Activities

SPEAK ITALIAN - NO STRESS

Lots of folk our age like to travel and sometimes we would like to be able to say something in the language, maybe to thank someone or perhaps to ask for directions; maybe to ask for a coffee or an aperitivo in a bar - even to order a meal in a restaurant. Even if the menu is possibly in English, it's still fun to give it a go.

Kitty lived in Italy for a number of years so is well versed in practical spoken Italian, and also English to Italian, so understands the need for patience and clear direction when learning a new language. The sessions will concentrate on phrases, pronunciation, and the use of formal and informal language, and there will be some revision at the start of each session.

Each lesson begins with speaking exercises, sometimes dictation to check spelling and sometimes grammar exercises. Once everyone is a little tired, we move onto a half-hour period of Kitty giving a talk in English about life in Italy. Anything from Easter and Christmas traditions, to weddings, to food and regional specialities. I might talk about La Dolce Vita or Patron Saints and their Festivals in the various regions. Occasionally, Kitty talks about a particular town or city which someone may have shown interest in.  These mini-talks are peppered with slides, a sort of PPP, to make them more interesting. The latter part of the lesson is given over to "any questions" where members can ask Kitty anything about Italy and her life there.

This group currently has places available so if you are interested contact the Group Leader, Kitty Jenkinson.

Round up of 2025
The group members are enjoying the lessons and are making good progress, some are supplementing their learning with free online courses in Italian.