About us
This Meetup is for listeners of the podcast 'Impariamo l’italiano piano piano' and for learners of Italian who want to study the language through real episodes, stories, and explanations from the podcast, We Learn Italian Step by Step.
Based between Italy and Canada. Events are online. In these online meetups, we work through selected podcast episodes together. Each meeting focuses on:
Language you heard in the episode
Grammar points explained in context
Expressions and phrases that are easy to miss when listening alone
Time to ask questions and practice understanding and use
These are guided classes, but they are calm, supportive, and paced piano piano. The goal is not perfection, but clarity and confidence.
Classes are suitable for learners who already have some basic Italian and want to deepen their understanding through listening, discussion, and structured guidance. English is used when helpful, especially for explanations.
All meetings are held online and are based directly on podcast content, so listening to the episode beforehand is recommended.
Upcoming events
1
- Network event
Italian Imperativo Workshop: Commands, Requests and Advice
·OnlineOnline3 attendees from 2 groupsIn this guided online session, we’ll explore the imperativo with Antonio, our custom Italian tutor, created for Episodes 9–12 of the podcast Impariamo l’italiano piano piano.
The imperativo is used for much more than giving orders. It helps us invite someone in, ask for help, offer advice, give directions, and reassure a friend. The same command can sound firm, polite, or caring, depending on the situation and how we say it.
These meetup sessions follow the grammar topics explored in the podcast through our ongoing story, Le Pagine del Passato, where grammar is introduced gradually through conversations, everyday situations, and the mystery surrounding Mariella’s family history.
This session is best suited to learners who have some familiarity with Italian grammar. Following the podcast will help, but you don’t need to have mastered the material to participate.
What we’ll explore
We’ll begin with the foundations and build from there, at a pace that gives everyone time to practise and ask questions.
Together, we’ll explore:- the three main uses of the imperativo: orders, requests and advice
- how tone and words such as prego, per favore and subito change a command
- regular command forms for tu, Lei, noi and voi
- the difference between speaking to a friend, addressing someone formally, speaking to a group, and suggesting “let’s”
- where pronouns go in commands such as Ascoltami! and Mi ascolti!
- how to choose the right pronoun for the person or thing we mean
As time allows, we can also explore negative commands, reflexive verbs, irregular forms, and commands with two pronouns. We’ll let participants’ questions and practice guide how far we go.
Practising with Antonio
Antonio will guide us through interactive practice, one question at a time. We’ll recognize commands in context, build the forms, produce Italian ourselves, and discuss why a particular answer works.
We’ll work through the prompts together, with time to think, try an answer, and learn from the feedback. I’ll facilitate the session and pause often for questions, explanations, and observations.
Antonio also includes story practice featuring Mariella at the station, where commands become part of the conversation and the unfolding events of Le Pagine del Passato.
The session is structured but relaxed. You’re welcome to try, make mistakes, ask for a hint, or hear an explanation again. That’s all part of learning piano piano.What to do before the meetup (optional)
If possible, listen to Episodes 9 and 10 beforehand. These introduce the foundations we’ll begin with.
The tutor also covers Episodes 11 and 12, which develop irregular commands and negative forms, along with Bonus Episode 8, the Power Up episode in the supporter bonus materials (also available now for all registrants).
You can find the episodes on the podcast website:
https://www.welearnitalianstepbystep.com/
Listening beforehand is helpful, but it isn’t required. Bring whatever questions you have.
What to bring
Just yourself, curiosity, and your questions.
A notebook is optional. If you already have the study guides for these episodes, feel free to have them open. Antonio’s concepts correspond to sections in the guides, so you can follow along on paper if you like.
Language
Both Italian and English will be used. Explanations are in English, with Italian examples and practice throughout.
This is not an exam prep class and not a lecture. It’s a calm, supportive space where we slow down, notice patterns, practice together, and make Italian make sense piano piano.Ci vediamo!
Myra
2 attendees from this group
Past events
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