Learn Italian with Langma’s Italian Language Program

Langma International offers a comprehensive Italian language course to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of Italy, its culture, and help them speak the Italian language effortlessly. Our structured lessons cater to all levels, from A1 (Elementary) to C2 (Advanced), aligning with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The focus is on developing reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. 

Langma International is an authorised CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) Certification centre by the University for Foreigners of Siena and prepares candidates for Italian proficiency examinations, including CILS and CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana), with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and practical language application. We provide guidance to learners who wish to explore study or work opportunities in Italy and Italian-speaking regions, providing information on scholarships, internships, and job placements. Our specialised courses help students improve their pronunciation, fluency, and communication skills.

Embark on your Italian journey today with Langma and unlock the vast academic and career prospects in Italy and Italian-speaking nations, such as Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, and more.

Italy and its History (L'Italia e la sua storia)

Home to some of the most captivating landscapes in the world, Italy is a southern European country that is definitely a feast for the senses. With a population of 59 million, this country is rich in culture, art, food, and fashion. Italy boasts over 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any country globally. As the world’s largest wine producer and one of the top olive oil producers worldwide, this country is also the birthplace of many world-renowned dishes, including pizza, pasta, and risotto. Milan, Florence, Venice, and Rome are among the most iconic Italian cities, attracting a large number of tourists.

Italy has a profound history, as it was once the centre of the mighty Roman Empire and later became the heart of the Renaissance, a time of brilliant art, music, and new ideas. Italy became a united country in 1861, and after World War II, it became a republic in 1946. At present, Italy is a modern, chic, and culturally rich destination. Learning Italian is essential for experiencing all that Italy has to offer, from connecting with locals to understanding its influential culture.

Italian Culture (Cultura italiana)

Italian culture has grown over thousands of years, shaped by history, customs, and strong regional identities. From Ancient Rome to the Renaissance and modern family life, Italians strike a balance between formality and warmth. Hospitality is essential, meals bring people together, and beauty is valued everywhere. Each region has its own distinct character, such as Florence’s elegance, Naples’ energy, Venice’s charm, and Milan’s modern style. To know Italy is to see how its people live with creativity, emotion, and passion.

Italian Festivals (Festival italiani)

Festivals in Italy are vibrant expressions of local and national uniqueness, deeply rooted in history and religion. The year begins with Capodanno (New Year’s Eve), celebrated with fireworks, lentils for good fortune, and late-night gatherings. Pasqua (Easter) features religious processions and festive meals, particularly in Florence and Enna. Carnevale, most famously in Venice, includes masked balls and colourful parades that preserve traditional customs. Ferragosto, celebrated on August 15, marks the peak of summer with beach outings, family meals, and village celebrations. La Festa della Repubblica, celebrated on June 2, commemorates Italy's transition to a republic with processions and displays of national pride. Regional events, such as Il Palio di Siena, a medieval horse race, honour local heritage. Regardless of their religious significance, Italian festivals unite communities in celebrating their shared history, customs, and joy.

Italian Art and Paintings (Arte e pittura italiana)

Italy is like a giant art gallery, filled with museums, churches, and outdoor spaces that hold incredible works of art. The country has played a pivotal role in Western art, with renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Giotto. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Vatican Museums in Rome showcase works by Titian, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Raphael, who revolutionised painting with their innovative use of light. Even various small towns have important art in their churches and buildings. Italian art shows how the country’s identity has changed over time.

Italian Literature (Letteratura italiana)

Italian literature spans from Dante Alighieri, whose Divine Comedy helped shape the Italian language, to modern writers such as Andrea Camilleri and Elena Ferrante. Great authors such as Giovanni Boccaccio and Francesco Petrarch laid the foundation for Renaissance humanism, while The Prince by Machiavelli remains a seminal political treatise worldwide. In the 20th century, Primo Levi wrote about the Holocaust, and Umberto Eco combined history and philosophy in The Name of the Rose. Italian literature encompasses a diverse range of styles and themes, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and its complex historical connections.

Italian Fashion (Moda italiana)

Italy is known for its style. Cities like Milan and Florence have long been influential in shaping the global fashion landscape. Famous brands such as Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani, and Dolce and Gabbana are renowned for their quality and creativity. Italian fashion values craftsmanship and tradition, not just trends. Events like Milan Fashion Week showcase top designs, and regions such as Como and Biella are renowned for producing high-quality fabrics. Fashion in Italy shows the country’s confidence and creativity.

Italian Cuisine (Cucina italiana)

Long-standing traditions and diverse regional flavours have shaped Italian cuisine. Each dish reflects its region and family history. In the north, people enjoy risottos and polenta, while the south is known for spicy sauces, seafood, and fresh vegetables. Pasta comes in many varieties, like Tagliatelle al ragù from Bologna and Orecchiette con cime di rapa from Puglia. Naples is the birthplace of Pizza, and Emilia-Romagna is renowned for producing Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar. Meals are significant social occasions, often lasting for hours and featuring local wines such as Chianti, Barolo, or Prosecco. Each ingredient in Italy must be chosen for its scent, texture, ripeness, and ability to complement others.

Italian Music (Musica italiana)

Italy is the birthplace of Opera, with composers such as Rossini, Puccini, and Verdi, whose works are performed in renowned venues like La Scala in Milan and the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. Both classical and folk music have strong traditions in this region. The Neapolitan song style led to popular songs like "O Sole Mio." In the 20th century, artists such as Lucio Dalla, Fabrizio De André, and Mina helped shape Italian pop, while Andrea Bocelli brought Italian singing to a global audience. Italian music spans a wide range, from religious chants to modern rock, and is renowned for its powerful storytelling.

Italian Dance (Danza italiana)

Dance in Italy includes both formal Renaissance styles and lively folk traditions. The Tarantella, originating from southern Italy, was once believed to cure spider bites due to its fast movements, but today it has become a joyful part of weddings and festivals. Ballet is also essential, with the La Scala Ballet in Milan being a world-famous company. Dance is not just for the stage; it is an integral part of everyday life, particularly at festivals and family events, bringing people together.

Italian Cinema (Cinema italiano)

Italian cinema has had a significant impact on the world of film, renowned for its emotionally charged stories and thought-provoking social themes. The Neorealist movement, with directors such as Roberto Rossellini and Vittorio De Sica, depicted post-war life candidly in films like Bicycle Thieves. Later, directors like Federico Fellini combined unusual storytelling with personal experiences, and Sergio Leone gained fame for his "spaghetti westerns." Today, directors such as Matteo Garrone and Paolo Sorrentino continue to attract international audiences. Italian films reveal a great deal about the country’s culture and people.

Italian Architecture (Architettura italiana)

Italy’s architecture shows the history of Western civilisation. Roman engineering is evident in the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts, while Brunelleschi’s Dome in Florence is a symbol of mathematical design. Venice’s Gothic style and Rome’s Baroque buildings, like Bernini’s fountains and Borromini’s churches, are well known. Towns such as Matera and Alberobello demonstrate how buildings seamlessly integrate with the local landscape and culture. Italian architecture reflects the country’s history, creativity, and solidity.

The Italian Language (La Lingua Italiana)

Italian is a Romance language, belonging to the Indo-European family, and is related to French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. Approximately 85 million people worldwide speak Italian as their first or second language. Modern literary Italian began to develop in the 13th and 14th centuries, primarily through the ‘Three Crowns’ of Italian literature: Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Dante, who wrote mainly in the Florentine dialect. The language drew on its Latin heritage and many dialects to develop into the standard Italian of today. Although many dialects are spoken in everyday conversation, standard Italian is the national language of schools, media and literature, and is understood throughout the country.

Pronunciation (Pronuncia)

Italian is a phonetic language; it is pronounced almost the way it is written. Its pronunciation isn’t challenging to master once you learn a few easy rules. Some of the vowels and stress on double letters require careful practice for English speakers, but it’s easy enough to make yourself understood.

Italian Alphabets (Alfabeti italiani)

The Italian alphabet consists of 21 letters- 5 vowels as in the English Language, and 16 consonants. The table below lists them along with their pronunciation for easy practice.

The letters J, K, W, X, and Y are not native to the Italian Alphabet; however, they appear in foreign loanwords and proper nouns.

Vowels (Vocali)

Italian vowels are the same as in the English Language: a, e, i, o, and u. Vowel sounds are generally shorter in unstressed syllables. The table below provides the pronunciation of each vowel along with examples. 

Consonants (Consonanti)

The pronunciation of most Italian consonants is similar to that of their English counterparts. Pronunciation of some consonants depends on specific rules:

It is important to note that when ci, gi, and sci are followed by a, o, or u, the ‘i’ is not pronounced unless the accent falls on the ‘i’. Thus, the name ‘Giovanni’ is pronounced joh·vahn·nee. Also, a double consonant is pronounced as a longer, more forceful sound than a single consonant. This can directly affect the meaning of a word, for example, sono (I am) and sonno (sleep).

Word Stress (Stress da parola)

Word stress generally falls on the second-last syllable, as in spaghetti, pronounced spa·ge·tee; but when a word has an accent, the stress falls on that syllable, as in città, pronounced chee·ta (city). The characteristic sing-song quality of the Italian sentence is created by pronouncing the syllables rhythmically and evenly, then swinging down on the last word. 

Italian Grammar  (Grammatica italiana)

Italian grammar sets the rules for speaking and writing the language. Nouns are either masculine or feminine (in the singular, they often end in ‘o’ and ‘a’ respectively), and adjectives and articles must match the noun in gender and number. Verbs change form based on subject, tense, and moods such as indicative, subjunctive, and conditional, used in different situations. To form a negative sentence, ‘non’ is placed before the verb. The standard sentence structure is similar to that in English (subject-verb-object), but word order is more flexible. Many Italians still expect to be addressed politely in the third person, that is, "Lei" instead of "tu". It is not considered polite to use the greeting ciao when addressing strangers; it’s better to say buongiorno ‘good day’ (or buona sera ‘good evening’) and arrivederci ‘goodbye’ (or the more polite form, arrivederla ‘goodbye’). Understanding these patterns is key to forming accurate and natural Italian sentences.

Italian Numbers (Numeri italiani)

The table below lists Italian numbers along with their pronunciation guide to assist the learners in learning and practising their pronunciation.

Survival Phrases (Frasi di sopravvivenza)

If you are new to Italian, start with these essential phrases. They will help you build confidence as you begin learning the language.