About us
Vieni a praticare italiano con noi! Unisciti al nostro gruppo, "The Ann Arbor Italian Conversation Group", ogni domenica su Zoom.
How to join:
- When you RSVP, you will receive a link that you can follow at the time of the meeting to join.
Meeting format:
- For the first 20 minutes, we greet each other in a group call.
- For the last 40 minutes, we transition to small breakout rooms so we all get a chance to practice speaking.
Remember:
- Use your real name so I know to admit you from the waiting room.
- Turn on your video. It helps everyone feel comfortable.
- When you aren't talking, kindly mute yourself if there is background noise.
---------
"I want to learn Italian, but I can't speak very well!"
Speaking a language is the best way to learn, and you'll only begin learning when you stop speaking English and start stumbling your way into a new language. Making mistakes comes with the territory, so don't worry.
If you're uncomfortable with speaking Italian and would like to attend, I have a few suggestions that could help.
Write a paragraph in Italian about what you did this week. Use an online dictionary to look up words you don't know. Try to memorize some of the sentences you wrote before coming to the group. Now, you'll have something to say in Italian! Again, don't worry if there are mistakes. Making mistakes is the only way you'll learn. If you still aren't comfortable, or didn't have time to prepare something, feel free to come and listen. Listening to spoken Italian is a great way to train your ear to hear and recognize unfamiliar sounds. While speaking Italian is the focus of the group, we sometimes break out into English to clarify something that's misunderstood. Some of our Italian members also appreciate the opportunity to practice their English! That's perfectly fine, but please understand that the group is first and foremost an Italian conversation group. Buona fortuna e a presto!
My favorite language resources/apps:
*Other conversation groups*
Parliamo Italiano One-on-One - A group run by Dana (also a member of this group). Here, you can get 1-1 Italian practice.
*Online lessons*
italki.com - a great resource for finding people that want to exchange languages with you (you teach English, they teach Italian). You can also find and pay for private lessons, which take place via Skype.
*Reference*
Reverso Context - searches a database of human translations. Great for searching for phrases. https://context.reverso.net/translation/english-italian/
(also available as an app)
WordReference: the best free English-Italian dictionary. There is also an Italian dictionary with definitions in Italian. The hidden gem of this site is the forum. For any dictionary search, scroll down to see any matching questions asked of the forum.
http://www.wordreference.com/enit/
(also available as an app)
Collins Italian-English dictionary - great for finding words and conjugations. Does not require an internet connection, so great for traveling. A bit pricey but worth it. I use the iPhone version so I don’t know if the Android version is good.
iPhone:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collins-italian-english/id292240076
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ultralingua.android.collinsitalian&hl=en_US
*Podcasts*
Podcast Italiano
Italiano Vero
Learn Italian with Lucrezia
Da Costa A Costa
Pensieri e Parole
Ad Alta Voce
Coffee Break Italian
Anything on the Radio24 app
Anything on the RAI app
*YouTube*
Sgrammaticando:
https://www.youtube.com/user/sgrammaticando/featured
Learn Italian with Lucrezia:
https://www.youtube.com/user/lucreziaoddone
----
Spero di conoscerti presto!
Upcoming events
52
(ONLINE) Italian Conversation - domenica
·OnlineOnlineVieni a praticare italiano con noi! Unisciti al nostro gruppo, "The Ann Arbor Italian Conversation Group", ogni domenica su Zoom.
How to join:
- When you RSVP, you will receive a link that you can follow at the time of the meeting to join.
Meeting format:
- For the first 20 minutes, we greet each other in a group call.
- For the last 40 minutes, we transition to small breakout rooms so we all get a chance to practice speaking.
Remember:
- Use your real name so I know to admit you from the waiting room.
- Turn on your video. It helps everyone feel comfortable.
- When you aren't talking, kindly mute yourself if there is background noise.
---------
Please consider supporting our group with a donation:
While I believe in keeping the group free to attend, it is not free to maintain the group. Our group costs will total around $516 for 2026. That's $300 for Meetup and $216 for Zoom. Your donations are much appreciated and help keep the group healthy and active.
Donation options
Directly to the organizer, Stephen Kemsley
- PayPal: @SGKemsley
- Venmo: @Stephen-K (if asked, my last 4 digits are 8486)
- Cash App: $skems
Via the fundraising feature on our group page (they take a small cut)
***
Tips and resources
"I want to learn Italian, but I can't speak very well!"
Speaking a language is the best way to learn, and you'll only begin learning when you stop speaking English and start stumbling your way into a new language. Making mistakes comes with the territory, so don't worry!
If you're uncomfortable with speaking Italian and would like to attend, I have a few suggestions that could help.
Write a paragraph in Italian about what you did this week. Use an online dictionary to look up words you don't know. Try to memorize some of the sentences you wrote before coming to the group. Now, you'll have something to say in Italian! Again, don't worry if there are mistakes. Making mistakes is the only way you'll learn. If you still aren't comfortable, or didn't have time to prepare something, feel free to come and listen. Listening to spoken Italian is a great way to train your ear to hear and recognize unfamiliar sounds. While speaking Italian is the focus of the group, we sometimes break out into English to clarify something that's misunderstood. Some of our Italian members also appreciate the opportunity to practice their English! That's perfectly fine, but please understand that the group is first and foremost an Italian conversation group. Buona fortuna e a presto!
My favorite language resources/apps:
Other conversation groups
Parliamo Italiano One-on-One - A group run by Dana (also a member of this group). Here, you can get 1-1 Italian practice.
Online lessons
Preply, italki
Reference
Reverso Context - searches a database of human translations. Great for searching for phrases.
WordReference: the best free English-Italian dictionary. There is also an Italian dictionary with definitions in Italian. The hidden gem of this site is the forum. For any dictionary search, scroll down to see any matching questions asked of the forum. http://www.wordreference.com/enit/ (also available as an app)
Collins Italian-English dictionary - great for finding words and conjugations.
Podcasts
Podcast Italiano
Italiano Vero
Learn Italian with Lucrezia
Da Costa A Costa
Pensieri e Parole
Ad Alta Voce
Coffee Break Italian
Anything on the Radio24 app
Anything on the RAI app2 attendees(ONLINE) Italian Conversation - domenica
·OnlineOnlineVieni a praticare italiano con noi! Unisciti al nostro gruppo, "The Ann Arbor Italian Conversation Group", ogni domenica su Zoom.
How to join:
- When you RSVP, you will receive a link that you can follow at the time of the meeting to join.
Meeting format:
- For the first 20 minutes, we greet each other in a group call.
- For the last 40 minutes, we transition to small breakout rooms so we all get a chance to practice speaking.
Remember:
- Use your real name so I know to admit you from the waiting room.
- Turn on your video. It helps everyone feel comfortable.
- When you aren't talking, kindly mute yourself if there is background noise.
---------
Please consider supporting our group with a donation:
While I believe in keeping the group free to attend, it is not free to maintain the group. Our group costs will total around $516 for 2026. That's $300 for Meetup and $216 for Zoom. Your donations are much appreciated and help keep the group healthy and active.
Donation options
Directly to the organizer, Stephen Kemsley
- PayPal: @SGKemsley
- Venmo: @Stephen-K (if asked, my last 4 digits are 8486)
- Cash App: $skems
Via the fundraising feature on our group page (they take a small cut)
***
Tips and resources
"I want to learn Italian, but I can't speak very well!"
Speaking a language is the best way to learn, and you'll only begin learning when you stop speaking English and start stumbling your way into a new language. Making mistakes comes with the territory, so don't worry!
If you're uncomfortable with speaking Italian and would like to attend, I have a few suggestions that could help.
Write a paragraph in Italian about what you did this week. Use an online dictionary to look up words you don't know. Try to memorize some of the sentences you wrote before coming to the group. Now, you'll have something to say in Italian! Again, don't worry if there are mistakes. Making mistakes is the only way you'll learn. If you still aren't comfortable, or didn't have time to prepare something, feel free to come and listen. Listening to spoken Italian is a great way to train your ear to hear and recognize unfamiliar sounds. While speaking Italian is the focus of the group, we sometimes break out into English to clarify something that's misunderstood. Some of our Italian members also appreciate the opportunity to practice their English! That's perfectly fine, but please understand that the group is first and foremost an Italian conversation group. Buona fortuna e a presto!
My favorite language resources/apps:
Other conversation groups
Parliamo Italiano One-on-One - A group run by Dana (also a member of this group). Here, you can get 1-1 Italian practice.
Online lessons
Preply, italki
Reference
Reverso Context - searches a database of human translations. Great for searching for phrases.
WordReference: the best free English-Italian dictionary. There is also an Italian dictionary with definitions in Italian. The hidden gem of this site is the forum. For any dictionary search, scroll down to see any matching questions asked of the forum. http://www.wordreference.com/enit/ (also available as an app)
Collins Italian-English dictionary - great for finding words and conjugations.
Podcasts
Podcast Italiano
Italiano Vero
Learn Italian with Lucrezia
Da Costa A Costa
Pensieri e Parole
Ad Alta Voce
Coffee Break Italian
Anything on the Radio24 app
Anything on the RAI app1 attendee(ONLINE) Italian Conversation - domenica
·OnlineOnlineVieni a praticare italiano con noi! Unisciti al nostro gruppo, "The Ann Arbor Italian Conversation Group", ogni domenica su Zoom.
How to join:
- When you RSVP, you will receive a link that you can follow at the time of the meeting to join.
Meeting format:
- For the first 20 minutes, we greet each other in a group call.
- For the last 40 minutes, we transition to small breakout rooms so we all get a chance to practice speaking.
Remember:
- Use your real name so I know to admit you from the waiting room.
- Turn on your video. It helps everyone feel comfortable.
- When you aren't talking, kindly mute yourself if there is background noise.
---------
Please consider supporting our group with a donation:
While I believe in keeping the group free to attend, it is not free to maintain the group. Our group costs will total around $516 for 2026. That's $300 for Meetup and $216 for Zoom. Your donations are much appreciated and help keep the group healthy and active.
Donation options
Directly to the organizer, Stephen Kemsley
- PayPal: @SGKemsley
- Venmo: @Stephen-K (if asked, my last 4 digits are 8486)
- Cash App: $skems
Via the fundraising feature on our group page (they take a small cut)
***
Tips and resources
"I want to learn Italian, but I can't speak very well!"
Speaking a language is the best way to learn, and you'll only begin learning when you stop speaking English and start stumbling your way into a new language. Making mistakes comes with the territory, so don't worry!
If you're uncomfortable with speaking Italian and would like to attend, I have a few suggestions that could help.
Write a paragraph in Italian about what you did this week. Use an online dictionary to look up words you don't know. Try to memorize some of the sentences you wrote before coming to the group. Now, you'll have something to say in Italian! Again, don't worry if there are mistakes. Making mistakes is the only way you'll learn. If you still aren't comfortable, or didn't have time to prepare something, feel free to come and listen. Listening to spoken Italian is a great way to train your ear to hear and recognize unfamiliar sounds. While speaking Italian is the focus of the group, we sometimes break out into English to clarify something that's misunderstood. Some of our Italian members also appreciate the opportunity to practice their English! That's perfectly fine, but please understand that the group is first and foremost an Italian conversation group. Buona fortuna e a presto!
My favorite language resources/apps:
Other conversation groups
Parliamo Italiano One-on-One - A group run by Dana (also a member of this group). Here, you can get 1-1 Italian practice.
Online lessons
Preply, italki
Reference
Reverso Context - searches a database of human translations. Great for searching for phrases.
WordReference: the best free English-Italian dictionary. There is also an Italian dictionary with definitions in Italian. The hidden gem of this site is the forum. For any dictionary search, scroll down to see any matching questions asked of the forum. http://www.wordreference.com/enit/ (also available as an app)
Collins Italian-English dictionary - great for finding words and conjugations.
Podcasts
Podcast Italiano
Italiano Vero
Learn Italian with Lucrezia
Da Costa A Costa
Pensieri e Parole
Ad Alta Voce
Coffee Break Italian
Anything on the Radio24 app
Anything on the RAI app1 attendee(ONLINE) Italian Conversation - domenica
·OnlineOnlineVieni a praticare italiano con noi! Unisciti al nostro gruppo, "The Ann Arbor Italian Conversation Group", ogni domenica su Zoom.
How to join:
- When you RSVP, you will receive a link that you can follow at the time of the meeting to join.
Meeting format:
- For the first 20 minutes, we greet each other in a group call.
- For the last 40 minutes, we transition to small breakout rooms so we all get a chance to practice speaking.
Remember:
- Use your real name so I know to admit you from the waiting room.
- Turn on your video. It helps everyone feel comfortable.
- When you aren't talking, kindly mute yourself if there is background noise.
---------
Please consider supporting our group with a donation:
While I believe in keeping the group free to attend, it is not free to maintain the group. Our group costs will total around $516 for 2026. That's $300 for Meetup and $216 for Zoom. Your donations are much appreciated and help keep the group healthy and active.
Donation options
Directly to the organizer, Stephen Kemsley
- PayPal: @SGKemsley
- Venmo: @Stephen-K (if asked, my last 4 digits are 8486)
- Cash App: $skems
Via the fundraising feature on our group page (they take a small cut)
***
Tips and resources
"I want to learn Italian, but I can't speak very well!"
Speaking a language is the best way to learn, and you'll only begin learning when you stop speaking English and start stumbling your way into a new language. Making mistakes comes with the territory, so don't worry!
If you're uncomfortable with speaking Italian and would like to attend, I have a few suggestions that could help.
Write a paragraph in Italian about what you did this week. Use an online dictionary to look up words you don't know. Try to memorize some of the sentences you wrote before coming to the group. Now, you'll have something to say in Italian! Again, don't worry if there are mistakes. Making mistakes is the only way you'll learn. If you still aren't comfortable, or didn't have time to prepare something, feel free to come and listen. Listening to spoken Italian is a great way to train your ear to hear and recognize unfamiliar sounds. While speaking Italian is the focus of the group, we sometimes break out into English to clarify something that's misunderstood. Some of our Italian members also appreciate the opportunity to practice their English! That's perfectly fine, but please understand that the group is first and foremost an Italian conversation group. Buona fortuna e a presto!
My favorite language resources/apps:
Other conversation groups
Parliamo Italiano One-on-One - A group run by Dana (also a member of this group). Here, you can get 1-1 Italian practice.
Online lessons
Preply, italki
Reference
Reverso Context - searches a database of human translations. Great for searching for phrases.
WordReference: the best free English-Italian dictionary. There is also an Italian dictionary with definitions in Italian. The hidden gem of this site is the forum. For any dictionary search, scroll down to see any matching questions asked of the forum. http://www.wordreference.com/enit/ (also available as an app)
Collins Italian-English dictionary - great for finding words and conjugations.
Podcasts
Podcast Italiano
Italiano Vero
Learn Italian with Lucrezia
Da Costa A Costa
Pensieri e Parole
Ad Alta Voce
Coffee Break Italian
Anything on the Radio24 app
Anything on the RAI app1 attendee
Past events
926
