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Italian literature and cinema – HearSay

Italian B2

Immerse yourself in modern Italian culture through its books and films. Practice listening and speaking on the go as you explore award-winning cinema and bestselling novels.

Lessons

Modern bestsellers and graphic novels
Discover the booming popularity of Italian graphic novels and contemporary bestsellers.
Vocabulary
- il fumetto (graphic novel)
- la casa editrice (publishing house)
- il capolavoro (masterpiece)
- il pubblico (audience)
- spiccare (to stand out)
- contemporaneo (contemporary)
- coinvolgente (engaging)
Objectives
- Discuss popular literary genres
- Describe an engaging book
Neapolitan noir and crime fiction
Dive into the dark and thrilling world of contemporary Italian crime fiction.
Vocabulary
- il giallo (crime fiction)
- l'indagine (investigation)
- il commissario (police commissioner)
- cupo (dark)
- l'ambientazione (setting)
- la trama (plot)
- avvincente (compelling)
Objectives
- Talk about crime fiction plots
- Analyze a story's setting
Social commentary in modern books
Explore how modern Italian authors tackle complex social issues and identities.
Vocabulary
- il saggio (essay)
- l'impegno sociale (social commitment)
- lo stereotipo (stereotype)
- l'identità (identity)
- riflettere (to reflect)
- provocatorio (provocative)
- il divario (gap)
Objectives
- Debate social issues in books
- Express opinions on stereotypes
Award-winning Italian cinema
Learn about Italy's prestigious film awards and recent blockbuster hits.
Vocabulary
- la regia (direction)
- il botteghino (box office)
- la sceneggiatura (screenplay)
- il lungometraggio (feature film)
- girare (to shoot)
- la recitazione (acting)
- il premio (award)
Objectives
- Critique film directing and acting
- Talk about film awards
Global reach and female directors
Discuss the international presence of Italian cinema and the rise of women filmmakers.
Vocabulary
- il festival (festival)
- la regista (female director)
- l'estero (abroad)
- la traduzione (translation)
- emergente (emerging)
- promuovere (to promote)
- la visibilità (visibility)
- la rappresentazione (representation)
Objectives
- Discuss female representation in media
- Explain the importance of translation