Archive for November, 2016
Combining Prepositions With Articles – Part 1. Posted by Geoff on Nov 14, 2016
In my recent blog Italian Articles Exercise we looked at the correct usage of the Italian definite articles, il, lo, la, i, gli, and le (the). Today we’ll extend that exercise by combining each of these six articles with the preposition ‘di‘ (of). Firstly, let’s begin by examining how we go about creating these preposizioni…
Exploring The Parmense Posted by Serena on Nov 11, 2016
We’re still here in Salsomaggiore Terme, in front of the imposing Art Nouveau Terme Berzieri. Geoff is sitting on a bench, recovering from the tortuous drive. I make an effort to look at the building: “Com’è brutto! Perché fai finta che ti piace?” Geoff asks me. Geoff, who usually likes Stile Liberty, finds the building…
A Relaxing Trip – Part 1 Posted by Serena on Nov 9, 2016
I once read that on average it takes about 20 minutes for a couple in a car to start arguing about navigation or driving styles. Well, I guess I’m lucky then, because last Friday it took me and Geoff about 40 minutes before war broke out! We had decided to keep Friday work free, and…
Italian Articles Exercise Posted by Geoff on Nov 7, 2016
il lo la i gli le …. sounds rather like the ritornello (chorus) of a children’s rhyme doesn’t it. In fact it’s a list of the six Italian definite articles, all of which mean ‘the’. Let’s revise how each of them is used, then we’ll have a go at an exercise to be sure that…
Gli Accenti Italiani Posted by Geoff on Nov 4, 2016
It can be a strange business, this blogging. Unlike teaching in schools, colleges, and universities, where one has regular direct contact with one’s students, blogging can often feel like sending out messages in bottles. Who are our readers, where are they, what do they know about the Italian language and culture? From a didactic point…
At The Railway Station In Italy Posted by Serena on Nov 2, 2016
In English there’s a particular name for unhelpful public employees: jobsworth, an abbreviation of the phrase “I can’t let you do that, it’s more than my job’s worth”. The jobsworth seems to delight in upholding petty rules at the expense of humanity or even common sense. Isn’t it wonderful then, when you come across their…