Customer Reviews

Conversational Italian: In 20 Lessons (Cortina Method)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These Cortina books have probably the best phoenetic spellings of any text I have come across--far more accurate than Berlitz and others. If you do not have access to language cassettes to help you with pronunciation, this Cortina series is the next best thing.

Unfortunately, the grammar and vocabulary are EXTREMELY outdated--particulary for the Italian course. Not only are the vocabulary and some of the spellings antiquated, but the verb forms are all presented in old literary Italian. NOBODY SPEAKS THIS WAY. Not only will your speech be outdated and clumsy, but you will not understand what Italians are saying to you, because so many of the words are no longer used at all.

I have checked my opinions with native Italians--as well as professional translators--and all have told me that the Cortina books' vocabulary is old-fashioned even for the 1950's and 60's (which is when all of these editions were originally published. Check the copyright date.) Unfortunately, the other Cortina courses seem to be equally outdated (see Spanish in 20 Lessons customer review by P. Santiago, September 27, 2001).

They are useful as review, because a veteran student will be able to recognise the outdated material, but I do not recommend these for the absolute beginner. For the novice, supplementary books are essential.

I fear that the people writing rave reviews about these books have not yet actually field tested what they have learned. I felt the same, until I actually came into contact with the modern spoken word. These reviewers may find that they are not as well-prepared as they think.

I am making the transition from Spanish to Italian and this book has been an indispensible resource. It includes conversational Italian, vocabulary, grammar, verb conjugations, etc. I haven't found a more complete tool yet!

I enjoy using this book because it is easy to understand and I am able to make up sentences and phrases of my own that I will use.The pronunciation of the words is clearly understandable... I have ordered a another copy for my sister...

I have taken some Italian in the past and wanted to brush up for a trip. Overall I am happy with this book and the way it is set up. My only complaints are that it is a little formal for current day conversation.