Episode #29 of the fun-to-practice and extra-useful “Listen Up & Learn” lesson series is entitled “The Island of Glass” (L’Isola del Vetro). – According to recent news, the island of Murano and its worldwide famous glass making tradition are in real danger of disappearing soon. A decreasing labor supply and most importantly, the growing competition from China and Eastern Europe, are putting this “100% made in Italy” glass making industry on its knees. But the Venetian glass makers are not ready to surrender yet…
So, let’s pay a tribute to this fantastic artistic tradition by learning about its fascinating story and cultural aspects. – Then as usual, after listening to the story, take the “7 Question Challenge” to test your comprehension, speaking, and grammar skills. Enjoy!
[VIP Members Only Extra Bonus – Back To Basics: The Verb “Piacere” (To Like)] Login to the Learning Center to find, as a special extra bonus, a super useful audio file with PDF transcript entitled “Back To Basics: The Verb Piacere (To Like)“. This verb it’s not as easy as it seems (no worries, we’ve made it easier for you!) but it is a must-know if you really want to “Say It Like Italians Do!”
Listen Up & Learn – Episode #29
Such a shame this is happening. I was in Venice for my honeymoon and of course I went to visit Murano. It’s a true piece of Italian creativity would be terrible if it was lost. — Go Murano glass makers!
Thank you Jody – Yes, watching the Murano’s glass makers working is just amazing. I had the pleasure of meeting one a while ago; it really takes years of practice to make even the simplest piece of artistic glass.