hellooo! i know this sounds dumb, but i’m wondering how i should go about starting to learn? I’m struggling to find time to get on my feet with the basics of the language - any tips?? Thank you :’D
Ciao! It's not dumb :)
Everyone of us is different in their approach to learning a language, so I guess you need some patience and try out different ways, to see what works better for you. I guess that, more than anything, you only need to start and schedule your time: even just few minutes everyday (especially when you're too busy) might help you to set the first goals (Easy ones: like being able to name the stuff that surrounds you when you study/work -name, color, singulars/plurals + ev. the article: e.g. i fogli bianchi- in a month. You decide according on how you feel, but I found out that having goals do help me in keep me focused and working everyday).
As I was saying, start with the easiest stuff (e.g. colors, relatives, forniture, stationery, nature and animals...) and then try to translate all of them whenever you see them around you. Maybe keep notes: write down those words, it might help you fix them in your mind and get used to Italian writing. Or try translating your to do list or shopping list. Start learning verbs at the present simple of the indicative mood. You have time to learn past and future and the other moods. The easiest way to communicate is at the present.
Keep in mind that you won't be able to talk Italian from day to night, it will take time, patience and effort. Maybe studying with a pal might be of help? Having "homeworks" tailored on you might give you more will to keep a schedule?
You can find LOADS of other inputs/tips to keep yourself focused and passionate about your studies on @sayitalianohome, there's a masterpost only for that. You can try whatever intrigues you the most.
Find a study pattern that might help you learn easy sentences and get you curious/interested while you do: I think this is the trick. I'd say translating songs, but that is a bit more complicated if you have no knowledge of Italian, or a little knowledge. Probably kids' songs and poems could be more of help, if you're into those. But still, I think you should start slow -my two cents ofc, as I said at the beginning, everyone is different and you totally have to try out what works better for you.
(On @sayitalianohome you can find all the masterpost and links to resources and vocabularies, if you need them! And also, if you want further help, here I am. We can talk by email and such.)
Hope it helps! Feel free to ask again :D
