Making Italian Click

Making Italian Click: Audiobooks, Podcasts, and Online Newspapers

Learning Italian is like unlocking a whole new world—full of new words, fascinating culture, and the thrill of making progress every day.
But have you ever wondered how to make this journey even more engaging? Combining audio and text is a game-changer!

Why do you think audiobooks have been so popular for so long? And what about podcasts, with their transcripts?

Did you know you can apply this same combination of audio and text to some Italian online newspapers? Let’s explore how this powerful approach can broaden your horizons and take your Italian to exciting new heights!

Why Audiobooks Deserve a Spot in Your Routine

Audiobooks are a treasure trove for Italian learners, offering countless options to explore—and so many fascinating topics to dive into! Whether you're curious about gripping mysteries, thrilling adventures, or heartwarming romances, there's something out there just waiting to capture your interest. Explore what excites you, and you'll be surprised how fun learning Italian can be! The key to making the most of them? Two things: first, pick something that matches your level—not too easy to feel bored, but not so challenging that it feels like climbing a linguistic mountain. Second, choose stories or topics that genuinely interest you. Love a good mystery? Prefer a historical tale? Dive into something you’ll enjoy, and you’ll forget you’re even studying!

Find some samples here: https://www.ilnarratore.com/en/

Good news for beginners and beyond: many leading Italian publishers offer facilitated stories designed specifically for learners, making it easier to find something that suits your level while keeping it engaging and fun. Ask me more!

Podcasts: A World of Stories at Your Fingertips

Apart from a few podcasts specifically designed for learners, most Italian podcasts are aimed at native speakers. These podcasts tell stories, discuss topics relevant to Italian culture and society, and dive into everything from current events to fascinating tales. Naturally, following them requires a decent grasp of Italian—a level where you can catch the main points while filling in the gaps.

Motivation, however, is your best ally. Back when I was at my "in-between" phase of learning English (somewhere beyond beginner but still building confidence), I followed a program from the BBC. Why? Three reasons: I was genuinely interested in the topics, I understood about 60% of what was being said, and… I was, well, in love with the presenter’s voice! That extra motivation made all the difference.

Back in 2025 now! Here’s an amazing tool: more often than not, you can adjust the speed of the podcast. Slowing it down a bit (from 1 to 0.75 for example) can make it easier to follow. It’s like tailoring the experience to your level—how cool is that?

Italian News, Your Way: Read, Listen, or Both

Some Italian online newspapers have begun integrating text-to-speech (TTS) audio alongside their articles, giving learners the chance to listen and read the news, art reviews, mouthwatering food articles, and the list goes on. This is a powerful combination!

However, there are some limitations to TTS technology. For instance, the system doesn’t always understand which pronunciation to choose when it comes to homographs, like principi (prìncipi - princes or princìpi - principles) or ancora (àncora - anchor or ancòra - still). Why does this happen? Because TTS isn’t human—it can’t grasp context, and to be fair, the humans writing these articles rarely add stress accents in the middle of words unless it’s a super formal context. Articles from online newspapers don’t fall into the category of super formal contexts. The result? Words like principi are often read at random, leaving you to learn the wrong pronunciation and the wrong meaning. Double trouble, indeed! Working on these tricky details with an experienced tutor—like me—can lead to great results. I’ll help you understand the context, perfect your pronunciation, and steer clear of common pitfalls. On the other hand, tackling these on your own can be super confusing and frustrating—but you don’t have to go it alone!

The best voice so far for a free online high quality newspaper? Browse here: https://www.ilpost.it/

Finally, a Word of Caution: Take It Step by Step

As a teacher, I usually recommend that learners start only reading or only listening to an article first, rather than doing both at the same time. Combining reading and listening is a more advanced skill that can be a bit daunting initially. Once you feel comfortable in each separate skill, you can then merge them for maximum benefit. This gradual approach prevents overwhelm and ensures steady progress. But it should not feel like mandatory.
We listen to words, we read words, and it is ok not to check all the words for fear of missing something...

I want to note that I am not affiliated with any of the recommended tools or resources mentioned in this post—they’re simply options I believe can help you on your journey.

If you’re unsure where to start or want a structured approach, remember that reading and listening to an article guided by a teacher can be the best way to go. I’m here to help you navigate tricky pronunciations, unpack cultural references, and create a tailored learning plan that fits your goals. Interested in personalised lessons or have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Happy Learning! Buono studio! 🇮🇹✨