ELISABETTA JAFRANCESCO
Università degli Studi di Firenze
Gabriella Iacovoni, Nadia Persiani, and Barbara Fiorentino. Gramm.it Italian Grammar for English-speakers. Roma: Bonacci, 2010.
The members of the Centro Studi Cassia Group, Gabriella lacovoni, Nadia Persiani and Barbara Fiorentino, provide a fresh approach to teaching and learning Italian as a second language (L2) with their text Gramm.it for English-speakers. Presented in a logical and clear fashion, the authors build upon their experience, studies and research in the field of language teaching to produce a thorough text that is both effective and easy to consult.
Gramm.it for English-speakers is, as stated in the title, intended to meet the needs of English-speaking L2 learners of Italian. The authors’ stated intention is to provide knowledge of contemporary spoken Italian. However, that is not to say that grammar is neglected; rather, the Centro Studi Cassia Group weaves these two aspects together seamlessly throughout the text, creating an environment in which grammatical rules are contextualized within their appropriate cultural milieu (including but not limited to literature, advertising, comic strips and contemporary articles), thus creating an unconscious language learning experience.
The text is divided into forty main units, every unit containing one main grammatical concept as its base. All the material included within each individual unit reinforces the unit’s particular grammatical concept. Visually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing, the graphics of each unit are employed as tools not only to attract and retain the focus of the learner, but as didactic tools as well. Images, illustrations and colorful charts prove to be especially important in the presentation of new vocabulary, in avoiding translation between English and Italian, and also in restraining the need for long instructions.
Each unit is subdivided into an introduction of new grammar structures being presented (forms, uses, exceptions and peculiarities), followed by a wide variety of exercises, all of which employ colorful photographs, and all of which are varied from unit to unit, avoiding monotony. Furthermore, the constant variation in exercises – from letter writing, to the completion of charts, to matching, crosswords and verb conjugations- requires the constant assimilation, manipulation and application of the material learned.
Following the exercises, a didactic word game is included, preceded by a section entitled “in-text grammar.” Authentic texts, contained within the “in-text grammar” section, are enriched with cultural information (art, cooking, geography, customs) to stimulate conversation and also comparison with different cultures. These texts contain “useful, interesting or amusing information about Italian life and customs, [and] are correlated to handy grammar files which are geared to practical use” (3). This section is also completed with activities suitable for more advanced students.
Throughout the text, one cannot help but notice the innovative inclusion of grammar notes, or files, as named by the authors. These files provide clear explanations of the grammatical concepts presented in the source material, while avoiding complicated technical terms. This, in turn, facilitates the comprehension and assimilation of each unit’s grammatical concept. Similarly, a core set of symbols is consistently used throughout the text, identifying new grammatical points, explaining how respective grammatical points are used, drawing attention to distinctive features of the language, and introducing word games.
Geared toward L2 learners, and including parallels and contrasts between English and Italian, this text introduces grammar structures gradually, from the simple to the more complex, and according to frequency of use. Beginning with the alphabet and proper pronunciation, the users of this text will make their way through twelve types of verb conjugations, a variety or pronouns and advanced grammatical concepts including conditional sentences, as well as sophisticated linguistic capabilities such as the use of the passive voice. The complexity of the exercises and the nature of the . . source material adapt to the respective changes in the grammatical material. An appendix is included at the end of the text. in which is contained a key to all the exercises included within the text (enabling self-check and the documentation of progress), as well as tables of regular and main irregular verb conjugations.
“Although the book is not based on a comparative analysis of English and Italian grammar, it does bear in mind some of the fundamental differences between the two languages. Language structure and all grammar points are explained in English and the equivalent of grammar terms are given where they effectively correspond” (4). An equivalent text is produced for foreign L2 learners of Italian. This particular text, Gramm.it grammatica italiana per stranieri, is produced for foreign L2 learners of all backgrounds. As a result, a comparative and contrastive approach cannot and is not utilized; all explanations are provided in Italian. Nonetheless, the text maintains its integrity and thoroughness and would prove to be an excellent tool for non-English-speaking L2 learners of Italian.
‘Word games, amusing anecdotes, facts and illustrations all come together to give a comprehensive image of Italian culture, and bring the student into direct contact with the language” (3). Gramm.it for English-speakers is a well-organized, coherent text that proceeds in a logical manner and avoids pedantry. Its innovative design and interesting graphics command attention. Although the text is not complete with an instructor’s manual, the simplicity and clarity with which the text is written circumvents this need.
This user-friendly text can and should be used by instructors and learners alike as a classroom text, or an autodidactic aid.
(Rivista, ITALICA – Agosto 2011)
