People usually learn a new language because their main goal is to be able to speak. However, many learners feel frustrated because they think speaking is something that only happens at the intermediate or advanced stages of the learning process. Speaking is not just a goal — it is part of the learning process itself and can be done from the very beginning.

I created a conversation simulator for beginner students that recreates short, simple and direct oral interactions to give them the confidence to freely communicate in Italian.

I selected five different situations and specific vocabulary related to them: bars, restaurants, hotels, museums, and people.

Since the simulator is mainly designed for complete beginner students, I prepared ten closed-ended questions for each situation, along with two possible answers for each question.

I recorded my voice for both the questions and the answers.

The idea is to simulate a conversation with the teacher.

By clicking the sound icon, the question will be played. The user can then choose between answer A and B and try reading it aloud. If they are not sure about the pronunciation, there is also a pre-recorded answer to check it.

Questions and answers are written directly in Italian. Their meaning is usually clear, as images are provided to support understanding. However, if something is not clear, a translation appears by clicking directly on the text of both questions and answers.

This conversation simulator was created for beginner students to help them familiarise themselves with some Italian words and their pronunciation by practising the language in an oral exercise.

A couple of grammar rules are also indirectly included: the two singular personal subjects (“I” and “you”) and their conjugated verbs. The idea is to learn these grammar rules through acquisition by repetition.