The big question......

.....for a lot of people learning a language, is which is the best way to learn.  There are so many factors that can influence that decision:

• Access to a University?
• Would studying via correspondence be an option?
• Are there funds available?

Or maybe an online course is the way to go?  Then which one is the best?  I had no idea there was such an array of options.  People seem to either love or hate Rosetta, the reviews on her are pretty broad and eye opening.  Some people seem quite angry!?  A part of me thinks It's expensive, its sure to be good right?  

Or there are others that I've never heard of that aren't as expensive, can they still be good?   In the midst of sitting on the fence deciding which one to purchase, I discovered such a wonderful and FREE resource that has had me at the computer for hours on end.  It has even distracted me from planning for a wedding that is suddenly 4 weeks away!  Mind you, it's easy to distract me from wedding planning, the thought of scrolling Pinterest for inspiration doesn't exactly excite me!

Let me share with you this little find:

http://italian.speak7.com/lesson1.htm

Here is an example of an exercise that teaches the past tense in Italian. It explains everything in such a uniformed and orderly way which means for a brain type like mine (slight OCD) it has been wonderful!

It explains everything SO easily and the amount of "ah ha" moments has been ridiculous.  Aspects of the language that never seemed to make sense now do, and I feel I am speaking with so much more confidence!  Considering I've only got 5 months left until our little bambino joins us, this has been a much welcome relief!

Something that I can't stress enough is to try not and rely on just one method of learning!  Identity which method you find best for you and try and use them all.

For me:

• I know that reading of a computer screen is not enough, I need to make notes on the side, highlighting important points to remember.  Try and designate a note book just for italian.  That way you can always reference it.
• I decided to made mini posters of each "tense" and then stuck them on the wall for easy reference.
• I recorded myself explaining the rules of each tense, the irregular verbs, the verbs that take 'essere' and the verbs that take 'avere' to form the past tense.  I listen to this in the car or whilst going to sleep.  

I colour coded each tense, orange paper for the present tense, yellow for past tense etc.  For me this has been great when i'm mid sentence and trying to recall what rule applies....Talk about awkward pauses!

Lastly, there is good news!  I think I have decided on which program to purchase to help get me over the line in time for the delivery of this bubba.  Another post and reviews to come!  Completely un sponsored too!

Buona Pasqua!!

I had to share a photo of this gorgeous baby La Coccinella Italian Preschool shared to brighten everyones Easter.  What a cutie :-)

Ciao, Jen xo

The reality of my bilingual journey.... at least for now!

An increasing amount of Italian has been building in our house over the past several months.  Not only the language,  but talk of ways in which we ALL can learn and converse in the language together.

It's been loads of fun sharing what I've learnt during the day with Rob when he comes home.  Some days he is more enthusiastic than others (thanks to a very demanding job), however every now and then he will completely surprise me and instruct me to "spegnere la luce per favore" (turn off the light please).   I think he is quickly learning that if he asks me to do something in Italian he will often get a response IMMEDIATELY and with a lot more enthusiasm and humour!  Maybe it's my initial shock that gets me bounding out of bed to 'spegnere la luce'.... I'm doing it before I have even realised!

Win win i think :-)

Every second week we get the pleasure of having Robs 3 kids come and stay for 4 nights.  The eldest girl at 7 and a half, knows a handful of words in Italian thanks to her beautiful Nonna and Nonno.  However none of them were brought up with the exposure to be able to speak anything more than random words.  No judgement there,  its a huge commitment and takes an extremely conscious decision and then ongoing dedication of the chosen primary carer.   At least 30% exposure out of each day needs to be achieved to ensure there are results.  Support from the partner is also crucial, however when a big chunk of their day is at work, support is all it can be.  Bilingualism isn't for everyone and that is ok too!

The only issue I have seen arise is the good ol' green eyed monster. Jealousy.  Hits us all at the best of times.

Miss 7 seems to have a genuine interest in the culture and has been the only one to have shown interest in any Italian I've been speaking in the home.  I think the fact she just adores her Nonna and Nonno helps!  Now theres only so much you can do over 4 nights (combined with school, homework and dinner etc) however I really wanted to help her feel included in this so she didn't feel left out or that this new baby is going to be getting something she didn't.  Its actually kind of become our little thing (which as a step mum is not something you take for granted) and we have lots of fun together.

Im sure a lot of mums out there have found that teaching a second or third language with their kids has actually be a good bonding experience, and I can totally agree.

She lets me sit up on her bed (the top bunk) and we go through her '7 Italian words of the week'.  Why 7 you ask?  For no other reason than the fact that she is 7 and it sounded good at the time.

We've just started a new week, however we normally leave all the words up until the end of settimana 5!

The words can be removed from the chart so we can pull them all off and play different games with them to get her little brain going.  Sometimes I will;

• Lay all the cards down on her doona and ask her to point to different words e.g which words means 'the flower' - 'Il fiore', or 'the banana' - 'La banana' or;
• I'll hold the cards myself and ask her the Italian translation of each word, or;
• I'll say one of her 7 words in Italian and ask her what it means in English.  I find this one is a good one to kick start the learning.  She can be a bit rusty after such a long period of being away from it, like any of us!!

Like anything, I think the longer we do this and the more Italian she hears in the home, the more she will pick up.  When the baby arrives she will be hearing a lot more, which I think will only motivate her, as long as its done with compassion and the right approach! Fine line. Wish me luck ;-)

We are also planning a trip to Italy in August 2015 which I have know doubt will inspire her, if not all of the kiddies.  

Unfortunately there's only so much we can do given the scenario, but if it is something she wants to pick up herself when she is older, I have no doubt she will. Learning to read and write in English seems to be enough at this age.... which only cements my belief to start young!!  Bring on September baby.

Would love to hear from anyone out there who happens to be reading this blog (this blog is very new so it may just be my mum reading at the moment) haha but to share your experiences with me!

Ciao for now!
Jen xx

New research giving more reason to start the bilingual journey early!

I think we all know that babies brains are like little sponges when it comes to learning, but this article just takes that concept to another level.  Such an interesting read, especially for parents teaching a second language to their children.  Rob and I always new we wanted to start introducing Italian from birth, and its articles like this that confirm why!

Tutti voi avete un grande fine settimana!

Ciao xx

So the journey begins

Hi there!

Im assuming if you've stumbled across my cosy little blog, it is because you are also looking at, or...... are already venturing down the path to bilingualism.  Welcome!!

I feel so fortunate to be able to pass the gift of language onto a child of mine (due to enter this crazy world in September - Read more about that here. ) and I'm so excited to share our adventures of this journey with you all!

I have always loved other languages and it was one of those skills I always wished I had.  I was envious of anyone who spoke a language other than English - even if it was their native language!  They were still just as amazing in my eyes.

I studied French for 6 years and was lucky enough to go to France when I was 16.  I stayed with a gorgeous and very patient non English speaking host family for 4 weeks.  I think I learnt more in those 4 weeks than I did in a year.  It certainly showed me that when you are fully emerged in a language and HAVE to speak it,  you really do absorb so much.

I had a brief stint in Dubai where I worked for Emirates Airlines.  I think for me one of the highlights was being exposed to such a huge array of languages.  Every day.
After a 6 day trip I would find myself swaying deliriously in the lift up to my apartment on the 11th floor.  However, I would enter such a blissful state listening to the Spanish, the Italian, the French and the Portuguese....just to name a few.  It meant I was basically already asleep as I stumbled into bed, where I wouldn't move for 2 days.

So when I met Rob, and learned of his Italian heritage I knew he was a winner.  Both his parents speak Italian and I feel so privileged to be able to expose my family to such a vibrant culture and beautiful language.

First challenge: Neither Rob or myself speak the language fluently.

What a great challenge that is, easy fix hey?  Lets just say I am working on it. Thats another post though, its time to go and have a nap!  The joys of pregnancy ;-)

Ciao xxx