3rd Edition

Modern Italian Grammar A Practical Guide

By Anna Proudfoot, Francesco Cardo Copyright 2013
    400 Pages
    by Routledge

    400 Pages
    by Routledge

    This new edition of the Modern Italian Grammar is an innovative reference guide to Italian, combining traditional and function-based grammar in a single volume. With a strong emphasis on contemporary usage, all grammar points and functions are richly illustrated with examples.

    Implementing feedback from users of the first edition, this text includes clearer explanations, as well as a greater emphasis on areas of particular difficulty for learners of Italian. Divided into two sections, the book covers:

    • traditional grammatical categories such as word order, nouns, verbs and adjectives
    • language functions and notions such as giving and seeking information, describing processes and results, and expressing likes, dislikes and preferences.

    This is the ideal reference grammar for learners of Italian at all levels, from beginner to advanced. No prior knowledge of grammatical terminology is needed and a glossary of grammatical terms is provided. This Grammar is complemented by the Modern Italian Grammar Workbook Second Edition which features related exercises and activities.

    Introduction  How to use this book  Glossary  Part A Structures  Part B Functions  Appendix I: Spelling and pronunciation  Appendix II: Regular verb forms  Appendix III: Irregular verb forms  Appendix IV: Verbs and prepositions  Appendix V: Sequence of tenses  Index

    Biography

    Anna Proudfoot was born in Scotland but spent large parts of her life in Italy. After graduating from London University, she taught Italian in adult, higher and further education, in Cambridge, London, California, and Oxford. She is Senior Lecturer in Italian at Oxford Brookes University. Her special interests are in developing materials for the adult learner. She is the author of several Italian language books and grammars, including Italian Grammar (Hodder 3rd edition 2003) and Routledge Intensive Italian course (2004). In 2007, she was awareded one of Italy's highest honours for her contribution to Italian culture and language: the Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta Italiana (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity). 

    Franco Cardo was born in Naples in 1951 and graduated in Philosophy at the University of Milan in 1976. From 1980 on, he taught Italian in various countries including China, the Republic of Korea and Britain, on an Italian Government programme designed to promote the teaching of Italian in foreign Universities. His work included teaching and the production of teaching materials, as well as the management and promotion of language and cultural exchanges. From 1989 to 1994 he taught at Oxford Brookes University, and coordinated the setting up of the Italian language teaching programme at the Italian Institute in London.

    Praise for Routledge Modern Grammars -

    ‘The entire series is outstanding. Why? Because it's totally practical without getting stuck in grammatical obscurities. It reflects the actual, contemporary use of the language as it is used by ordinary, educated speakers.’ - Harold Goodman, author of the Michel Thomas courses