Benvenuto! Welcome to October’s second Sunday Shout-out geared toward learning the beautiful Italian language. Whether you currently live in Italy, dream of living in Italy, or are planning an upcoming trip, there is no doubt that learning the Italian language is the number one key to truly experience and appreciate the Italian culture and lifestyle.

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Dianne Hales, author of the book La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World’s Most Enchanting Language and the wonderful and insightful blog Becoming Italian Word by Word. Dianne’s passion for learning the nuances and delights of the Italian language inspires me on a daily basis!

For all of you who have a love of the Italian language and want to learn more, Dianne’s book and her blog are the perfect place for you! In her words,

I never expected to fall madly, gladly, giddily in love with the world’s most luscious language. But fall I did. Over the last twenty-some years, Italian has become my passport into Italy’s culture, history, lifestyle, traditions—and its very soul.
This site, along with my book La Bella Lingua and my blog Becoming Italian Word by Word, celebrates what Italy’s language has taught me about its greatest art: the art of living.

I love Dianne’s themed posts on Becoming Italian Word by Word where she picks a topic and explores the different Italian phrases and related words. Each post is a bite-sized lesson on not only the Italian language, but also Italy’s history, culture, cuisine and lifestyle. Her posts are an inspiring reminder that the key to unlock any culture is to understand the language. If you’re just beginning your Italian studies, take a look at Dianne’s Top 10 Secrets for Learning Italian Part 1  and Part 2. These are great tips!

Want a chance to win Dianne’s book? October is Italian Heritage Month, and right now Dianne has a contest running to win a signed copy of her book along with a pile of great Italian language books. Click here or on the image above now through November 7th to enter the contest. (Open to U.S. & Canada residents only.)

Grazie mille, Dianne, for sharing your knowledge and passion for the Italian language. We look forward to learning more about the world’s most enchanting language along with you!

Related Posts for Learning Italian

 Sunday Shout-out: Cyberitalian.com

Italian Language Immersion Month

Sunday Shout-out: L’Italiano in Famiglia

Around the blogosphere: Earlier this year Dianne wrote a lovely guest post on Michelle’s blog Bleeding Espresso. Click here to check it out!