Collins Easy Learning Italian ― Easy Learning Italian Conversation

Firstly, the previous reviewer pointed out the lack of s pronunciation key which is odd for a company that publishes dictionaries. However, I began studying two months ago with two free web sites: memrise.com and duolingo.com, as well as viewing many of the bountiful video lessons on YouTube. So, I'd built up some skill with vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar.
What I lacked, and still lack, is the ability to construct my own sentences for the sake of conversation.

I'd compiled lists of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, etc. to help write model sentences in a "Chinese menu" fashion, which has been a helpful but slow process. This book is almost like a greatly enlarged phrase book {albeit without a pronunciation key) in that it contains numerous sentences that one might need while traveling.

However, it has several example sentences for each "sentence starter." For example, "Can you tell me...?" is completed with a couple of options. The book has maybe ten different ways of expressing "I want..." or "I'd like..." I'll do well to feel comfortable speaking perhaps two of them. It also has sentences on what others might say to you which is just as important.

At the end of each chapter is a page of "Lifestyle Tips" which explains some cultural norms that can help in navigating unfamiliar ways.

Listening to lessons taught by native speakers on YouTube has benn fantastic, especially Manu on Italy made easy and Marta on passione Italiano. "Professor Dave" was born in the US but both parents are Italian. Searching "beginner Italian" will result in these and many other helpful videos. Having a little background from such sources makes using this book much easier.

I also did a free trial with RocketLanguages which was helpful. Babal and Rosetta Stone and some others also offer trials. I'm considering Manu's $95 course for travelers.

It seems I'm throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks (groan) but I feel that these various sources complement one another and that I'm progressing well enough.

I saw just one other book on but don't know how it compares to this one. Thus far I haven't come across any words I did't already know how to pronounce. As I said, my greatest frustration has been my very limited ability to construct my own sentences. I'm using this book to help me write "scripts" in hopes of being better prepared to converse a bit " on the spot" by the time I visit next spring.

Watching Italian movies on amazon has been fun. I only pick up occasional words but hearing them in context

Bottom line, I'm very glad I purchased this book. It's not unusual for travelers to freeze up when it comes time to actually speak to native speakers of a foreign. I can easily picture myself doing that. I don't aspire to fluency but even a bit of proficiency can make for a richer experience in interacting with native speakers.

Did not provide a pronunciation for the words.

The book is awesome! It has many examples and it's very comprehensible.

Great book - great service