Interesting website

Found what I think is quite interesting.

A blog called “ Stella Lucente”.

Conversational Italian. 

Lots of stuff to wade through, but some of the Italian learners may find it interesting as well as helpful. 

Also signed up for Coffee Break TV, a subscription but in fairly small bites and some really good lessons. Watched a lesson on using “a” and “in”.

Very well explained, I thought. 

A presto 

Maxie 

Grazie, Maxie. Sembra interessante.

A presto.

Chris

Hi Chris

I know you signed up for some conversation sessions with Daniel and his team. Wondered how you found them. Hope you are well and enjoying the beginning of spring. 

We are off to Germany at the end of May. So have been concentrating on my German. Hopefully Will manage to not be tongue tied. I know a lot of people speak English, but I would really enjoy practising my new skills

A presto

Sharon

Hi Sharon

It's great to hear from you.  You ask a topical question!  On Tuesday, I have the last of six prepaid sessions with my tutor.  I won't be signing up for more!!  Just like my experiences with paid tutors so far on iTalki, the tutor isn't really connecting with the conversation; offers no structure or suggestions on what I should focus on to improve; offers no homework or links to sources of information.  

I'm sure there are paid tutors out there who are worth every penny, but times are not conducive to spending money where the return on investment is next to zero.

My plan is to focus on finding a language partner via a site such as Conversation Exchange.  What I really need is to keep practicing my spoken Italian, and I don't have to spend money to do that.

Have fun in Germany!  I'm sure you will.  From my experiences of speaking online, the less concerned I am about my language ability, the better I am able to converse!  I'm sure you'll find the same thing, with the added benefit of body language and context to support you.

Buona fortuna e a presto!

Chris

Hi Chris

How disappointing. I find I have conversations with myself in my head. Yes, I know a bit crazy!

That is the one thing I do enjoy about Coffee Break. They have real life conversations and I find them really practical too. So feel I am going to Germany well equipped to speak. We are going with our 4 adult children and a one of the boyfriends. None of them speak German, so if I do it wrong, but can make myself understood, they will be none the wiser. Makes me laugh, as they are all a bit panicked about not being understood. 

It never seems to amaze me how Europeans speak more than one language. When we went previously, my German was very, very basic and we got by. I have found an online German tutor from Berlin. I got my pen friend to check him out and he seems legit. He seems to have structured conversations, there is home work and also prep before a conversation. Seems to be very well structured. Have not tried them, but have been tempted. It is costly and that is what is putting me off. I do chat to a friend here in German when we meet and I have improved. Know a Spanish teacher here and he is fabulous, but so far no Italian one. Pity.

Take care

Sharon

Ciao Maxie,

Thank you for sharing the blog "Stella Lucente" and the subscription service "Coffee Break TV." It's great to hear that you've found these resources interesting and helpful in your language learning journey.

Blogs like "Stella Lucente" can provide valuable insights, tips, and additional learning materials for Italian learners. Exploring different blogs and online resources can offer a diverse range of perspectives and content, helping learners find the approach that works best for them.

"Coffee Break TV" sounds like a convenient and effective way to learn Italian in bite-sized lessons. It's wonderful that the lessons on using "a" and "in" were well explained and easy to follow. Finding high-quality explanations and examples can greatly enhance your understanding of the language.

Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with these resources, as it can be helpful for other Italian learners looking for reliable and engaging materials.

And, as you mentioned, for those using Rocket Languages, the forum at rocketlanguages.com can be a valuable platform to connect with other learners, ask questions, and engage in language discussions. It's a supportive community that can further enhance your language learning experience.

Keep up the great work, Maxie! If you have any more discoveries or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.

Buon proseguimento!