italian language in italy : Learn Italian for Free

Italian is one of the most widespread languages in the world, and speaking it can give you a tremendous sense of accomplishment, an edge in your career, and even a stronger bond with your ancestors if you are of Italian descent. There are many ways you can learn Italian, including textbooks, tapes, CDs, software, group classes or private lessons, but there are also ways you can begin or continue your studies of the Italian language entirely for FREE!

1. Online: Online, you can join an active community of people who are learning the Italian language just like you. One site is Impariamo - http://www.impariamo.com - which in Italian means “let’s learn”. Impariamo is a forum where you can meet people from around the world who are learning Italian and share tips to improve your Italian language skills. It is also a great starting point for finding new tools that will help you develop your Italian skills - all for FREE! Impariamo also has a feature called Quiz of the Week, where you can have a new Italian language quiz delivered to your e-mail in-box each and every week. In addition to Impariamo, you can also find other online communities at Yahoo! Groups - http://groups.yahoo.com - or at MSN Groups - http://groups.msn.com. Simply type in “learn Italian” in the search box on either of these sites and you will find many groups that may appeal to you to join - again, for FREE!

2. Offline: Offline, you can join a group in your geographic area whose members share your interest in learning the Italian language through a free online service called Meetup - http://italian.meetup.com. Meetup helps people find others who share similar interests, and form lasting, local community groups that regularly meet face-to-face. All ages and levels of proficiency are welcome to these group meetings! You can sign up to participate in any one of nearly 300 Italian language Meetup groups. Practicing your Italian among friends will help you improve your language skills significantly.

Learning Italian allows you to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture, and this can open entirely new avenues of self-exploration and personal growth. Whether you want to the Italian language for personal or professional reasons, you can make new friends, have new experiences, and open yourself to a new and beautiful culture. Buon divertimento!

Mindy Prian is the Site Administrator of http://www.impariamo.com, a warm, welcoming community of people from all over the world who interact with one another to improve their Italian language skills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mindy_Prian

italian language in italy : Understanding the Italian Language

Brief History of the Italian Language

Documents dating as far back as the 10th century were written in Italian, although it is believed that some form of Italian language was used in the 8th century by people who did not understand Latin. Traders and clergy might have used this language to address the people of those days.

The Italian language has evolved into many different dialects and languages throughout the centuries due to differences in politics, lack of communications and mobility, and also various culture gaps as people of different origins migrated to Italy.

Differences in Dialects

There is a standard Italian language, which is taught in schools of all regions. The standard language was derived from Medieval Tuscan dialect. The dialects each have their own characteristics so even tourists can tell a difference when visiting more than one region.

The Neapolitan dialect, for example, is often used in popular songs. This language is called Napoletano. Speakers of this language change articles into single vowels. "Il" might be shortened to 'O. The Roman dialect called Romanesco is where the speaker replaces the letter "l" with the "r" sound. Toscana is a dialect used by the Tuscans where the letter "c" is often pronounced as "ch" combined.

Rare Italian Dialects

In remote areas of Italy there are rare dialects that are in danger of extinction. These often combine two languages or several dialects to form their own distinct language.

The Judeo-Italian dialect is called Italkian. It is a minority language that was spoken by people living in urban areas of Rome or in central and northern Italy between the 10th and 17th centuries. The language was very popular in Livorno. It's a blend of Italian and Hebrew, and only around 4,000 people actually use it as their primary language today.

Yiddish is another rare language that blends Hebrew and German. Ladino is a language that blends Spanish and Hebrew.

Jews who Speak Italian

At the beginning of the 20th century, Jews in Italy were fluent with their own language as well as standard Italian. They also had a dialect called Judeo-Italian, which differed by region and city. Judeo-Italian dialects were often used in Jewish rituals and the Passover Haggadah, and they were also written in Hebrew.

Italian Language for the Traveller

Travellers to Italy will benefit tremendously if they learn key Italian words and phrases before their trip. Eating at restaurants, visiting attractions or villages, and touring local sites will be much easier for the tourist who knows what to ask and how to ask in Italian! Courses to help learn Italian phrases as well as culture and traditions in various regions are available online.

Just like any other nation, the dialect one hears will depend on where he visits. The language and dialects make each area unique, and tourists can discover something new everywhere they go in Italy.

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John Dulaney, born Dec. 11th, 1946, married with children. Living most years since 1969 outside the USA and working in motion pictures since 1965 I started QuantumStar.com with my wife, Jojo, in March of 1994 in San Francisco, Ca. I've lived in or been to approximately 36 countries and have lived under Democracies, Socialism, Communism, dictatorships, kingdoms and others. There is nothing like home. I participated at Channel Four in Manila, Philippines during the "People Power Revolution" and stood, with my wife's brother, along with half a million others against the threat of tank attack. I have witnessed the ruinous effects of Socialism /Communism /Dictatorship in dozens of countries and today enjoy the remains of our freedoms and protections of the Constitution in the USA here in California. Working in front of and behind the camera films around the world we removed to the suburbs and a quiet life, for a few years. We still have property in Umbria, Italy, some is for sale. After all is said and done I count my children, wife Jojo and my friends as my only real treasure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Dulaney

italian language in italy : Learn Italian in Italy

You can combine your love of the Italian language with an unforgettable experience in the country where the language is spoken by studying Italian in Italy! Hands-down, the best way to learn a foreign language is to live, work, or study in a native speaking environment. Studying Italian in Italy is the best possible experience you can have to learn the language.

Would you like to study and live in Florence, Rome or Venice? Or how about in a smaller, quaint town such as Pisa, Siena or Otranto? You will find a comprehensive guide to top rate Italian language schools in Italy at www.studyabroaditaly.org. Wherever you decide to study and live, the experience is incomparable to learning Italian in any other way.

When living in a foreign country you have the wonderful opportunity to both learn the local language and also use it every day, all day long. Living in Italy is much different than visiting as a tourist. Tourists can easily manage getting around by knowing a few Italian phrases and by using English. In fact, tourists frequently will have trouble trying to use or improve their Italian language skills because Italians in most tourist locations can speak English very well and are eager to do so. On the other hand, as a resident of Italy, you would have NO trouble trying to use or improve your Italian language skills because you would be continuously interacting with the native population at the supermarket, the post office, the bus stop, the small “bar” where you get your morning cappuccino, and other places that tourists don’t usually visit.

If you open yourself to learning the language as well as experiencing the culture, you will be amazed with the progress you make from day to day. There is a big difference between learning Italian in Italy and learning it in your home country. While in Italy, you will only hear the Italian language spoken around you. This will encourage you to master the language quickly, because instinctively you will not want to miss out on the conversations taking place around you. You may also want to consider the fact that even though most Italians will manage to make themselves understood in English, they will have a hard time sharing deeper thoughts and feelings in any other language than Italian. Other positive aspects of learning Italian in Italy include developing a good Italian accent (eliminating the somtimes artificial sound of Italian learned in your home country), and getting faster access to regional slang and humor. The latter is particularly important when you become friends with Italian locals, as you will have a better chance of integrating in a group if you understand the subtle nuances of the language.

Finally, the greatest advantage to learning Italian in Italy is the opportunity you will have to make new friends that will certainly last you a lifetime. By learning Italian in Italy you will enjoy a unique life experiene in a place that is much different than anywhere else, and is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. Buon divertimento!

Mindy Prian is the Site Administrator of http://www.impariamo.com, a warm, welcoming community of people from all over the world who interact with one another to improve their Italian language skills.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mindy_Prian

italian language in italy : Speaking the Language of Love

One of the most romantic languages on earth is Italian.

There is indescribable quality to the Italian language that makes it sound so florid and expressive – two qualities that lend itself well to missives of love and passionate feelings.

But what could have made the Italian language become so associated with feelings of love and romance?

One very important factor could be the culture. The rich culture of Italy and its storied history could have brought about a subconscious association of anything romantic with the Italian language.

Italy’s culture is loaded with romantic imagery and a pervasive atmosphere of passion. Case in point are the many artworks and architectural wonders that the country possess. The art of such masters Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo may be firmly rooted in the Classical school but you still could not help but feel the passion that emanate from their works. From the virile yet delicate features of David to enigmatic smile of La Gioconda -- the celebration of the human form and its emotions and passions are all too apparent. The religious iconography and artwork that is one of the centerpieces of the Vatican (located in Italy) may be not necessarily be associated with erotic love. But the images of saints, Jesus, and of the Virgin Mary convey a different kind of love altogether – divine, pure and aspirational.

Italy’s old world architecture has also contributed in making the Italian language synonymous with love. Every person who has toured the country and visited its old buildings and churches all describe the feeling of awe upon seeing majestic works of beauty that have been wrought by the hand of man. Who wouldn’t be filled with the feeling of love upon seeing St. Peter’s Basilica, the old Roman monuments and statues as well as the old world buildings that dot the quaint streets of Italy?

Italy’s other cultural contributions also convey love and passion. The opera is one fine example. The passion conveyed by this exquisite art form is hard to surpass. From the first notes of any opera piece – whether it be a comedy or a tragedy – is enough to transport the listener to another world that is pure sensation and emotion. The listener is like a boat buffeted by the waves of passion and love, happiness and wistfulness that each aria conveys through melody and words.

Italian literature also brings this kind of fervent passion to paper. From poetry to novels the Italian language has been used to great effect in conveying feelings of love.

But probably the biggest reason why the Italian language has such a strong association with love is the country itself. Italy is such a romantic place that millions of honeymooners, couples and married folk go to the country to soak up the fabled romantic ambience of Italy. There are so many things that couples do in Italy that have become synonymous with romance and love – riding a gondola through Italy’s canals, wine tasting in the countryside, having coffee al fresco, and even walking through Italy’s narrow cobblestone streets.

With all of these reasons it is no wonder the moment you hear someone speak Italian the first thing that comes to your mind is love and romance.

LearnMyLingo.com delivers a variety of quick language learning programs right to your desktop including Italian and French e-courses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Nicosia

italian language in italy : Istituto Italiano

THE INSTITUTE: TO STUDY AND EXPERIENCE ITALIAN

The Istituto Italiano is the ideal reference point for those who want to start or continue studying the Italian language and culture.
The Institute, which is open all year, is well known for its competent, enthusiastic and highly qualified teaching staff, for its modern, multimedia teaching materials, for the wide range of courses offered, for its efficient organization, for the friendly atmosphere and for the many extracurricular activities that are available on a daily basis and free of charge. It is precisely these cultural, social and recreational activities that bring the students into close contact with Italian life. The school, a place to study, becomes the place to live the Italian experience, and thus the ideal setting for achieving excellent linguistic results.

THE SCHOOL: IN THE HISTORIC CENTER OF FLORENCE

The Institute is located in a magnificent XVII century building, the elegant Palazzo Testa, in one of the most beautiful streets of the heart of the city, Via Martelli. The Institute offers the students a wonderful and absolutely unique environment, with spacious, well-lit and comfortable classrooms, a well stocked library, a video-stereo equipped auditorium with a giant movie screen and an efficient secretarial office, always willing to help. The windows of the Institute offer an amazing close-up view of the Cathedral and the majestic Palazzo Medici-Riccardi.

THE FACULTY

All the faculty members are graduates of the University of Florence. They are competent, experienced, enthusiastic, friendly, patient ad sensitive to the students' needs. They have all completed a special course in teaching Italian as a second language and are a permanent team of specialists

THE CLASSES

Classes range from a maximum of 10 to 12 students, with an average of 6 or 7. The small classes mean that each student receives individual attention and achieves excellent results.
The groups are formed on the basis of the students' actual knowledge of Italian, and therefore are perfectly homogeneous. The management always tries to keep the classes diversified by nationality; this creates more stimuli and encourages the students to use Italian as their "official" language.
THE TEACHING METHOD

The Institute's teaching method is based on the directives of the Modern Languages Project of the Council of Europe. Every class has two teachers, each of whom has a specific teaching role. This allows the students to hear and become accustomed to different voice inflections. The teachers use various methods that enable the students to learn all the nuances of the language without the stilted phrases that are so far from the modern, spoken language. The Institute's teaching methods call for the use of text books supplemented by other materials: leaflets, carefully selected audio-visual aids and a wide range of "original" texts. This material, the fruit of years of experience acquired by the teachers and the educational director, is continuously enriched and updated.
SPECIAL FREE INDIVIDUAL LESSONS


Upon request, any student can have one or more private lessons, free of charge, with a faculty member. These lessons are held in the afternoons and serve to clarify or delve deeper into subjects dealt with in the classroom. This special option allows students to keep up with the group lessons without any doubts or uncertainties

Istituto Italiano
Via Martelli, 4 - 50129 Firenze - Italia
tel: +39 055 2654510 fax: +39 055 2728390

italian language in italy : Learn Italian in Italy with World Link Education!

Be immersed in Italian language, culture and the Italian way of life. Become a part of this rewarding, enjoyable and unforgettable educational experience of a lifetime.

Affordable, accredited and quality Italian Language Programs
Study in Rome, Milan, Venice or Florence
Small classes: average 8 - 10 students per class
Flexible start dates starting every Monday throughout the year or on specified dates
All levels from Total Beginner to Advanced
Immersion focused programs taught by experienced and qualified native Italian teachers
Comprehensive and balanced curriculum integrating all aspects of the language: reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics and vocabulary
Modern teaching methods allow participants at lower proficiency levels to acquire the language skills needed for effective communication in a short period of time, and students at higher proficiency levels gain expression proficiency at an abstract level
Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, Accommodation Placement, Books, Travel Medical Insurance, Registration, Placement Test, Certificate, Orientation, Welcome Pack, Airport Pickup and more
Free:
These features vary depending on the program location.
Program advisors offering on-going assistance and information
Guided excursions to famous attractions
Social activities such as 'spagettata' evenings and festas
Italian cinema screening classics to contemporary movies
After class language exchange workshops with Italian students
Italian culture, art and cooking seminars
Self-Access study center equipped with language laboratory, listening room and reading room
Our Italian programs are specially designed to provide total language immersion. Each program presents one of the most comprehensive curriculums combining in-class instruction with added features, such as lectures on Italian civilization, customs and cuisine, and excursions and activities with native Italian speakers. The programs offer participants, skills needed for effective communication, or for advanced students, expression proficiency at an abstract level, all within a short period of time


WORLD LINK EDUCATION links the world in education, bridging language and cultural barriers to meet the changing needs of a global and diverse world.


To see what our current students are up to in Italy.
Read the WLE Newsletters


© World Link Education | www.wle-italy.com

italian language in italy : ITALIAN plus COOKING IN SICILY

Food, wine and cooking in Italy is part of the Italian culture, Italian life, Italian style. Cooking in Sicily is a symphony of cooking traditions and ingredients from all over the Mediterranean Sea. Cookery in Italy is an art, Cookery in Italy is a philosophy, Cookery in Italy is a smile to life.


On top of that, cookery in Sicily has the taste of its history. When cooking and tasting Sicilian food and Sicilian recepies, you will track back how cookery in Sicily has been influenced by Greeks, how cookery in Sicily has been influenced by Arabs, how cookery in Sicily has been influenced by Spaniards. Cooking in Sicily has the flavour of the waves of the Sicilian "Magna Greece" sea, cooking in Sicily has the flavour of the shiny, tasty and colourful vegetables of the Sicilian soil that Romans introducing their aqueducts, cooking in Sicily has the flavour of the sweetness of the Arabic poetry, cooking in Sicily has the flavour of the Spanish baroque so dominant over the island.


A language is not the result of a set of grammar rules. A language is the result of a culture and its traditions, its history, its life style and its places. With this in mind, if want a fuller cultural experience in Sicily, and not just be a simple tourist but be a real traveller, you can combine an Italian language course in group or Italian private lessons with "CASALINGA COOKING" CLASS:

The "CASALINGA" COOKING CLASS is given by a real Italian/Sicilian "mamma" or "papà" in their home and it is for those who wish to learn "la cucina casalinga". You will learn how to prepare a full meal with first course (pasta, risotto or soup), a second course (vegetarian, meat or fish), side dish (salad or vegetables) and, during the week, one sweet or cake. The price includes dinner with "mamma" and family in her home!!!

© 2005. BABILONIA - Italian courses in Taormina Sicily. All rights reserved BABILONIA

italian language in italy : welcome to BABILONIA

Italian in Italy language courses & study abroad programs in Italy website!
Learn Italian in Italy and study Italian in Sicily is your dream? Among many Italian language schools in Italy and many Italian courses, are you looking for study abroad programs and courses of Italian in Sicily? If among a wide choice of Italian language schools in Italy, you want to take an Italian course in Sicily and meanwhile have the chance to explore and experience life in this beautiful island, then you have got the right website! Keep on reading to know more about our Center for Italian Studies and our Italian language courses in Taormina, Sicily and click in here to watch a video about Taormina and our school.

Learn Italian in Italy and take part to the full immersion Italian courses we offer: Italian language courses in a group or Italian private courses. Our Italian language school in Taormina, Sicily, offers study Italian classes from one week up to one year! And with the Italian language courses, you will be also offered a program of social and cultural activities and free assistance in finding accommodation in Taormina

If, beyond learning Italian in Italy and a full immersion study abroad stay, you also want a fuller cultural experience in Sicily, you can choose our Italian plus culture courses and combine them with our Italian language courses:

Our Italian language programs are officially recognized by MIUR - State Department/Ministry of Research and Education, A.S.I.L.S, I.A.L.C and our Italian courses are approved by University For Foreigners Of Perugia as Official Exam Centre for CELI Exams - · University "Ca' Foscari" of Venezia as authorized language centre for the apprenticeship of ITALS Master for teachers of Italian as foreign/second language.

The Italian language courses at our school can be the beginning of an unforgettable journey in Sicily. From Taormina, it is very easy to get to Syracuse, volcano Mount Etna, the Eolian Islands, Catania, Piazza Armerina and Noto. And, travelling a little bit further, to: Palermo, Selinunte, Segesta, Agrigento, Erice. And many more are the treasures of Sicily. Click on our webpages on Taormina and Sicily to know more about the history, the culture, the traditions of our town and our region, or watch our video. And get here more information on how to get to Taormina.

Enrolling in our Italian courses in Taormina is very easy. Please follow this link

We would love to welcome you to our Italian language school in Taormina, Sicily for an unforgettable cultural and learning experience.


Alessandro Adorno
director & founder

italian language in italy : Professors take learning off campus

Madison Sowell was recently named as Honor's program director and Associate Dean of undergraduate education and, while he is eager to shoulder the new responsibilities, it will stymie his and wife Debra's other passion: study abroad

The Sowells, professors at BYU, have participated or run 10 study abroad programs in the past 25 years and have instructed in classrooms in London, England; Paris, France and Florence, Italy. The Sowells ran their first study abroad program in 1981 in Italy and were most recently, the program directors of a 2005 London study abroad.

Madison is a professor and former department chair in the Department of French and Italian. Debra teaches general education humanities courses, as well as a senior seminar for those interested in writing about dance and performance.

"The Sowells are incredibly knowledgeable people," said Corrine Foster, a former study abroad student. "They served up an incredibly difficult plate of classes for us to digest while traveling the UK. We learned a lot though! I know if I ever go back to the National Gallery in London or the Louvre, I'll reflect on my education from the Sowells and feel gratitude for their challenging lessons."

Madison is a leading expert of "Dante's Divine Comedy" and has published several works about the play. Debra is one of the only Ph.D.-level dance historians in the country. As a former ballerina, Debra developed an intense personal interest in the field of dance history and a great desire to share her interest with others.

Both Debra and Madison's classes are notoriously difficult but the Sowells put forth extra effort to ensure their students succeed in the classroom.

"Not only are the Sowells very passionate about their subjects, they care a lot about their students and students' success," said Shannon Cornelius, a 2005 London program student. "They always incorporate their real-world experience to give students a connection to the humanities we wouldn't normally receive."

In 1981, Madison was selected to begin a study abroad program in Florence, Italy. Along with his wife, Debra, and their daughter, Mary-Louise, Madison ran a program that included 20 students interested in studying Italian art, history and culture for two months of their summer vacation.

The Italian language and culture has been a passion for Madison since his days as a missionary serving in the Italy North mission.

The Sowells participated in four more Italy study abroad programs, as well as two London programs and one program in Paris, before being called to preside over the Italy Milan mission, where they served from 1998 to 2001. The heavy responsibilities that came with the calling demanded a 24/7 commitment. The responsibilities became heavier as Madison not only functioned as a mission president, but also as stake president to four districts that were in the process of emerging as stakes.

Both Madison and Debra view their professorships and the opportunity to participate in many study abroad programs as a wonderful experience that blessed the lives of their two daughters, especially daughter Laura who accompanied them during their calling as mission president and on several study abroad programs.

"Study abroad has been a great blessing for our daughters to foster a sense of on-going community among BYU students," Debra said.

The Sowell's work does not end in the classroom as they invite students from Provo, study abroad programs and former missionaries into their home.

"When you have a family not just focused on a university experience but fostered around the experience it makes it natural to open your home for social, spiritual and academic interaction with students," Debra said.

Former study abroad students have enjoyed the opportunity to see the Sowells not just as classroom professors but in another perspective, as well.

"One of the best things about study abroad was seeing the Sowells not just as professors but as parents, religious leaders and members of the church," Cornelius said. "So much of what they do and who they are is related to their beliefs and showing the connection between the humanities and the gospel."

Other students agree with Cornelius.

"Some of the best experiences in London involved learning from the Sowells at firesides," said Julia Hess, a 2005 London study abroad student. "You can only bring in the gospel so much into a classroom discussion. It was great to see many different sides to their personalities."

Both Madison and Debra look forward to the time when they can participate in study abroad programs again.

"We love being in close proximity to great museums, theater and the performing arts," Debra said.

Madison earned his master's and Ph.D. from Harvard University in Italian Medieval and Renaissance Literature. He began his professorial career in 1979 at BYU in the Department of French and Italian. Debra earned a Ph.D. from New York University in performance studies and dance history.


By Emilee Erb

italian language in italy : World Cup friendship remains strong in Morgan

Wearing his blue and white Italian soccer jersey and a smile worthy of an all-you-can-eat pasta night, Carlo Pellegrini's happy demeanor this week might bother some French fans, but not Nick Ng (pronounced ing), his close friend.

Pellegrini, who was born and raised in Italy, and Ng, who was raised in France, were exchanging friendly banter Monday after Italy's win over France Sunday in the World Cup.

The banter is nothing new for this pair, after all; Ng also celebrated a soccer championship this summer. His Fort Morgan Optimist team just finished an undefeated season.

Plus Ng holds a two-nothing edge over Pellegrini in another very important category.

"My wife, Marla, and I have two small children, while Carlo and (wife) Jessica are expecting their first ... so I'll probably guide him in that area, too," Ng revealed while laughing.
Young families are just one reason why Ng and Pellegrini have become such good friends. They can talk about everything from original "football", to family, to their respective food-serving businesses in Fort Morgan.

Ng owns Café Lotus on East Kiowa Avenue, while Pellegrini's busy passion is the O' Sole Mio Italian Tratorria he owns on Ensign Street.

Yet they share an even stronger connection not often seen around Northeast Colorado.

"He (Nick) was the first guy I met here from Europe," Pellegrini recalled. "I remember he had long hair, way down his back. It was exciting to find someone who knew the Italian language and our culture."

"We have gravitated to each other because we have so many common interests," Ng added, although not enthused about confirming those long-haired days. "It's just special to meet someone like Carlo in Fort Morgan. We have so many similar cultural aspects."

After being born in Hong Kong, Ng attended a well-known French boarding school and played football (soccer) like virtually every other European youth.

Pellegrini took his soccer-playing skills several steps farther as he joined a semi-professional Italian team. So why did he choose pasta and pizza over a long athletic career?

"There was no money in it," Pellegrini explained. "If you win, you get paid. If you lose, you go home. There were no salaries."

Pellegrini still plays indoor soccer one night a week in Fort Collins just for fun. That last word also perfectly describes these two friends during the month-long World Cup journey.

Normally not a big sports fan, Ng followed the entire tournament which he described as "magic."

Pellegrini rarely missed one second of Italy's World Cup quest, even venturing across the alley behind O' Sole Mio to watch various matches on television at The Fort Morgan Times so he didn't have to go back and forth to his home.

"When the United States played Italy to a 1-1 tie, my good friend Bill Holland (publisher of The Times) kept chanting USA, USA."

"That was a victory for the U.S.," Carlo admitted. "But we (Italy) had a young team. They grew up a lot during the month", right up to Sunday's world championship match, when Italy won a 5-3 overtime shootout.

"I tried to call friends in France after the match, but no one answered," Ng said. "They were all crying."

Some are still talking about the infamous head-butt, red card and subsequent ejection of France soccer legend Zinidene Zidane. Named tourney MVP on Monday, Zidane still wasn't around during those final dramatic shootout kicks.

"Zidane is even Pellegrini's idol, everyone appreciates his skills. He's a fantastic football player," Ng proclaimed. "But his behavior was wrong. There's no justifying it ... unless that Italian said something bloody rude."

"Zidane is the man; he played in Italy for several years," Pellegrini added. "They can read lips on those tapes. We'll find out what he (the Italian player) said."

Whatever the results, don't expect any rude behavior between these local rival fans and friends. Ng actually admitted to rooting for Italy during most matches, and he maintained a classy mood on Monday.

In other words, their friendship will likely continue through many more World Cups.

"We congratulated each other," Ng concluded. "What? No, there's none of that (trash talking). After all, it's only a game."

By R.B. HEADLEY

italian language in italy : 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP

FIFAworldcup.com readers have voted France captain Zinedine Zidane the most outstanding player of the semi-finals by a broad margin. He garnered 45 per cent of the overall votes, followed by Italian duo Andrea Pirlo and Fabio Grosso, with 15 and 14 per cent respectively.

Zidane’s creative play and match-winning spot-kick in the 33rd minute earned him top votes from seven out of the website’s nine language channels. The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year was most popular among Korean readers, who gave him 70 per cent of their votes, and Chinese readers, from whom he received 53 per cent of the votes.

Interestingly, the two exceptions to the 'Zizou' love-fest were the French and Italian versions of the site. French fans seemed to have greater appreciation for the contributions of centre-back Lillian Thuram, who took 33 per cent of the Gallic votes as compared to Zidane’s 30 per cent.

Italian fans, meanwhile, rated the France No.10 fifth with just four per cent of the votes. Users of the Italian-language version of the site instead heaped their admiration on Grosso, who received 65 per cent of the Italian-language votes for his goal against Germany in the 119th minute. The man who provided the assist for his goal, Pirlo, ranked second with Italian voters with 18 per cent.

© 2002-2005 NoticiasB2B, S.L.

italian language in italy : Little Italy's prayers answered

Hours before the crucifixion of the holy messiah, the bells of St. Anthony's church, the spiritual and religious heart of Little Italy, ring out across the Sunday morning languor. Men and women, young and old, are coming out of the cool, dim sanctuary into the warm summer sunlight.

Holding their bibles and rosaries, they gather on the steep steps for praying of another kind, not fearing the secularism of its nature for in the earlier service Father Dominic Fiore broke from scripture to cry out "Forza Azzurri" with applause from the congregation, and no one was struck dead.

"Italy, 2-0," says Vincenzo Caminiti. He's 66, a retired painter. The plastic tag on the breast of his grey suit says "usher." He's standing with his friend, Mario Smilovich, also an usher. He's 72, a retired maintenance worker. "France is rougher than Italy, but we have a better defence."

"France is tough, I agree," says Smilovich, "but if we play the way we did against Germany, we will win. Italy will win today 1-0 in overtime."

"Zidane's the one we have to worry about most," says Sam Pecora. He's 34, works for the government. "I still think we'll win 2-0 in regular time if we play flawless like the last game."


"Zidane's good," says Smilovich, "but have you seen the size of our goalkeeper's hands?" Smilovich spreads his fingers. "One of his hands is the size of two hands."

"What we don't want is it decided by penalty kicks," says Caminiti, morosely. "France has a better record than us in penalty kicks. We need to control Zidane."

Father Louis Labbe, having wrapped up the second morning service in the Italian language, is in a small, hushed, room at the back of the church, removing his green and gold clerical robe. He's French-Canadian. His congregation is Italian.

"Father, where does your loyalty lie in the big game, with France or Italy?"

"Don't play politics with me," he snaps.

"Did you refer at all to the game in your service this morning?"

A woman standing at the door intervenes: "He did say 'Vive.' And when he did, the congregation clapped and shouted 'Italia.' " Father Labbe is asked what his sermon was about. Bible readings, he says. Jesus. Where the Messiah said, "Only in his own home town, among his own relatives, and in his own house is a prophet without honour."

By EARL MCRAE

italian language in italy : Italian lessons

The Italian lessons will give you the possibility to learn Italian with the most updated methods!. Choose the lessons that you find most interesting by clicking in the regions’ list, or make use of the buttons in the principal menu to navigate in our site.

If you enrol for one of the Italian courses proposed by It-Schools, you will have the possibility to learn our language by attending varied and interesting Italian lessons.

For their lessons the schools make use of the most advanced and acknowledged methods, which are based on the communication of the language at several levels.
In fact, the Italian lessons that these schools propose offer you the possibility to use the spoken language even from the beginning, above all to learn the first principles of the language and to be able to talk in Italian without being afraid.
This method allows you to learn Italian in a friendly atmosphere that helps your learning and makes your conversation easier.
In fact, you can attend also Italian Grammar lessons, Syntax, Writing, Conversation, Phraseology and Business Italian lessons, including also language refresher courses at various levels.
In addition, the complete teaching activity carried out during the Italian lessons is helped by external activities, in contact with the local culture, as talking Italian in everyday situations or making tests or reading Italian daily newspapers and magazines.
So, if you choose your course in the It-Schools site, you will really have the opportunity to attend rich and high-quality Italian lessons, which will open your mind to the knowledge of the language, the culture and the beauty of Italy and its art.


(c) Copyright 2004 IT-SCHOOLS

italian language in italy : Italian courses in Italy

In the It-Schools site you can find the Italian course that you wish to learn our language in an easy way!. Choose the course that you find most interesting by clicking in the regions’ list, or make use of the buttons in the principal menu to navigate in our site.



In the It-Schools site you can find the Italian Schools section, where you can choose among a broad range of Italian courses the best opportunity for you to learn our language easily and in the period of the year that you prefer.

The Italian courses offered by the schools presented in It-Schools are really a lot and suitable to every exigency.
In our site you can find schools that are present on the whole Italian territory and so, choosing your course, you can decide if you prefer learning our language in a town near the sea or if it is better for you to plunge into the beauty of an artistic city.
There are different kinds and different levels of Italian courses: standard courses, intensive and super-intensive courses, but also basic Italian courses or courses which enable you to take the entrance examination for university.
Moreover, you will have the opportunity to choose among individual (one-to-one) courses, inside small or restricted entry classes, which are assisted by a teacher and a tutor, too.
Finally you will have at your disposal a broad range of offers concerning the attendance, the prices and the number of Italian courses that, besides giving you both professional competence and efficiency, will give you the opportunity to appreciate the Italian language and its beauty.
Now there is nothing left to do but choose the course that mostly satisfies you in one of the schools presented by It-Schools, in the period that you wish, maybe on holiday, with the certainty to have at your disposal some really good and interesting Italian courses.

(c) Copyright 2004 IT-SCHOOLS