ITALIAN

Why Italian?

Learners in Italian courses fall under two categories. The first group consists of those who choose the Italian language for professional or educational purposes and who, in a way, feel themselves obliged to learn the language. Most of these learners are students from Bilkent University and the Italian Language of Literature Department of the Faculty of Letters of Ankara University, workers in Turkish Tractor Factories, businessmen with trade relations with Italy, and members of the Armed Forces. The second group consists of learners who would like to learn Italian due to various other reasons. The fact that the Italian language sounds nice, as do all other Latin origin languages, is a sufficient reason for the learners in this group.

Lessons

In TÖMER, all classrooms are furnished with a “U-type” seating system so that learners can communicate with the teacher as well as their peers comfortably. Each class features modern, electronic teaching equipment; in accordance with international language learning standards, each class can hold 5 to 16 learners. Language teachers at TÖMER are members of Ankara University. The medium of instruction is Italian, as a result of which learners are exposed to the foreign language itself from the very start. 

Courses for General Purposes

Italian courses consist of 10 levels: 4 basic levels, 4 intermediate levels, 2 advanced levels. In order to be successful at the final test given at the end of each term, learners need to prove proficient in each language skill tested (reading, listening, speaking, writing). If a learner fails to get a pass mark in any one of these skills, he or she is asked to take a second test for this skill only.

Coursebooks include Qui Italia and its supplementary exercise book, tape and DVD material, supplementary coursebook called Parlare Leggere Scrivere; there is also supplementary material designed by TÖMER Italian Unit. In advanced levels, material compiled from documents on topics, news items and articles are used in order to help improve speaking skill. 

Courses for Specific Purposes

Courses for specific purposes include test preparation classes (KPDS, CILS, AIESEC) and classes for translation-interpretation tests given by government and private institutions. These classes are organised upon request.

Speaking Classes

Speaking courses are organised for learners currently attending TÖMER Italian courses. Speaking classes are run by Italian native speaker teachers at various times of the day and the lesson content includes current topics and topics on the Italian culture. Learners in TÖMER Italian courses can attend these classes free of charge.

Final Tests

Normal courses cover 40 class hours and intensive courses cover 48 class hours; at the end of each semester, learners sit for a final test that includes sections on four basic language skills. Grading criterion is presented below. If a learner fails to meet the pass mark required for a skill, a second test is given for the skill concerned only. Yet, learners who fail in more than one skill are asked to repeat the level.