Attending Tosca Helps Students Practice Italian

I was very skeptical when it came to going to an Italian opera.  I knew that it would be a new experience and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.  Tosca by Giacomo Puccini turned out to be the perfect opera for the first time goer.  The characters pulled you into the story and the subtitles helped you get more of the storyline.

I found it so amazing that I could actually pick out words that we have learned in ITA 102 from Adjunct Professor of Italian Sandra Pesoli. I recognized some grammar and vocabulary as soon as the show started and I noticed myself not having to look at the subtitles.  I was learning how to enhance my listening skills for the Italian language.

Not only were they saying the words quickly but they were also singing them, so it really helped me to keep out a listening ear.  It also helped me to learn some new vocabulary because I would hear a word, but also be able to see it on the screen if I couldn’t understand it right away.

An opportunity like going to see an opera really allows us to step out of our comfort zone and see our learning put to the test, but it also allows us to learn in a different and fresh environment.  Every Italian class should have the opportunity and want the opportunity to go to an event like an opera and see the Italian culture come alive so close to home.  I highly recommend this to everyone, and I look forward to going again next year.