Buondì. Yesterday evening I was teaching, or trying to. It’s been my career, if I can describe a series of badly-paid temporary jobs that way, for more than thirty years. For the first twenty or so, I firmly believed that if I worked hard enough, found the right materials, hit on the correct approach, and […]
25% Off New Ebook Easy Reader – Colpa della terra, Libro 5
Buondì. This morning I published the final ebook in our five-part series about an Italian family that migrates to the USA. Colpa della terra, Libro 5, La mia gente, like Libro 4 is B2/C1, so upper-intermediate/advanced. And as usual the first week, it’s disounted 25%, so £5.99 rather than the usual ‘easy reader’ price of […]
“I’m a beginner. Where should I start?”
Buondì. “I’m a beginner. Where should I start?” I get this a lot, but there isn’t a single answer. Possible responses could be: Make a study plan. In particular, decide WHEN you’ll do learning activities (whatever they turn out to be) and for how long. Schedule a few short sessions at times, on days of […]
“Your website is not compatible with Apple products”
Buondì. An email exchange this week: “Your learning facilities look really good… I’m disappointed I can’t use them. I have tried on my two different iPads and my iPhone to join but no luck. I haven’t received an email to verify so it seems I can’t join up either. (The email is not in spam […]
This Week, 50% Off ‘Easy Reader’ ‘Ebook of the Week’!
Buondì. On Saturday evening, when about to sit down for dinner with my son (Tom, voice of EasyItalianNews.com ), the women of the family having gone to the coast for the weekend, I carelessly knocked over a bottle of white wine. I guess I must be getting a little doddery. A glass or so sloshed […]
Why is your dog pawing at the front door?
Buondì. “She communicates so well, considering she can hardly speak at all,” my wife exclaims. After nearly three months, Roomie and my wife are getting to know each other, and Stefi’s becoming a fan of our whirlwind of a house guest. Anyone who’s had a puppy or a small child will appreciate how that happens: […]
When were you last fascinated by a light switch?
Buondì. The other morning, I was busy answering customer service emails in the few minutes before having to drive our house guest, Roomie, to her daycare, when I noticed something… It had gone very quiet! My wife was busy in the bathroom so, with a sigh, I abandoned my laptop and went to look for […]
25% Off New Ebook Easy Reader – Colpa della terra, Libro 4
Buondì. This morning I published the fourth in our five-part series about an Italian family that migrates to the USA. The final installment of the saga is due in a fortnight. Colpa della terra, Libro 4, Infanzia di un immigrato, like Libro 3 is B2/C1, so upper-intermediate/advanced. As usual the first week, it’s disounted 25%, […]
Expectations, turn-taking, cultural knowledge, and guessing!
Buondì. In just 18 minutes I’ll be closing the screen on my laptop and walking down the street to an appointment at our ‘medico di famiglia’. I have an appointment, so I’ll first interact with the receptionist, who will look up from her desk and say “Buongiorno”, or “Salve” if it’s the one who knows […]
What you’re learning may not be what you think
Buondì. Yesterday evening I was reviewing ‘reported speech’ with a small class of Italian adults. We did it before Easter but, as expected, it had been largely forgotten. Hence the coming back to it again, before moving on to something else. My students were happy to be back in the classroom, chatting away in English […]