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Tuesday, January 21st
Fluenz is a language learning platform created by Sonia Gil, an entrepreneur from Venezuela. She used her diverse experiences, from working in an Internet startup to studying plant genetics, to design a unique way of teaching languages. Unlike a certain other program that claims to immerse you in a new language (by throwing vocabulary at you with no translations), Fluenz helps you to use your English skills to understand and learn new languages more effectively. It does this through practical vocabulary lessons, interactive activities, and detailed tutorials.
Designed for English speakers
Fluenz Italian offers you a unique experience with hundreds of videos that explain how Italian works in detail. Your guide, Sophie Pera, a fashion editor from Milan, will help you understand Italian in ways that other programs can't. Many online Italian courses are made for speakers of all languages, but Fluenz knows that people who speak different languages learn differently. So, they've made their program especially for English speakers, with explanations that will make more sense to you. For example, if you're learning Italian, you'll start by connecting Italian grammar and sentence structure to what you know in English. This way, you're not just memorizing words, you're truly understanding the language.
Learn what you'll use
With one-on-one video tutoring and lots of practice exercises, you get to hear and compare your own pronunciation with that of a native speaker. The program focuses on useful vocabulary first, so you'll be ordering coffee in no time. Instead of drowning you in a new language without any lifelines, Fluenz leverages what you already know in English to help you understand the new language.
No way to try before you buy
The design of Fluenz's interface might be a bit outdated, like something from the early 2010s. There's no trial lesson, so you'll have to make your decision based on screenshots. These screenshots show lesson elements displayed over beautiful images of Italy. There's also a quick, 20-second video that shows you the different parts of the lessons, but it doesn't have any sound.
5 levels of lessons
Fluenz offers five levels of Italian learning. In Level 1, you'll learn the basics, such as introducing yourself, making travel arrangements, and simple Italian grammar. Level 2 strengthens your basic skills and helps you engage more, like making plans with friends, renting a car, and working with past tense verbs. Level 3 deepens your connection with the language: you'll be able to talk about family, hobbies, and express your goals. Level 4 opens new opportunities for travel and business, because you'll be able to tell childhood stories, handle money-related issues, and talk about Italian culture. Finally, in Level 5, you'll be ready to fully join the Italian community, engaging in advanced conversations about food and arts, dealing with legal issues, and telling stories in different past tenses.
All levels for $398
If you're thinking about learning Italian with Fluenz, they offer several pricing options. You can purchase their complete program, which covers levels 1 to 5, for a discounted price of $398. If you're just starting, you might want to consider the first three levels for $308. For those already familiar with Italian, levels 3 to 5 are available for $320. Individual levels are also available, with levels 1 and 2 each costing $187. If you want to combine levels, Fluenz offers a bundle of levels 1 and 2 for $258, and another bundle of levels 4 and 5 for the same price. If you're unhappy with your purchase, you can get a refund as long as it's within 30 days.
They don't share enough info
Because Fluenz doesn't offer any trial lessons, we can't really say much more about it. Users are generally happy with Fluenz, and their Spanish immersion retreats have some high-profile, trustworthy client testimonials (including Adriene from Yoga with Adriene on YouTube). However, that doesn't tell us much about the Italian course. We like how extensive the course is (5 levels covering basic to complex topics), but we can't give you any information on the pacing of the video lessons, whether the exercises are fun, and if the software is easy to navigate.
Learning any new language opens up a world of opportunities, and Italian, with its rich history, captivating culture, and melodious rhythm, is no exception. Learning Italian online has become an increasingly popular choice for people around the globe, thanks to the convenience, flexibility, and variety of resources available at their fingertips.
It's no wonder that learning Italian online has surged in popularity. You've got plenty of options to fit just how you like to learn. If you prefer to learn by listening and getting the hang of how Italian sounds, there are programs made just for that. They help you get used to the language's rhythm and pronunciation. And if you love games, there are fun platforms where you can learn new words and grammar through play, earning points and badges along the way.
If you're someone who likes a clear and structured plan, there are courses that mix video lessons, quizzes, and even writing tasks. This way, you can get better at reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Italian, all in a balanced way.
Prefer talking to real people? You can connect with native Italian speakers through tutoring services. They can talk with you in real time, which is a great way to learn how people actually use the language and learn more about Italian culture.
Whether you're drawn to Italy's enchanting cities, passionate about its cuisine, an admirer of its contributions to art and music, or simply looking to connect with family roots, learning Italian can enrich your life in myriad ways.
Imagine strolling through the cobbled streets of Rome, ordering gelato in flawless Italian, or enjoying the operas of Verdi and Puccini in their original language. Or perhaps you're an avid cook, eager to dive into authentic Italian recipe books without the crutch of translations. Learning Italian can also be a stepping stone in your career, especially if you're involved in fashion, architecture, or the culinary arts, industries in which Italy holds a prestigious position. Moreover, for those with Italian heritage, learning Italian could be a bridge to understanding your ancestry and connecting with relatives in a more meaningful way.
When comparing the process of learning Italian to other Romance languages, like Spanish, there are a few unique aspects you might encounter. Italian's pronunciation is often more straightforward than a language like French, with most letters having a consistent sound, which can make speaking it a bit easier for beginners.
However, Italian has its share of challenges, such as the use of gendered nouns and a plethora of verb conjugations, aspects that are also present but differ slightly in Spanish. The musicality of Italian, with its emphasis on the flow and melody of speech, offers a distinct learning curve but can be incredibly rewarding to master.
Not sure where to start? Think about these things as you weigh your options:
To steer you towards the best Italian lessons that align with your goals and preferred learning style, our team at Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated today's leading options and provided honest feedback on what each one offers. So, what are you waiting for? Start your Italian learning journey today!
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