LEARNING ITALIAN THROUGH ARTS

The advantages of learning Italian through arts

The language and culture of a country are closely connected: they are expressed through each other and influence each other in many ways. Learning the Italian language will give you a much deeper understanding of Italian culture. Similarly, getting to know the Italian culture will help you learn Italian much more efficiently.

Learning Italian through the prism of Italian culture and arts, in particular, offers many advantages. Here are a few examples:

• It allows to you better understand Italian people, their history and mentality, which, in turn, offers you a deeper insight into the language
• Art is a great topic that allows for a variety of exercises practicing different language aspects and skills; it is an amazing topic for discussions and speaking practice
• Italian art is a topic well-worth studying: for centuries, Italian artists have been among the most influential artists in the world and have shaped not only Italian and European but world culture
• It adds variety and fun to your learning

How to learn Italian through arts

Although visual arts are mostly non-verbal, language and art can complement and assist each other to facilitate learning. Humans are visual beings. Around 80% of all the information we perceive comes in visual form and over 65% of people are visual learners. Thus, having visual clues for anything, from learning basic vocabulary to discussing complex issues, can be of great help.

Artwork can be used to teach a variety of grammar and vocabulary topics, including colors, shapes, and sizes, locations, various prepositions, adjectives, verbs, and other grammar and vocabulary, depending on the subject of the artwork.

Talking about art is a great way to practice descriptive language and monologue speech, to learn to talk about emotions in Italian as well as likes and dislikes. It is also a great starting point for group discussions and various writing assignments.

In general, art is also a good way to add variety to your learning and a change of pace, to provide some extra motivation, and develop creative thinking.

On a different note, you can learn Italian through learning about art or even learning to make it. If your level of Italian allows it, you can take an art history course or painting lessons in Italian. It is a way to ‘kill two birds with one stone’: by taking one course, you will both improve your language level as well as expand your knowledge or learn a new skill.

Nowadays, you don’t have to pay a lot or even leave your home to do that: various art and art history classes are available online for reasonable prices.

What is great about art is that it doesn’t impose many restrictions: with some adjustments, it can be used as a learning tool for people of different ages and language levels, even different tastes – Italian art has something for everyone.

Final thoughts

Despite being largely non-verbal, art is a great tool to facilitate learning the Italian language. It can be used in many different ways: as visual clues for learning vocabulary, as a starting point for a group discussion or an opinion essay, as a way to introduce some variety and creativity into your learning, and much more.

Italian arts have long been among the most famous and influential in the world. By learning the Italian language through arts you will not only improve your language level but also get an insight into the rich culture of Italy – and the world.