An Italian group has been running over ten years, initially with separate fortnightly groups for beginners and intermediate; now with a single group who meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 2.30 to 4.30pm in the leader's home.

Some members have been studying Italian for several years but newcomers with some knowldge of French or Spanish will not find the Italian too challenging. We have read a variety of texts: initially Easy Readers which are abridged, simplified and illustrated versions of Pinocchio and other well-known novels and short stories; we are currently reading short novels in their original form.

The class can prepare some of the text in advance and every member has a chance to read aloud and translate in the class. The leader explains grammar, help with vocabulary and produces a fair copy translation which is circulated to all members by email, with attached explanatory notes. This has proved the best way of managing a mixed ability class, members all having joined at different points in time. Ideally sudents will read (or re-read) a little bit of foreign language(s) every day at home.

Absolute beginners can arrange to attend at 2.00pm for individual help. Tea and a biscuit is offered at 3.30pm for which members pay 30p.

Edmund Salter - Group Leader (updated 06.04.2019)