Basic Italian (with Audio Tape) [Hardcover]

Charles Speroni (Author), Carlo L. Golino (Author), Barbara Caiti (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0030074843 | ISBN-13: 978-0030074844 | Edition: 7

BASIC ITALIAN, Seventh Edition is the revision of a highly successful introductory-level Italian program designed to be used in two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Communicative proficiency based upon mastery of grammar and language patterns is the goal of the program. When students finish Chapter 30, they will not only be able to survive in an Italian-speaking environment, but will also be able to understand and appreciate Italian culture and traditions.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Italian --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 443 pages
• Publisher: Heinle; 7 edition (January 2, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0030074843
• ISBN-13: 978-0030074844
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #974,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Italian book for new student, February 12, 2000

By 

Doug Cannon (Concord Twp. , Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Italian (with Audio Tape) (Hardcover)

Of the several books I've used this is the best for a student to use for self-teaching with tutorial help or for a class of first time students. Thirteen pages at the beginning dedicated to pronunciation is unprecedented but essential to those wanting to speak and understand the language. It(mostly) avoids the usual problem of inserting grammer not yet covered. The important grammatical issues are clear and well displayed. One drawback is the "bitesize" nature of the chapters which results in some inconvenience in structuring a syllabus. Many users characterize the book as "easy". But it covers all essentials of the language, comparable to other textbooks, and in just as much depth. It's presentation and logical flow eliminate much confusion for a new student.

1.0 out of 5 stars idiots!, November 11, 2011

By 

Caraculiambro (La Mancha and environs) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Italian (with Audio Tape) (Hardcover)

Speroni and Golino was a superb text for a student! I was able to teach myself Italian with it with zero problems, although it is designed for a classroom setting (e.g., there's no self-study exercises with answers at the back).

However, that was with the 6th edition -- a superlative text.

However, somebody -- and I know not who -- completely overhauled the text for the seventh edition, which is I think the edition this review will appear on. The exercises were changed, the pictures were changed, the explanations were changed.

Having known the 6th intimately, I found the changes confusing, worse, and off-putting. Using the 7th to teach others, I was repeatedly dumbstruck at the decisions they had made. Was it because of these idiotic changes that this text now seems out of print?

In sum, I heartily recommend this, but only the 6th edition and before. Note, though, that even the 7th edition only came with audio cassettes, not CDs.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the BEST language books ever..., October 17, 2010

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Basic Italian (with Audio Tape) (Hardcover)

This book is very good because it gradually draws one into the language and culture by first fully explaining and reviewing the phonics and phonetic awareness of the Italian alphabet/language. Then by opening each chapter with realistic dialogue, breaking down the grammar, requiring the study of that grammar and exercises to reinforce the concepts; and completing each chapter with the treat of learning real idiomatic expressions that, if learned and used, really give one a sense of the culture and the people. Interestingly, some of the basic instructions at the beginning of the book are in Italian with English translations, however, eventually the books does away with the translations and before you know it you are understanding what is meant to be done anyway with no English translation. Note: It would help to have a native speaker/teacher/tutor review your work to catch any errors or for assistance in proper pronunciation. Even a great book can only do so much.