Italian Steps FAQs
1. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash. If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the 麻豆社 WebWise guide, which you can find here.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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2. I can't see the slideshows, why?
To view the slideshows you will need the software called Flash. If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the 麻豆社 WebWise guide, which you can find here.
Alternatively, you can read a transcript of the dialogue, with pictures but no sound.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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3. When I watch the slideshows, they're slow to load, cut off or don't appear to load at all - why?
This may be due to Internet congestion, which will slow down your connection speed at times of high Internet traffic.
We have tried to minimise the disruption this may cause in your experience of our site. In the meantime, we suggest you try again, possibly at a different time, but please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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4. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italian Steps
5. Can I download Italian Steps for my iPod/mobile phone/MP3 Player?
Unfortunately, Italian Steps cannot be downloaded. The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the Quick Fix and Cool Languages.
To download the files, right click and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italian Steps
6. I want to print my learning log (progress page) but I can't see it - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of web Site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italian Steps
7. I can't see the keywords- why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of web Site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italian Steps
8. I can't add special characters (accented letters) - why?
Your browser is probably not displaying the symbols properly because it's set on a specific default, not compatible with these letters.
Please follow these steps:
1) In your Internet Explorer, go to View
2) In the view menu, choose Encoding
3) In the Encoding menu, choose Western European (ISO)
Please also make sure that you have the latest version of Flash Player downloaded on your machine. You can download it, free of charge here.
For help with typing the special characters, .
For more information on how to .
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italian Steps
9. I can't access the email tip - why?
This depends on the type of programme that you use to read your email.
a. You should be able to see a link within the email tip that says 'Here are a few tips to get you started:', which you need to click on
b. If you can't see this link, it may be to do with whether you have selected the HTML version or the plain text version and your settings for viewing emails
c. You have probably subscribed to the HTML version. You'll need to make sure that you click on HTML view - e.g. if you use Microsoft Outlook for emails you'll need to click on Tools, Options, Mail format - you then have the option of selecting HTML, Rich text or Plain
d. If you don't wish to receive the HTML version, please ensure that you select Plain text
Another solution is to copy the link ('right click', copy shortcut) and to paste it in the address bar of your browser
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italian Steps
10. I didn't receive this week's email tip - why?
It may be that email tip has automatically been filtered into your 'junk' or 'spam' folder so it's a good idea to check there.
If this is the case, you will need to click on the email and add it to your 'safe list'. Depending on your email provider, it may say in the tool bar in your spam/junk folder something along the lines of 'not junk' or 'not spam' and you'll need to click there to activate it.
You can access our online versions of the tips using the following links:
Italian Steps
tip 1,
tip 2,
tip 3,
tip 4,
tip 5,
tip 6,
tip 7,
tip 8,
tip 9,
tip 10,
tip 11,
tip 12,
tip 13,
tip 14.
If this doesn't resolve the problem, please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italian Steps
11. How can I find a learning partner?
introduces learners all over the world to the opportunity of learning a foreign language to make it easy to get started. They offer a free search for eTandem partners for all languages, help for learning, tips for teachers etc.
Although we suggest that you find a learning partner in the tips, it's not essential to do so.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italian Steps
Talk Italian FAQs
1. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need RealPlayer.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide from 麻豆社 Web Wise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
2. I can't see the videos - why?
To watch the video, you will need RealPlayer.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide from
麻豆社 WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
3. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
4. I can't see the keywords - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of web Site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
5. I can't add special characters (accented letters) - why?
Your browser is probably not displaying the symbols properly because it's set on a specific default, not compatible with these letters.
Please follow these steps:
1) In your Internet Explorer, go to View
2) In the View menu, choose Encoding
3) In the Encoding menu, choose Western European (ISO)
Please also make sure that you have the latest version of Flash Player downloaded on your machine. You can download it, free of charge here.
For help with typing the special characters, .
For more information on how to .
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
6. Can I download Talk Italian for my iPod/mobile phone/MP3 Player?
Unfortunately, Talk Italian cannot be downloaded. The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the
Quick Fix and Cool Languages.
To download the files, 'right click' and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
7. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I download the Talk Italian worksheets/factfiles?
You can find the worksheets for tutors .
You can also find the factfiles for your students based on themes from Entry/Level 1 syllabuses here.
You can find 麻豆社 Active worksheets for tutors .
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
8. How can I buy Talk Italian on CD/cassette/the course book?
You can browse all languages related materials that are available from 麻豆社 Active or the 麻豆社 Shop .
Please contact them with any queries/comments below:
麻豆社 Active - Fill in the .
麻豆社 Shop - Send an email to bbcshop@bbc.co.uk
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
9. When will Talk Italian next be shown on TV?
Talk Italian is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on 麻豆社 Two. It's broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next broadcast, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
10. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?'
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Talk Italian
Italianissimo FAQs
1. I can't hear the audio - why?
To listen to the audio you will need RealPlayer.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide from 麻豆社 WebWise.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
2. I can't see the videos - why?
To view the videos you will need RealPlayer.
To download and install a free version of RealPlayer, follow this step-by-step guide.
If you have any other media player or an older version of RealPlayer, they may not be suitable and you may have to download the software again.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
3. I don't see anything; it's just a blank page - why?
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click here for more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
4. When I click on the transcripts, nothing happens - why?
The transcripts are available in Rich Text format (rtf). You may get prompted to save the file when you click on the link. If that's the case, follow the instructions on the screen and save it on your system. You should then be able to open it and print it out with your word processor.
If you're having trouble viewing some parts of a web page or whole pages seem to be blank, your firewall is usually causing the problem by blocking cookies or scripts that the website can't work without.
Click herefor more information about your firewall.
It may also be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of Web site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Please let us know if you continue to experience problems.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
5. I can't see the keywords - why?
It may be that you have a pop-up blocker switched on in your browser. You can usually see a yellow bar at the top of the page. You need to 'right click' on it to be able to accept the pop-up.
If you are using Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose the Pop-up Blocker option, then select Pop-up Blocker Settings. In the Address of web Site to allow box, type the address http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
Finally, click on Add.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
6. Can I download Italianissimo for my iPod/mobile phone/MP3 Player?
Unfortunately, Italianissimo cannot be downloaded. The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the Italianissimo and Cool Languages.
To download the files, right click and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
7. How can I buy Italianissimo on CD/cassette/the course book?
You can browse all languages related materials that are available from or the
Please contact them with any queries/comments below:
麻豆社 Active - Fill in the .
麻豆社 Shop - Send an email.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
8. When will Italianissimo next be shown on TV?
Italianissimo is occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on 麻豆社 Two. The series is broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
9. Can I buy Italianissimo on DVD/video?
Unfortunately, DVDs and videos of Italianissimo are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only. However, tutors and teachers can borrow back copies of programmes for classroom use.
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click
to find out about how you can join their membership scheme.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to Italianissimo
Quick Fix/Cool FAQs
1. When I click on the audio, nothing happens - why?
To listen to the audio you will need the software called Flash. If it's not already on your computer, Flash can be installed easily and free of charge using the 麻豆社 WebWise guide, which you can find here.
Further help can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to
Quick Fix Italian or Cool Italian
2. I can't download the MP3 version - why?
To download the MP3 files, right click and choose save target as from this page.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions or go to
Quick Fix Italian or Cool Italian
General Italian FAQs
1. How do I find out my level?
To find out the most suitable course for you, take our test to gauge your level.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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2. I'm a beginner - which course should I do?
We have a range of Italian resources that you may find useful.
Italian Steps
Italian Steps - a self-contained online course for beginners in 24 manageable, short steps with clear audio, slideshows, activities and grammar notes.
Talk Italian
Talk Italian - this is a lively introduction to the language in ten short parts. Try the online topics with audio, video and quizzes. There are also Talk TV programmes, which are occasionally repeated on 麻豆社 Learning Zone on 麻豆社 Two, as well as a 麻豆社 book plus two audio cassettes or two CDs.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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3. I'm an intermediate - what resources does the 麻豆社 have?
We have a range of more advanced Italian resources, which you can find here.
We don't currently offer courses in Italian for intermediates. However, you can use the 麻豆社 search function to find a course which is recommended by the 麻豆社. Simply click here, tick the button 'The Web' and type your request in the search box.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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4. I'm an intermediate and want to try something more advanced - how?
A local course
Use our UK Course Finder to locate one near you.
Your local library will have details of centres and colleges where you can find a suitable course, or you can get in touch with 麻豆社 Learning Advice on 08000 150 950. Calls are free and lines are open 9am-9pm Monday-Friday and 9am-12noon on Saturday.
Courses abroad
Going abroad to Italian-speaking countries is a good way of improving your Italian and there are a number of tour operators who specialise in holidays with language courses, often in very beautiful locations. The Association of British Travel Agents can provide contact details - visit their or call 020 7637 2444.
If you're interested in staying with a family abroad and/or taking an intensive course with classroom tuition or even going on a working holiday, then the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges can help: contact them via their or call 020 7930 8466.
Italian cultural events
The Istituto Italiano di Cultura promotes Italian culture and the Italian Language. Apart from running its own courses, it also organises Italian cultural events. You can contact the Institute in London on 020 7235 1461 or visit their
.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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5. I want to teach my child Italian. What resources do you have or recommend?
The 麻豆社 does not currently have any online Italian courses specifically aimed at young children.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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6. Which Italian materials are downloadable?
The only phrases which are currently downloadable are the Quick Fix
and Cool Languages.
To download the files, 'right click' and choose save target as.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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7. The text is too small - can I resize it?
To increase or decrease the text size for the web page that you are viewing, please click here and select Windows, Apple Mac or Linux.
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8. Where can I buy books/CDs/DVDs/cassettes in Italian?
You can browse all languages related materials that are available from or the .
Please contact them with any queries/comments at the following addresses:
麻豆社 Active - Fill in the
麻豆社 Shop - Send an email to: bbcshop@bbc.co.uk
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions
9. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I borrow Learning Zone videos?
Unfortunately, most of the videos of programmes shown on the Learning Zone are not available for purchase. This is due to copyright and contractual agreements that cover broadcasting only. However, tutors and teachers can borrow back copies of programmes for classroom use.
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click to find out about how you can join their membership scheme.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions
10. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I get permission to use the language videos broadcast on the Learning Zone in my class?
You may make and keep recordings of any 麻豆社 programme broadcast on the Learning Zone if you have an Educational Recording Agency (ERA) licence. For details, contact the ERA:
Telephone: 020 7837 3222
Send an email.
Website:
Richmond College provides a video library service with copies of broadcasts for schools, colleges and universities who are members of their library and hold an ERA licence. Click
to find out about how you can join their membership scheme:
Guidelines for use of our online material are covered by the 麻豆社 guidelines for schools and educational establishments (see the link provided below for more information). Most schools and colleges already have a licence which allows them to copy and share our material in the classroom, but it is worth checking with your own school or college if they have one.
You can view the copyright guidelines here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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11. I'm a tutor/teacher - how do I buy books and other resources for my class?
You can browse the 麻豆社 Schools shop by clicking and entering what you are looking for in the Quick Search box.
Please contact them with any .
Please note that materials purchased from the Schools Shop are for use by educational establishments only.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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12. How do I watch Italian programmes on TV?
Italian programmes, such as Talk Italian and Italian Inside Out, are occasionally repeated on the Learning Zone on 麻豆社 Two. They're broadcast overnight so you'll need to set your video the night before.
To find out about the next month's broadcasts, you could subscribe to our free newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
The quarterly schedule for programmes broadcast on the Learning Zone can be found here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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13. How can I find a local course?
You can look for local courses via our website here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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14. I'm working in Italy - are there any phrases to help me?
Find out what it's like to work in a Italian-speaking environment with Italian for Work resources.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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15. How can I study in Italy?
Going abroad to an Italian-speaking country is a good way of improving your Italian and there are a number of tour operators who specialise in holidays with language courses, often in very beautiful locations. The Association of British Travel Agents can provide contact details - visit their or call 020 7637 2444.
If you're interested in staying with a family abroad and/or taking an intensive course with classroom tuition or even going on a working holiday, then the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges can help:
contact them via their or call 020 7930 8466.
The 麻豆社 is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions
16. How can I find an Italian pen-pal?
You can use the 麻豆社 search function to find a site for pen-pals which is recommended by the 麻豆社. Simply click here, tick the button 'The Web' and type your request in the search box.
introduces learners all over the world to the opportunity of learning a foreign language to make it easy to get started. They offer a free search for eTandem partners for all languages, help for learning, tips for teachers etc.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
Back to questions
17. I want to join the 麻豆社 Languages team/want a job at the 麻豆社. What should I do?
As a large organisation, all of our recruitment is generally handled centrally, with all details of jobs given on our main website. For more information on the latest vacancies and training opportunities, click here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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18. How do I find out about new Italian resources on your site - do you have a newsletter?
To receive up-to-date information about our websites and programmes you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Just click here and enter your email address in the space provided.
Can't find what you're looking for? Please contact us.
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19. General computer queries
Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with general computer queries. However, the following starting points may be of use:
The 麻豆社's guide to using the Internet: Webwise
Enter your problem/query and search for results with
Search Microsoft's support pages
Search Apple's support pages
Search Linux's support pages
Alternatively, you could search for the homepage of the manufacturer of the hardware/software you are experiencing problems with and search there.
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Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact us:
We will only use your details to contact you and will not pass them on to anyone else.
Do you want to make a complaint?
Please use our website 麻豆社 Complaints.
The 麻豆社 is not responsible for the content of external sites
