PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
Anna Proudfoot was born in Scotland but spent large parts of her life in Italy. After graduating from London University, she taught Italian in adult, higher and further education, in Cambridge, London, California, and Oxford. She is Senior Lecturer in Italian at Oxford Brookes University. Her special interests are in developing materials for the adult learner. She is the author of several Italian language books and grammars, including Italian Grammar (Hodder 3rd edition 2003) and Routledge Intensive Italian course (2004). In 2007, she was awareded one of Italy's highest honours for her contribution to Italian culture and language: the Ordine della Stella della Solidarieta Italiana (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity). Franco Cardo was born in Naples in 1951 and graduated in Philosophy at the University of Milan in 1976. From 1980 on, he taught Italian in various countries including China, the Republic of Korea and Britain, on an Italian Government programme designed to promote the teaching of Italian in foreign Universities. His work included teaching and the production of teaching materials, as well as the management and promotion of language and cultural exchanges. From 1989 to 1994 he taught at Oxford Brookes University, and coordinated the setting up of the Italian language teaching programme at the Italian Institute in London.
'It's structure is innovative: first part an overview of structures for reference and the second organised by functions, which gives a host of useful examples of very up to date and usable language. The index is therefore essential for finding particular points because the content follows a different pattern from other grammar books. I tried finding points which I have had queries about over the last year and could locate them easily.It's much better to have a reference to a particular section (eg.6.5.14) than to have just a page number and have to scan all the page to find the point needed. I think this will be an essential handbook for all tutors of Italian, particularly native speakers who know what one says but cannot explain why. The book will also be very useful for students as the explanations are as simple as possible, and each example is followed by an accurate and natural-sounding equivalent in English, so there is no room for uncertainty.' - Sue Maitland, City of York Adult and Community Education Service Praise for Routledge Modern Grammars - 'The entire series is outstanding. Why? Because it's totally practical without getting stuck in grammatical obscurities. It reflects the actual, contemporary use of the language as it is used by ordinary, educated speakers.' - Harold Goodman, author of the Michel Thomas courses
