Language Technology Workshop

Podcast
http://www.learnitalianpod.com/

Dear Gina,

as I did not find any nice Podcast about Greek language I decided to take one about Italian which I am also very interested in.
What I appreciate about these series of podcasts is the way they are structured.
For each session there is an introduction given which summarizes the content of the podcast.Thus listeners can decide in advance whether they are interested in the material which is offered.
There are podcasts focusing on grammar whereas others focus on meaningful expressions and vocabulary.
The audio material can be downloaded in written form too.

For beginners dialogues can be found which are embedded in meaningful everyday life situations in Italy.The activities are centred on circumstances one will definitely encounter in case of visiting Italy for some time.

Mainly, there are two characters speaking in a dialogue.
At first, the dialogue is spoken in natural speed in order to make the listeners aware of its authentic use. Later, the dialogue is translated into English and repeated several times in Italian.
As the listeners are offered some time to repeat the words and sentences themselves there is interaction offered.

The sessions are designed creatively as they do not only focus on language learning but also on Italian culture and history.
For example there are sessions which deal with cultural activities one can do during all seasons: visit Rome and the Isle of Capri in the summer,enjoy the atmosphere at a village fair in autumn or do some skiing in Cortina d’ Ampezzo in the winter.

The language used varries from session to session, the introduction usually informs the listeners about whether the language of the session will be rather colloquial or formal.
In case some listenrs want to deepen their language concerning some vocabulary a glossary can be dowloaded. The knowledge one has aquired can be tested in a quiz.
Thus, a variety of ways to interact are offered.
As language learners can decide on their own which podcasts they are interested in and when they want to learn about them, they can work autonomously without the help of an actual teacher.

Furthermore, podcast series for all language levels are available.
Thus, in case one wants to deepen his or her konwledge, intermediate, upper- intermediate and advanced levels of podcasts can be used.

The podcast series "5 minutes a day" which can be found on the same homepage focuse on Italian culture and traditions and inform the listener in an appealing way about the country and its people.At the same time meaningful vobulary is emphasised.

While listening to some of the podcasts I felt the Italian summer entering my room and awake my fascination for its wunderful culture.
You should listen to some of them and I am sure you will smell the aroma of a freshly baked Italian pizza.