Ultimate Italian: Basic-Intermediate (Manual and CD) (Audio CD)

by Salvatore Bancheri (Author), Michael Lettieri (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"The dialogues are wonderful and among the best I've seen in a language course."      
ALEXANDRA LEAF, New York University

"I would not hesitate to use it as a primary text in any elementary or intermediate college-level class."
PROFESSOR VINCENZO GATTO, Ithaca College, Ithaca, N.Y.

"The materials are of a high quality and are fun for the learner."
CYNTHIA RAMSEY, Ph.D., Basic Language Program, University of Southern California

"A really great package for those who don't have the money to spend two years in a foreign country!"
JUERGEN KEMPFF, Ph.D., Curriculum Director, University of California, Irvine -- Review

Review
"The dialogues are wonderful and among the best I've seen in a language course."      
ALEXANDRA LEAF, New York University

"I would not hesitate to use it as a primary text in any elementary or intermediate college-level class."
PROFESSOR VINCENZO GATTO, Ithaca College, Ithaca, N.Y.

"The materials are of a high quality and are fun for the learner."
CYNTHIA RAMSEY, Ph.D., Basic Language Program, University of Southern California

"A really great package for those who don't have the money to spend two years in a foreign country!"
JUERGEN KEMPFF, Ph.D., Curriculum Director, University of California, Irvine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Living Language; Pap/Com edition (November 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609607359
• ISBN-13: 978-0609607350
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.6 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #789,596 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is how I learned Italian, April 21, 2001

By	Timothy D. Bina "TB" (Plymouth, MN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Ultimate Italian: Basic-Intermediate Cassette Program (LL(R) Ultimate Basic-Intermed) (Audio Cassette)

I have spent an enormous amount of money on materials and lessons in order to learn to speak Italian. Most of the money I spent, unfortunately, was wasted. If I had it to do over, I would simply invest in Ultimate Italian for understanding the mechanics of the language and the Pimsleur program for gaining the verbal skills. Ultimate Italian is systematic in it's approach, which helped me to move steadily through the chapters. I've been through this book three times now. A tremendous value.

76 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Italian language course, February 17, 1999

By	L. Kornblum (Tempe, Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Ultimate Italian: Basic - Intermediate: Cassette/Book Package (Living Language Ultimate Basic-Intermediate Series (Manual & Cassettes)) (Audio Cassette)

As a language major I have taken many university classes and used numerous audio-visual home-study courses over the past 36 years, and I feel that this is quite simply the very best language set available. After going through the book and home-use set of 4 tapes once, I listened several more times to the set of review tapes for use "on-the-go". I had no problems traveling alone throughout Italy, and even received compliments on my Italian. The lessons cover nearly all the verb tenses, grammar, and syntax of the Italian language and provide a good vocabulary to start speaking, reading, and traveling. If you're serious about learning Italian, you'll find this set to be a real bargain.

74 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for Beginners, June 2, 2003

By A Customer

I have wasted so much time (and money) trying to locate a good program for learning Italian. The Ultimate Italian: Basic Intermediate is worth every penny.

Pros:

1) The first 4 CD's leave no guesswork as to what is being spoken because the manual has all the dialogue for you to follow along (not so common with book/CD combinations).

2) You can start using the CD's on day one. You don't have to read several "primer" pages before jumping in.

3) The lessons are actually IN ORDER. This may sound strange, but many books jump around in a sequence that confuses the reader. Such as; from verbs to indirect objects THEN to introductions and vocabulary.

4) The CD's are NOT boring...a big plus because you'll find yourself using them OFTEN, especially the last 4 CD's which are designed for "on the go" listening, in the car or wherever.

5) After completing the program (if you apply yourself), you will no doubt be able to carry on a useful conversation and write with grammatical accuracy.

6) The program states that it is "equivalent" to 2 years of Italian college study. This is true.

7) 8 full hours of audio...excellent.

Cons:

1) Not enough vocabulary. However, this is true for every Italian program I've bought. Make sure you have a good, up to date English/Italian dictionary if you buy this program.

2) Lack of computer CD. This would have been an excellent plus to augment vocabulary.