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novels set in Italy

New novel by Melissa Muldoon: “The Secret Life of Sofonisba—the most famous woman you’ve never heard of”
Sharing a magical letter from Sophia Loren
Sharing readers thoughts about “Waking Isabella” and answering reader questions

Follow along on Instagram @studentessamatta

🇮🇹 Un consiglio dalla Matta 🇮🇹 Matt

🇮🇹 Un consiglio dalla Matta 🇮🇹
Matta Italian Language Tip!

Parla come Caravaggio!

Want to bring some drama to your Italian? Take a cue from Caravaggio, the master of chiaroscuro — light and shadow. Just as his paintings contrast brilliance and darkness, Italian too plays with contrast and intensity.  

Try using expressive adverbs and phrases that add depth and emotion — words like “davvero” (truly), “assolutamente” (absolutely), or “proprio” (really/indeed). They act like linguistic brushstrokes, emphasizing meaning just as Caravaggio’s light illuminates his subjects.  

Also the expression: “Annamo!” — it’s the local way of saying Andiamo! (Let’s go!). Romans love shortening words and adding a bit of flair — it’s part of their charm!

* "Annamo al mare" (We're going to the beach).

* "Annamo a pijà il gelato?" (Shall we go get some ice cream?).

* The word can also be used sarcastically in the phrase "Annamo bene..." to mean "We're in trouble" or "That's just great," often when a situation is going wrong

 “Parla con luce e ombra… e la tua lingua italiana brillerà come un capolavoro!”

#StudentessaMatta #ItalianHomestay #LearnItalianInItaly #RomeHomestay #Garbatella #ItalianLanguageLearning #RomanHoliday #StudyItalianAbroad #MattaHomestay

🇮🇹 Un consiglio dalla Matta 🇮🇹 Matt

🇮🇹 Un consiglio dalla Matta 🇮🇹
Matta Italian Language Tip!

La filosofia linguistica della Matta — sii curioso e costante!
The Matta Language Learning Philosophy — be curious and consistent

Approach the language with insatiable curiosity—poke around, chase every new word, and get into grammatical mischief. The more you explore, the more naturally Italian will become a part of you!

Learn new words daily! Start with these: Scapare & Scopare

Non confondere “scapare” con “scopare”! La pronuncia è tutto! “Scapare” vuol dire “to escape” mentre “scopare” vuol dire… ehm... “to sweep” (o qualcosa di molto più piccante!).

Don’t confuse “scapare” with “scopare”! Pronunciation is everything1 “Scapare” means “to escape” while “scopare” means… ahem… “to sweep” (or something much spicier!).

Visit the StudentessaMatta.com website to read a post about “Scopare” and “Scapare”

#learnitalian #italianlanguage #italianimmersion #ItalianVocabulary

2026 Italian Language Small Group Immersion Progra

2026 Italian Language Small Group Immersion Programs

Live the Language. Love the Culture. Speak like an Italian in Italy!

Join me, Melissa Muldoon (@StudentessaMatta), in 2026 for one (or more!) unforgettable Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs — where learning Italian goes far beyond the classroom!

Arezzo City – June 14–26, 2026
 Tuscan Villa Retreat – September 12–21, 2026

Florence – September 26–October 5, 2026
 Giostra del Saracino Festival – September 5–7, 2026 
Immerse yourself in Italian life with small-group programs that blend:
 • Morning Italian lessons with expert teachers • Afternoon cultural adventures, cooking, wine tastings & art • Authentic local experiences with new friends who love la bella lingua
• Make 2026 the year you speak Italian with confidence and live your Italian dream!

Space is limited — visit StudentessaMatta.com to reserve your spot today!

#MattaLanguageImmersion #StudentessaMatta #LearnItalianInItaly #ItalianImmersion #ArezzoItaly #FlorenceItaly #Rigutino #GiostraDelSaracino #StudyAbroadItaly #LearnItalian

Meet Sofia, la Piccola Matta — a curious girl wh

Meet Sofia, la Piccola Matta — a curious girl who, along with her best friend Ty and her trusty beagle Moka, goes on fun adventures while teaching Italian words, phrases, and grammar!

Perfect for kids and adults beginning their Italian journey, “Sofia, la Piccola Matta Teaches Italian” by Melissa Muldoon makes learning a language colorful, creative, and joyful.

Winner of the 2025 Readers Views Silver Award for Best Children’s Book!
 Available now on Amazon in both Print and Digital editions.

Give the gift of Italian to someone you love — or treat yourself to a delightful start to la bella lingua!

#SofiaLaPiccolaMatta #LearnItalian #ItalianForKids #ItalianForBeginners #LanguageLearningFun #MelissaMuldoon #StudentessaMatta #ItalianLanguage #ItalianCulture #BilingualBooks #ReadersViewsAward #ChildrensBook #KidsLearningItalian

Programma Linguistico 2026 di Matta & Italianme a

Programma Linguistico 2026 di Matta & Italianme a firenze

2026 Matta ItalianME Florence Language Program: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Language, Culture, and the Splendor of Florence's Renaissance Heritage

Fall in Love with Florence—Matta Style!Join Melissa in enchanting Arezzo for 13 unforgettable days and 12 magical nights of Italian language, culture, and pure joy!
#FlorenceItaly2026 #ItalianLanguageImmersion #LearnItalianInFlorence #MattaFlorenceProgram #StudyItalianAbroad

http://www.studentessamatta.com/matta-florence-fall-2026-italian-immersion-program-italian-me/

Programma Linguistico giugno 2026 di Matta & Cultu

Programma Linguistico giugno 2026 di Matta & Cultura Italiana

2026 June Matta ArezzoHistoric City Italian Program:13 Days / 12 Nights

Language, Culture, and the Splendor of Arezzo's Jousting Festival

Get ready to gallop into summer 2026—Matta-style! Join Melissa in enchanting Arezzo for 13 unforgettable days and 12 magical nights of Italian language, culture, and pure joy!
#ArezzoItaly #CulturaItalianaArezzo #GiostraDelSaracino #ItalianAdventure #ItalianLanguageImmersion #LearnItalianInItaly #MattaArezzo2026 #studentessamatta #StudyAbroadItaly

https://www.studentessamatta.com/2026-june-matta-arezzo-historic-city-italian-language-immersion-program/

Homestay Italiano a Lecco con Beatrice & Paola –

Homestay Italiano a Lecco con Beatrice & Paola – doppio divertimento!

Italian Homestay in Lecco with Beatrice & Paola – double the fun!

Benvenuti a Lecco sul Lago di ComoWelcome to Lecco on Lake Como

Hai mai sognato di studiare l’italiano mentre ammiri le montagne che si riflettono nelle acque blu del Lago di Como?
#BeatriceAndPaola #HomestayinItaly #ItalianImmersion #ItalianLanguageTravel #LakeComo #LearnItalian #Lecco #StudentessaMatta

https://www.studentessamatta.com/learn-italian-homestay-lecco-lake-como-beatrice-paola/

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