By: Olga Ragusa Publisher: Dover Publications Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Dover Publications Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 111 Publication Date: June 01, 1963
This logical, developmental presentation of the major aspects of Italian grammar includes all the necessary tools for speech and comprehension. Designed for adults with limited learning time who wish to acquire the basics of everyday Italian, this grammar features numerous shortcuts and timesavers. Ideal as an introduction, supplement, or refresher.
A definite help for adults learning Italian I teach Italian in an adult school program, often adults need a quick resource regarding Italian grammar and English grammar. The glossary of grammatical terms regarding English is a must read first, then the Italian grammar falls into place. Even though the book is a 1963 publication, it is extremely helpful today( 2008) I plan to give the book to my advanced students as a reward for their dedication to studying Italian.
Tullio Bertini Author of Trapped in Tuscany
All the essentials and easy to carry... This review book is excellent. Most books concentrate on travle related phrases which you must memorize and PRAY that you remember. If you want to learn Italian stay away from travel books. They really do not work becuase the nature of the language is not explored- just sentences to help you find the bathroom or order food. My travel to Italy is both family and business related so I have had to spruce up my Italian. I carry it with me everywhere and while I have time I read, re-read and work on my language skills. I have also used it to teach others. What is nice is that she covers every topic, translates the entire sentence literally- in the order of the Italian language and then provides the English equalivent. Because of the ordering of words is so different (pronouns, negations etc..) it may be difficult for someone to grasp the learning of Italian. Other books simply give the phrase and then translate it but the ordering of words is out of whack. Sometimes the meanings are changed! This book is clear, easy to follow and easy to take with you. When I taught my husband I used the following- Italian in 10 minutes a day ( to reduce the fear factor and make it smooth) then Michel Thomas's tapes (they work), a good verb book, dictionary and the Idiots Guide... Worth it!
fantastic My daughter recommended this to me, from her own studies, and it is very good. Well worth it.
A MUST HAVE This book helped me clarify things I did not understand in other books. It is simple and will teach you basic Italian. I'm able to express myself in simple short sentences thanks to this book. It is a must have for ANY student of the Italian language.
The only grammar book you really need I love the entire Dover Essential Grammar series, and I actually own most of them. I used Ragusa's Essential Italian Grammar in my language preparation for a trip to Italy last year, and it works extremely well.
It isn't going to teach you enough vocabulary for true facility with the language, of course, but that isn't its function -- it's meant to encapsulate all the basic grammar of the language in a very clear and concise form. Because of its size, I was able to go through it numerous times -- and each time, a little bit more sticks. A far superior approach to going through a large, padded, overly wordy grammar full of redundant exercises and dialogues just once. It also works very well as a quick reference guide which you can easily and quickly open up to precisely what you need to refresh yourself on.
It goes without saying that you're still going to need a good dictionary or other book(s) to help you acquire vocabulary. But for the basic grammar, this one slim volume is all you really need.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
