LE PAROLE ANALOGHE

A significant number of Italian and English words can be traced to a common Latin root. The ability to recognize these roots is greatly facilitated by the study of certain prefixes, suffixes, and consonant blends in both languages. Once you, the Italian student, are made aware of the fact that the Italian equivalent of the English suffix "-tion" is "-zione", for example, you will be able to recognize and form many new Italian words. The study of cognates will:

  1. expand your vocabulary
  2. increase your ability to infer meaning in context
  3. build self-confidence as you exercise your listening, writing, reading and speaking skills.

Warning! Beware of "false friends", that is, words that appear analogous but are not (ex: Italian sensibile appears to be the equivalent of the English "sensible". In fact, sensibile means "sensitive", not "sensible")