What’s the Iceberg Project, you ask?
It’s for people who so badly want the experience that comes with being able to speak Italian well.
For people who want to reconnect with their heritage, have been wooed by Italy, or, as it often happens, have been wooed by an Italian.
And finally, for people who like to laugh and who like weird things.
Welcome to the project.
You’ll make friends here.
Here is how The Iceberg Project will help Italian feel less like an Herculean task and more like a TV show you can’t stop watching.
1.) The project focuses on real connection between real people. – Boring example sentences bore me. Boring phrases bore me. Boring grammar explanations bore me. (Seriously, I’m yawning over here just thinking about them.) You won’t find any of that stuff here.
2.) It’s about being conversational instead of being fluent. – Because really, what is fluent? It doesn’t exist. I just want to talk to people, make friends, and order the exact meal that I want when I want it.
3.) It will show you a friendlier side of grammar. – Even though I don’t believe that grammar should come first, it’s still necessary, but just because it’s necessary does not mean it needs to be bogged with words like “intransitive whatsitcalled.” I’m not saying these terms are bad. I’m just saying I like simple explanations, preferably explanations with a dose of humor.
4.) It will help you feel like you’re making progress. – Language learners don’t need award ceremonies because being able to see their progress feels like an Emmy. Here I offer tools, tips, and resources to help you constantly see the progress you’re making and keep moving forward.
5.) It will encourage you to keep going. – You need grit to stay in this game, and it’s easy to get lost. I can be both a cheerleader and a coach. When things get tough, I’m here for you.
6.) Permission to chase your wanderlust granted.
(Psssst. Want to read about the person who put this whole thing together? Me, that is. Click here.)
Where the name comes from
The Iceberg Project is based on the theory that most of what you learn about culture when visiting a new country without speaking the language is just the tip of the iceberg.
You see what they wear, what they eat, and the environment of their most touristy attractions, but it isn’t until you speak the language that you can get to the bottom of the iceberg, that huge mass where you can discover what it truly means to speak, think & live like an Italian.
If you’re ready to start learning Italian, choose a path and dive into the posts.
– Must-Read Articles for Absolute Beginners
– Must-Read Articles for Upper Beginners
– Must-Read Articles for Intermediate Learners
Everyone seems to like these posts, so you might, too:
— How to Whip Your Italian Back into Shape Before You Leave for Italy
— 10 Things Italians Wish Tourists Would Stop Doing
— How to Create an Addictive Italian Language Learning Schedule
— 25 Romantic Italian Phrases (or How to Melt Your Lover’s Heart)
— Parole Pericolose: 5 Embarrassing Words You May Be Saying in Italian
— 15 Ways to Say “That’s Cool/Awesome/Amazing” in Italian
Sign up for free weekly lessons
Read me, too! All of the articles here are written for the serious language learner, so if you’re not actually going to commit to learning Italian, it’s best that you close this tab. No dabbling allowed. ;]