Why learn Italian
Italian is the closest modern descendent of the Latin spread across Europe by Roman troops, from which French, Portuguese and Spanish also descend. The language of Fellini and Dante Alighieri has a musical beauty that lends itself to poetic expression and great art. But Italian is also a language of business and an important tool in the professional world. Italy has one of Europe’s largest economies and is a major trading partner of Great Britain.
For many, however, speaking Italian is the key to truly enjoying leisure time in the kingdom of Dolce Vita, where the food is sublime, the scenery spectacular and the lifestyle irresistible.
Fast facts about the Italian language:
- Estimated native speakers: 65 million
- Estimated total speakers: 85 million
- Official/de facto official language in: Croatia (Istria County), Italy, Malta, San Marino, Slovenia,(Slovenian Istria), Switzerland, Vatican City
