Italian Steps will introduce you to simple spoken Italian language. The language you'll learn will help you to find your way, order meals, introduce yourself, etc and to understand predictable things that people will say to you.
We'd recommend that you follow the Steps in sequence, though you can just dip into the individual ones. The course has been devised to be used in short sessions that you can fit around your own schedule, whenever and for however long it suits you. Frequent, short visits will also help you fix the language in your memory.
You can see the whole syllabus here. It matches the Common European Framework Level One, which is recognized across Europe as a benchmark for simple conversational language.
If you'd like to carry on with Italian after Italian Steps or find language classes that will complement it, we have suggestions on our Next Steps page.
What do you need?
1. A computer connected to the Internet
2. Capability to play sound, eg you should be able to listen to music or other audio on your computer.
3. A piece of software, Flash, to be able to hear the sound. If it's not already on your computer, it can be installed easily and free by using the BBC Webwise guide. You can still use the course without Flash.
4. Javascript enabled on your browser. This is a computer language that's usually turned on by default. If you've turned it off, you can still use the course but you'll see some error messages on your screen.
Delays on the internet
At certain times of day, the Internet is prone to delays (like traffic jams). You might then have to wait for some of the features to arrive, particularly the slideshows. If this is taking too long you can always use the alternative versions, which are indicated on the relevant pages
The features
When you click on one of the Steps, you'll see the following screen:
1. Along the top of each page, you'll see a link back to the main menu page, the title of the Step, as well as a link to the key words and phrases for that Step. This is a pop-up, which means you can call it up at any point in the Step without leaving the main content. Any extra words that aren't found here will be in the vocabulary list.
2. Then, you'll see the introduction to the slideshow. Just follow the instructions by clicking on 'start'.
3. At the bottom of each page you'll always see the same four links: Guess the words, Build sentences, Speak and write, Read the fact file. These features are explained below.
We recommend you follow the course in the sequence indicated. But you might find that a different order may suit you better. The course has been devised with this flexibility in mind.
Slideshows
These introduce spoken Italian. They feature UK-based Italian teacher Giovanna Vaccaro on a return trip to her home region in northern Italy.
We'd recommend starting with the sound and pictures only. Then click on the boxes which give you the chance to see the text in English and/or Italian, and replay the slide.
At the end of the slideshow there's a re-cap of the whole story. You can play the sound all the way through or in sections.
People with Mac computers will be able to see a slightly different version of the slideshow.
Guess the words
This will help you learn the 10 words and phrases that are essential to each step. Do try saying each word out loud and check what you've said against the pronunciation of the native speakers. The ten words are included in the key words file for each step and also in an alphabetical vocabulary list containing the words for the whole course.
Build sentences
This is a 'hands-on' guide to Italian grammar, showing how to make the most of the words you've learnt.
You then have the option to practice building sentences yourself, with plenty of opportunities to re-try until you get it right.
There's a 'more about' note in each Step which goes into the structures and patterns of Italian in more detail.
Speak and Write
This is where you put into practice what you've learnt. In the speaking section, you'll hear one side of a conversation. Then it's over to you. We recommend you say your words out loud. Take as much time as you need, use the keywords, review the other sections. Try it as often as you like.
The writing section will help you reinforce what you've learnt and fix it in your memory. Depending on your own preference, you can do the speaking section before the writing one or the other way round.
Fact file
Facts and tips about contemporary Italian. There's an index of them all on the left side of the page.
The challenges
These are the landings after each set of four Steps. They're revision activities and should give you an indication of how much progress you've made. There are 20 questions which also act as a fast track through the course.
Learning log
These pages allow you to keep a record of the Italian Steps units as you work through them. Print them out, then once you've completed a unit jot down your comments and any words you find useful or difficult.
We hope you'll enjoy Italian Steps. Please let us know your thoughts and comments.
Finished the course, or thinking about joining a class?
Check our suggestions about the next steps you can take.
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