L'alfabeto

Alphabet
WATCH THE VIDEO TWICE AND FOCUS ON THE SOUNDS OF ITALIAN
The Italian alphabet has 21 letters:
Have you noticed? The alphabet lacks J, K, W, X and Y!

They are however present in a few loanwords and have their own pronunciation:
CONVERSAZIONE | CONVERSATION

First, listen to the audio. Then, read the transcript aloud.
✨ LEARNING TIP: SHADOWING

Shadowing is the practice of repeating Italian word-for-word, even if you don't yet understand the meaning. It’s about training your ears before your brain.

  • The Method: Listen to the audio clip once, then "shadow" it.
  • The Focus: Don't worry about the "what" — focus entirely on the "how": mimic the pacing, intonation, and musicality as accurately as possible.
  • The Benefit: It helps you decode the "wall of sound," allowing you to distinguish individual words from long phrases while internalizing the natural rhythm and patterns of the language.

Think of it as "musical mimicry." By focusing on the sound first, you build a mental map of Italian that makes grammar and vocabulary much easier to absorb later.

Apply this strategy to every new word, audio, text, or conversation in this course. Consistency here is what transforms passive listening into active speaking ability.
ESERCIZI