun approach is recommended to avoid burnout and frustration.