Learning Italian in real conversations is FUN! Experienced native Italian teacher available for online lessons

Find out more about Irene

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I am native Italian. I did my studies in Italy from primary school to university. I graduated in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation at the University of Milan.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I would choose Roberto Benigni because for me he represents the expressive and emotional side of Italian culture. He has a unique way of using language, humour and storytelling to connect with people and communicate strong emotions. I also love his ability to make Italian feel playful and spontaneous.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behavior in the language that you particularly like?

  One Italian expression I particularly love is “fare una passeggiata”, literally, “to go for a walk.” What I love about it is that in Italy, a passeggiata is often much more than simply walking from one place to another. It can be a moment to slow down, meet people, have a chat, look around, and simply enjoy being outside. It reflects a beautiful aspect of Italian culture: the idea that everyday moments are worth savouring.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Italian matters to me because it is a language that feels incredibly alive. It has a way of expressing emotions, humour and warmth that makes even everyday conversations feel personal and engaging. There are expressions, gestures, traditions and little cultural nuances that you can only truly appreciate once you start thinking in the language and feeling the culture.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  I think the main difficulty in learning Italian is getting used to its grammar and many verb forms, but often the biggest challenge is the fear of making mistakes. What helps most is regular exposure and practice: speaking from the beginning, listening to Italian, watching films or videos, and using the language in everyday situations. I encourage my students to focus on communication rather than perfection, because confidence makes learning much more natural and enjoyable.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  I remember making a funny mistake while learning English, everyone laughed, including me! I realised that mistakes are actually an important part of learning. You learn by trying, listening, making mistakes and trying again. It is something I now encourage in my own students.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Travelling has taught me that the best way to improve a language is to use it in real-life situations. Speaking with locals, ordering food, asking for directions and having spontaneous conversations helped me become more confident and natural in English. Language is inseparable from culture, the more you experience a country, the more you understand the way its people communicate.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  What makes me a Superprof is my passion for helping students feel confident and comfortable with Italian. I believe learning a language should be practical, enjoyable and connected to real life, not just about memorising grammar. I adapt my lessons to each student’s goals, level and personality, creating a relaxed environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. My aim is for students to leave each lesson feeling that they have genuinely learned something new and are excited to use it.