Fodor's Italian for Travelers (CD Package), 2nd Edition (Fodor's Languages for Travelers) [Audiobook, Large Print, Unabridged] [Paperback]

Fodor's (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Living Language; Unabridged edition (January 11, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400014913
• ISBN-13: 978-1400014910
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.3 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #734,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Even Better in CD, July 28, 2005

By 

James Ellsworth (Caldwell, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fodor's Italian for Travelers (CD Package), 2nd Edition (Fodor's Languages for Travelers) (Paperback)

Independent travelers who use this product should feel reassured that they can ask for what they need; express proper appreciation for assistance; make better informed menu choices and can even hold a friendly conversation with host country residents. Hearing native speakers repeat sounds, words and dialogs in proper cadence and accent is the key element to making the included phrasebook/dictionary usable in the real world. Although I am not an adept linguist, I have found Fodor's and Living Language products to be equally usable and equally comprehensive in meeting these needs on a basic level.

I migrated to Fodor's 2-CD Italian package from the older cassette format for ease and speed in finding and replaying spoken phrases and have been well-pleased with the results. Starting with drills for basic sounds and the alphabet, chapters build skills in vocabulary and forming sentences. Again, user repetition of the spoken models is the key to recognizing what is being said to or asked of you in a variety of standard situations and to building user comfort with reproducing the language. As with previous editions, the set includes a paperback version containing written transcriptions of the recorded passages plus a basic dictionary with phonetic transcriptions showing emphasised syllables. Users can follow along and see what they are learning to say. On tour, the 4x7-inch paperback is tote-able and, as necessary, words can be pointed out to locals. Back at the hotel, I use the paperback to plan conversations dealing with specific situations (illnesses, injuries, medicines, first aid supplies and toiletries)and try to locate some words that might be in the answers I might hear. The food vocabulary is very helpful in reading menus but works best if each traveller has some advance ideas of the names of main ingredients in the dishes and courses that might appeal. The text also contains useful background information on the country and how they handle a variety of issues of daily life. This edition omits the "vest pocket" abbridged booklet that used to come with previous sets. Having the more extensive dictionary along probably justifies this change.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Molto Buono, February 27, 2006

By 

Robert L. Papa - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fodor's Italian for Travelers (CD Package), 2nd Edition (Fodor's Languages for Travelers) (Paperback)

Italian for Travelers was perfect for my trip to Italy during the Olympics. The book is well organized and is instantly useful! It has inspired me to learn more about the Italian language.

19 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Italian language teacher says..., December 28, 2005

By 

Nada Vergili, Italy Guide & Language Teacher ... (Charlotte, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fodor's Italian for Travelers (CD Package), 2nd Edition (Fodor's Languages for Travelers) (Paperback)

It's hard to find that "perfect" Italian book or audio CD to recommend to students, because I often run into these two situations: 1) the book is too in-depth and too focused on grammar; 2) the book is too superficial and more of a phrase-book for travelers, therefore not sufficient. SO, what I usually do is use a combination of books, including audio CDs, this being one of them. It has some useful information on the culture, as well as practical expressions for the brave traveler. However, my recommendation is to take a basic course before traveling to Italy, because even knowing a few simple sentences can get you a long way. Also, in a group setting you'll be able to ask specific questions and to practice with others. I'm sure that if you check with your local community college, there are some short continuing education courses for foreign languages. Non dimenticare! Don't forget: the trick in learning a language is repetition, so any audio CD that gets you to repeat the words over and over again, is great practice. The more you repeat, the more you'll remember! It's like learning a song: you can't sing a song you've heard only 1 time, but if you hear it over and over, you'll be able to sing all the lyrics!! So, keep up the good work! [..]