I am interested in learning a little Italian before my trip there next spring. Has anyone ever used a cassette tape to learn a foreign language? If so, was it helpful? I figured I could do this on my daily commutes to work. I want to learn enough to get by in non-tourist areas, particularly for dining. Thanks!

Most major book stores carry the Berlitz tapes/CD's....I have heard they are good.If you speak Spanish, you will have no problema...Ciao!

I hear more NYC buzz about the "Living Language" series than I ever do about Berlitz anymore. I think Fodors may be linked to this very popular, user-friendly resource.

HI
If you go to amazon.com and do a search on Italian language or learning Italian, you will get a list of books and some will have CDs or casette tapes that ago with them. Read the customer comments on each--they will help you choose.

I have found the Berlitz books/tapes better for some languages than for others. Haven't bought the Italian versions. If you are especially interested in dining, work on menu Italian--there are books just for that as well.

I agree with NYC. I take Italian classes at Berlitz, which are very good, but some of the products they sell to the public still need to be updated.

Or you can try Pimsleur, I have heard they are good also, but it does not teach grammar. If you want to learn just enough as a tourist, look for a program geared toward just that.

Thanks for your input! Are the tapes a good learning device or would a community class be better?

I HATE tapes. If there are classes near you, that would be the best option. You can supplement your classroom learning with tapes, grammar books, movie rentals, Italian practice sessions with classmates, etc.

I have to agree with cmt, except for the "HATE." There's nothing like a great language teacher and a classroom with students offers the most opportunity to actually learn the language. The tapes are great while driving and can help you work on pronunciation, if nothing else. I feel very lucky because in NYC we have Parliamo Italiano and Giuseppe Manca at the New School University.

I have done pimsleur, all 3 levels (45CDs). Here is a place where you can actually listen to the 1st lesson from each level free:

http://www.sybervision.com/freeaudio.htm

I have used other audio as well as computer based learning, Pimsleur is above the rest. Since these tapes/CDs are expensive, try to find them at your local library. They were always checked out at our library so I ended up buying them.

I have also taken community college no credit classes as well as credit classes at a state college. If you have a 4 year college offering a class at convenient time, take it even though it costs much more than a community college class. No credit classes just do not cover the depth provided by the credit classes.

Tweeter, what area are you in? I may be able to suggest a person or short-term class.

Very much agree Pimsleur is great if you are primarily going to be using them while commuting. There used to be a foodie magazine with Italian text on one side of the page and English on the other. Kind of a nice & inexpensive language "test" for the basics. I can't recall the name of it, though, and haven't seen it in awhile. Maybe someone else here can remember...

But, nothing beats a good class/tutorial.

To PCHsmiles:

I am in a suburb of Minneapolis...