Hello, my name is Donatella Attanasio and I'm an experienced native Italian language tutor currently living in Italy. I have been teaching Italian online since 2017.
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About me - English
Hello everyone!
Thank you for clicking on my profile. I am a native, experienced Italian language teacher, with a Ph.D. degree in Japanese literature and publications in Italian and Japanese. I lived for six years in Japan and this is why I specialized in teaching Italian to Japanese, but since I’m fluent in English as well, I can teach also to people of other nationalities.
I’m patient, friendly and very flexible concerning lesson time. I like humour. I do my best to deliver high quality lessons tailored for the student’s needs, and I am confident in helping students become fluent in the language and pass language exams. Those who are already studying at university or language school, or who simply are not interested in studying regularly, may take my lessons just once in a while to clarify whatever in the language is not clear to them.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, writing, going to the gym and cooking.
If you are interested, please continue reading to learn more about me. Thank you. I hope to see you soon online for a free, enjoyable trial lesson!
Qualifications & Experience
STUDIES
February 1988
Degree in Japanese Language and Literature at Ca' Foscari University,
Venice.
From October 1988 to July 1990
Specialization course in Japanese language at Italian Institute for Africa
and the East (Is. I.A.O.) of Milan.
From July 1991 to March 1992
Research in Japanese literature at International Christian University (ICU)
of Tokyo. Scholarship granted by The Rotary Foundation of Evanston
(USA).
From April 1992 to March 1997
Master course and later Doctor course at Doshisha University of Kyoto.
From April 1992 to March 1995
scholarships granted by the Rotary Foundation of Evanston and later by Kyoto Prefecture (with the title of "Friendship Ambassador") and finally by Doshisha University.
January 2001
Discussion of the dissertation of the Doctor Course and attainment of the
Ph.D. degree in Japanese literature at Doshisha University, Kyoto.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
From April 1993 to March 1995
Researcher in Japanese literature at International Research Center for
Japanese Studies (Nichibunken) of Kyoto.
From April 1995 to July 1997
Teacher of Italian language at Italian Cultural Institute of Kyoto (Nihon
Italia Kyoto Kaikan) and Italo-Japanese Institute(Nichi-i Gakuin) of Osaka.
From July 1991 to July 1997
Now and then translator and interpreter at trade fairs.
From January 2000 to March 2000
Researcher in Japanese literature at Doshisha University of Kyoto.
Fellowship granted by the National Research Council in agreement with
the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
From September 2003 to June 2004
Teacher of Japanese language and culture at high schools "Alessandro
Volta" and "Caravaggio" of Milan.
From September 1997 to nowadays
Teacher of Italian language to foreigners. Now and then interpreter and translator.
Teaching Approach
I teach using a good textbook because I think a good grammatical basis is fundamental, but as soon as the student has understood a new rule we apply it with many examples in conversation. In this way the student acquires self-confidence, starts speaking from the very first lesson and gets used to the new language almost without realising it. The lessons are lively and pleasant, though the pace is actually fast. My students say that I can explain whatever difficult concept briefly and simply with a few words, so that they understand immediately. I'm patient, encouraging and friendly. I like comparing ideas and worldviews, and I appreciate humour. In teaching Italian language I strive to give the student a complete ability: we will practice listening, speaking, reading and writing.