Start your beginner Italian learning journey with our Beginner Italian: A1.1 Course, designed for learners with no prior knowledge of Italian or those who wish to refresh the basics. This introductory course builds the foundations needed to communicate in simple everyday situations while developing your understanding of essential Italian grammar and vocabulary. It is ideal for learners interested in learning Italian for cultural interest or personal enrichment in a supportive and interactive learning environment.

You will practise communication in situations such as introducing yourself and others, asking and answering personal questions, and participating in simple conversations. Grammar is introduced naturally in context, including present tense verbs, subject pronouns, articles, and basic sentence structures. Vocabulary and pronunciation are integrated throughout, covering everyday topics such as numbers, professions, and leisure activities, along with key sound patterns and intonation.

DELIVERY MODE

Delivery mode for individual classes will vary from term to term, but will be listed as the following:

• Face-to-Face: WEA Sydney
• Online: via Zoom

TEXTBOOK

• Nuovo Espresso PLUS 1 - A1 (Alma Edizioni: 2025), ISBN: 9788861828414

Supplier: Abbey's Language Book Centre
Please note that textbook cost is not included in the course fee. In the event of a course being cancelled, WEA Sydney cannot be held responsible for the purchase of any textbooks. Language courses will be confirmed or cancelled at least 7 days prior to their starting date.

COURSE OUTLINE

Communication

• Introducing yourself (name, origin, phone number); introducing and thanking someone
• Participating in class discussions; starting a conversation
• Asking and answering personal questions (language skills, profession, age)
• Expressing regret about something

Grammar

• Pronouns: subject pronouns io, tu, Lei (formal and informal)
• Nouns and articles: singular nouns; definite articles (il, la); indefinite articles (un, un’, una)
• Verb forms: present tense (singular) of essere, chiamarsi; verbs in -are; fare, avere, stare
• Structures: adverbs (bene, male); questo/questa; negation; interrogatives
• Adjectives and prepositions: nationality adjectives; professions; prepositions (a, in)

Phonetics

• Sounds: /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/ (vowel sounds)
• Sounds: /s/, /k/, /g/, /tʃ/, /dʒ/, /ke/, /ge/ (spelling-sound patterns: s, ca/ga, cia/gia, che/ghe)
• Intonation: questions

Vocabulary

• Greetings (formal and informal)
• Numbers (0–100); nationalities; professions; workplaces
• Alphabet; languages and activities in a language class
• Leisure activities; gender in nationalities and professions

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Communicate in Italian in simple everyday situations such as introducing themselves and asking basic personal information.
2. Use key grammar structures such as present tense verbs, articles, and pronouns at a basic level.
3. Apply relevant vocabulary and pronunciation patterns to participate in simple conversations with confidence.