A textbook definitely geared towards those already advanced in their Italian studies. While it offers a plenitude of grammar exercises and explanations, its real value lies in the various readings taken from Italian books, speeches, interviews etc.
Viaggio nell'italiano is a textbook definitely geared towards those already advanced in their Italian studies. While it offers a plenitude of grammar exercises and explanations, its real value lies in the various readings taken from Italian books, speeches, interviews etc. which would be difficult for anyone who hasn’t already thoroughly studied Italian grammar. There are four units in total and each unit is incredibly detailed and covers more than one topic. The primary topics of each unit are: remembering and analyzing childhood, the traditional Italian family versus the 'new' Italian family of the 21st century, how Italians spend their free time, and the Italian educational system.
"While it offers a plenitude of grammar exercises and explanations, its real value lies in the various readings taken from Italian books, speeches, interviews etc. which would be difficult for anyone who hasn’t already thoroughly studied Italian grammar."
Each unit begins with “entrare nel tema” – discussion questions and brainstorming exercises related to the themes of the unit. These questions are usually pretty engaging and, if the book is used in a classroom, the questions are likely to help build student relationships. The first unit, for instance, begins with the question “Infancy, adolescence, or adulthood: which age is the most beautiful in the life of a person?” Further down in the chapter, a speaking activity asks the readers to debate whether or not children should be used in the media, and what potential harm could come to child stars. So, the book definitely provides an intellectual edge for those who want a little more existentialism out of their language textbook!
The unit is then divided into reading, listening, speaking and grammar sections. The reading and listening sections are paired with comprehension questions, and throughout the chapters ‘Reimpiego’ or ‘reuse’ sections test in further detail any grammar or vocabulary used in the readings or listening activities. In this way the book does a great job of reinforcing material, and pointing out anything special from the readings or listening activities, such as idioms.
The end of each unit has a good deal of extra exercises, many of them inspired, such as practicing verb tenses by conjugating verbs in a paragraph taken from the story of Pinocchio. The end section also contains graphs and charts for whatever grammar concepts were taught in the unit. The charts are very straightforward, easy to comprehend, and always provide examples.
Lastly, the end section provides a short test – primarily composed of fill-in-the blank grammar questions - which would be great for both classrooms and self-study students and, again, would reinforce material. A CD is provided with the textbook and the readings can certainly be done independently; the only fault a self-study student may find is figuring out how to incorporate the various speaking activities or activities meant to be done with partners. However, there are enough independent activities that it wouldn’t be a real detraction, and an especially motivated self-study student could certainly incorporate the group work (by writing out answers to questions, writing essays for debate sections, etc.).
It is an interesting and well-formatted textbook and a great way to learn language as well as gain some insight into Italian culture. The only drawback may be the overwhelming amount of information and exercises in each unit - it would take a long time to get entirely through one unit, but it could be a great resource to aid other classroom activities
