I loved reading the way you embraced this journey, I’m an Aussie, currently living in the US but moving to Europe later this year, likely the south of France. Wherever I land, learning the language will be a goal… one that I’m feeling super anxious about! Reading your journey gave me a sense of hope. How long had you lived in Italy before you started your language learning?
South of France is a great choice! I studied abroad in Aix en Provence. It’s so beautiful. 🤩 I started studying Italian as soon as we found out we were moving.
It’s so beautiful. The whole city is like a movie or a painting. It’s been (gasp) 15 years since I studied abroad! I don’t have any tips other than to explore the surrounding areas. The natural beauty of the Calanques, red rocks of Rousilllon, river in Les Gorges du Verdun, it’s all so picturesque. I used to run on this trail where Cezanne painted the mountains. There were often painters up on the trail. I have only the best memories of living in Aix ❤️
It is so easy for someone on the outside to think language just comes easily for someone like you. Someone who has now learned two languages as an adult! I admit I have thought that without realizing all the effort you put in. It reminds me of your flute practicing in the morning before school. Always a dedicated learner.
Can relate. I moved to Puglia 2 years ago and I thought I would be fluent by now! In my town no one speaks English so i am forced to speak another way, which is good I guess. My husband though, learnt conversational Italian in 3 months. I honestly think it comes down to confidence, he has so much of it! Doesn’t care if he makes a mistake, just laughs. Complete opposite of me 😆
Oh my gosh! I love Puglia. We were just near Vieste at a campsite for the weekend it was heaven. Love Ostuni too. Great food and access to natural beauty. Can’t wait to go to the beach there this summer. 🥰
Anyway yes it’s when I get intimidated to speak that my Italian suffers!
It’s so beautiful isn’t it! We live in a very small town 10 minutes from Ostuni. Every day I discover a new town or restaurant or beautiful Italian thing 🥰
I'm also learning Italian on duolingo, and got a lot from this piece. I'm curious about your intensive language school experience - would you be open to sharing your feedback on the school? My partner is Italian and while I've been making good progress with duolingo and practicing with her, I've often thought of enrolling in a short term course to boost my language skills.
If you're ever in Rome, feel free to hit me up for some recs too! :)
Hey Clare! Yes, I have been to two different intensive schools here in Napoli and have lots of feedback to share. You can email me Brenna at Brennamulvaney.com
I come to Rome every so often! Do you have any tips for writing courses in English? Or groups? Thanks! 🙏🏻
I started using Duo Lingo during the pandemic lockdown and quickly learned that if I had the paid version that I wouldn't get cut off until the next day because I had committed the 5 allowable errors. Duo Lingo is a good language learning resource for a number of reasons. It provides repeated spaced practice. It uses both auditory and visual modalities and if you write down what you can't seem to hold in your short term memory, then you add in the kinesthetic modality. Talk out load during the lessons you add another modality. For sure, the repetition of insanely stupid phrases is annoying but I've found that as a visual learner, that after a year of using Duo Lingo that I am recognizing more words and my auditory comprehension has improved.
Congratulations on your move to Italy. I'm totally in agreement for your reasons why. I would love to see your new place. Do people ever connect with one-another from this app?
Yes, I have the paid version, and I have my parents and in-laws on it as well! Did you see they just updated the app with lots of new activities? I'm loving the update for a switchup. I am currently on a 29 day streak!
Yes, I would love to connect! I have only been to Florence once for a day trip and hit the highlights. I'm hoping to go back soon to get a locals perspective (coffee shops, art events, etc.) I am not sure how to connect privately here, do you want to email me? brenna(at)brennamulvaney.com :)
The emotional blackmail from the Duo Lingo owl is real! I'm learning Spanish and have been feeling frustrated lately at slow/backwards progress since returning from my travels in Latin America last year. Like you, I'm trying to refocus on why I do it (for fun!) and how far I've come since my very first beginner classes.
Yes Kativa you know the feeling! Are there any particular shows you can watch in Spanish to help you feel more connected? I loved Casa Papel, although I watched in Spanish with Spanish subtitles and didn’t get far ❤️
I’ve been watching Street Food: Latin America which is great for my level as it’s all interviews - one person talking to camera at a time. Great for armchair travelling too 🙌
Oh wow can I relate to this! I moved to Milan 14 months ago, but for my first year I was in an English-language master's program, so learning Italian was put on hold until I finished grad school. But tomorrow is my last day of six straight weeks of intensive Italian language school, and (insert crazy wide-eyed emoji here). It is A LOT. I went into this viewing it as a sprint, but as reality set in, I came to grips with the fact that—at least for me—learning Italian will be a marathon, not a sprint. But that's okay! I completed three marathons some years back, and when people would ask me how I could have possibly done such a thing, I would say in all seriousness: "One step at a time." Piano, piano.
Yes yes yes. It’s a long game. I think it’s about having the mindset that everyone who speaks fluently now was once a beginner. And to enjoy the process of learning! Congrats on finishing six week intensive! That’s awesome! 👏🏻
I loved reading the way you embraced this journey, I’m an Aussie, currently living in the US but moving to Europe later this year, likely the south of France. Wherever I land, learning the language will be a goal… one that I’m feeling super anxious about! Reading your journey gave me a sense of hope. How long had you lived in Italy before you started your language learning?
So about 4 months before I arrived. I wish I studied a bit more intensely! But I feel comfortable now 🤗
South of France is a great choice! I studied abroad in Aix en Provence. It’s so beautiful. 🤩 I started studying Italian as soon as we found out we were moving.
Aix is exactly where I am considering! Love to hear any advice you have about it. Will be visiting next month.
It’s so beautiful. The whole city is like a movie or a painting. It’s been (gasp) 15 years since I studied abroad! I don’t have any tips other than to explore the surrounding areas. The natural beauty of the Calanques, red rocks of Rousilllon, river in Les Gorges du Verdun, it’s all so picturesque. I used to run on this trail where Cezanne painted the mountains. There were often painters up on the trail. I have only the best memories of living in Aix ❤️
It is so easy for someone on the outside to think language just comes easily for someone like you. Someone who has now learned two languages as an adult! I admit I have thought that without realizing all the effort you put in. It reminds me of your flute practicing in the morning before school. Always a dedicated learner.
Aww 🥰 my flute ! Why did I ever stop playing 🥹 thanks for sharing that
Can relate. I moved to Puglia 2 years ago and I thought I would be fluent by now! In my town no one speaks English so i am forced to speak another way, which is good I guess. My husband though, learnt conversational Italian in 3 months. I honestly think it comes down to confidence, he has so much of it! Doesn’t care if he makes a mistake, just laughs. Complete opposite of me 😆
Oh my gosh! I love Puglia. We were just near Vieste at a campsite for the weekend it was heaven. Love Ostuni too. Great food and access to natural beauty. Can’t wait to go to the beach there this summer. 🥰
Anyway yes it’s when I get intimidated to speak that my Italian suffers!
It’s so beautiful isn’t it! We live in a very small town 10 minutes from Ostuni. Every day I discover a new town or restaurant or beautiful Italian thing 🥰
I'm also learning Italian on duolingo, and got a lot from this piece. I'm curious about your intensive language school experience - would you be open to sharing your feedback on the school? My partner is Italian and while I've been making good progress with duolingo and practicing with her, I've often thought of enrolling in a short term course to boost my language skills.
If you're ever in Rome, feel free to hit me up for some recs too! :)
Hey Clare! Yes, I have been to two different intensive schools here in Napoli and have lots of feedback to share. You can email me Brenna at Brennamulvaney.com
I come to Rome every so often! Do you have any tips for writing courses in English? Or groups? Thanks! 🙏🏻
I started using Duo Lingo during the pandemic lockdown and quickly learned that if I had the paid version that I wouldn't get cut off until the next day because I had committed the 5 allowable errors. Duo Lingo is a good language learning resource for a number of reasons. It provides repeated spaced practice. It uses both auditory and visual modalities and if you write down what you can't seem to hold in your short term memory, then you add in the kinesthetic modality. Talk out load during the lessons you add another modality. For sure, the repetition of insanely stupid phrases is annoying but I've found that as a visual learner, that after a year of using Duo Lingo that I am recognizing more words and my auditory comprehension has improved.
Congratulations on your move to Italy. I'm totally in agreement for your reasons why. I would love to see your new place. Do people ever connect with one-another from this app?
Yes, I have the paid version, and I have my parents and in-laws on it as well! Did you see they just updated the app with lots of new activities? I'm loving the update for a switchup. I am currently on a 29 day streak!
Yes, I would love to connect! I have only been to Florence once for a day trip and hit the highlights. I'm hoping to go back soon to get a locals perspective (coffee shops, art events, etc.) I am not sure how to connect privately here, do you want to email me? brenna(at)brennamulvaney.com :)
The emotional blackmail from the Duo Lingo owl is real! I'm learning Spanish and have been feeling frustrated lately at slow/backwards progress since returning from my travels in Latin America last year. Like you, I'm trying to refocus on why I do it (for fun!) and how far I've come since my very first beginner classes.
Yes Kativa you know the feeling! Are there any particular shows you can watch in Spanish to help you feel more connected? I loved Casa Papel, although I watched in Spanish with Spanish subtitles and didn’t get far ❤️
I’ve been watching Street Food: Latin America which is great for my level as it’s all interviews - one person talking to camera at a time. Great for armchair travelling too 🙌
Haha learned to ignore the don’t break a streak stuff on Duo Lingo —it really can be annoying. This is encouraging as I’m starting from zero too!
I have now turned off notifications 😂 learning a language is so fun. You learn so much about a culture through the beauty of language 🤩
Oh wow can I relate to this! I moved to Milan 14 months ago, but for my first year I was in an English-language master's program, so learning Italian was put on hold until I finished grad school. But tomorrow is my last day of six straight weeks of intensive Italian language school, and (insert crazy wide-eyed emoji here). It is A LOT. I went into this viewing it as a sprint, but as reality set in, I came to grips with the fact that—at least for me—learning Italian will be a marathon, not a sprint. But that's okay! I completed three marathons some years back, and when people would ask me how I could have possibly done such a thing, I would say in all seriousness: "One step at a time." Piano, piano.
Yes yes yes. It’s a long game. I think it’s about having the mindset that everyone who speaks fluently now was once a beginner. And to enjoy the process of learning! Congrats on finishing six week intensive! That’s awesome! 👏🏻
What a phenomenal language-learning journey! :D
Thanks for sharing your Italian-learning journey, Brenna! It is moving and evocative, as always. Similar to my French-learning journey: https://shreya21094.substack.com/p/tracing-memories-reigniting-dreams :) Keep writing; I admire and appreciate your way with words!