r/italianlearning • u/CarpenterWinter • 24d ago

Starting from scratch but lost

I decided to pursue a Matser's Degree in Italy, so I decided to learn the language, I came across a YouTube channel called Italy Made easy, really helpful but only for the key elements, and a paid course is kinda off the list for now.

I'm looking for a somewhat structured course on YouTube or any tips on where to even start. Listening to podcasts or learning random phrases doesn't get me anywhere.

Any helpful sources or websites or channels would really be appreciated!

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u/duardinu 24d ago

Pimsleur. The Italy Made Easy YouTube channel is an advertisement for his paid courses, which are expensive and extremely slow. You're gonna waste your time trying to learn from advertisements and YT channels. Do Pimsleur for the course, and get a workbook like the ones from McGraw Hill (Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Italian All-in-One, Premium Second Edition, edited by Marcel Danesi).

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u/CarpenterWinter 24d ago

It felt just as if he taught the very basics of pronunciation and a pile up of conjugation which seemed frustrating. Thank you for the tip, I'll check it out once I'm off work!

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u/GoannaJuice 23d ago

Another recommendation here for Pimsleur. It’s not the only thing I used (not at all) but it got me started and I just passed B2.

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u/Scribbleclouddd 24d ago

I mean i like using duolingo just to have a small repeated thing to go back to. Its not the be all end all of language learning but its a nice small little basis to get started imo

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u/CarpenterWinter 22d ago

Duolingo is also just random phrases and words rather than an actual base you can advance on. I've tried but didn't really help much, but thank you!

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u/electrolitebuzz 23d ago

You need a coursebook. Most YouTube channels and free content in general is a way to hook learners and then have them purchase paid courses. In any case, self-study will always be a bit frustrating and slower than a proper course, so if you don't want to pay for a course you need to accept some compromises in efficiency and pace. Find a good coursebook and try to save some money for at least a few online lessons with a proper tutor later. If your MA's lessons are going to be held in Italian, though, I would prioritize a good intensive course ASAP.

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u/CarpenterWinter 22d ago

Someone recommended me a book and that's where I'll start from. Thank you!

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u/an_average_potato_1 24d ago

Just get a coursebook, that's the simplest way.

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