VCE Expert with 15 years of teaching and assessing VCE Italian. Offering tailored lessons for all levels, ensuring comprehensive language development and exam success. 

Find out more about Annalisa

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  I was born and raised in Italy, in a small country town in the Veneto region. Growing up surrounded by local dialects and rich cultural traditions, I quickly developed a deep passion for literature and linguistics. That early spark ended up shaping not only my academic path, but also many of the life choices I've made since. I studied Literature at the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, then Linguistics in Pisa, before moving to Melbourne through a Uni program. I completely fell in love with Australia and with teaching. So I decided to stay, and since I completed my Diploma of Education, I have been teaching Italian in public and private secondary schools in Melbourne for the past 15 years.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I'd choose Pinocchio, the wooden puppet by Carlo Collodi. He's much more than just a children's character-he's a symbol of freedom, imagination, and the messy, beautiful path of growing up. Le Avventure di Pinocchio is one of the most translated books in the world-right up there with the Bible and Harry Potter! To me, Pinocchio captures the heart of Italian culture: full of life, lessons, and a bit of mischief.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  One expression I particularly love isn't a traditional saying, but a quote by the legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini: "A different language is a different vision of life." I think it beautifully captures the transformative power of language-how it doesn't just let you communicate, but truly shapes the way you see and understand the world. It resonates deeply with me as both a language teacher and a lifelong learner.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Italian is my heritage language, and its importance to me only grew when I moved to Australia and began teaching it. I quickly realized how many people-young and old-are fascinated by the sound of Italian, its musicality, and the richness of the culture behind it. Sharing this passion has allowed me to build meaningful connections not only with my students, but also with fellow adults who appreciate the value of languages. I truly believe that learning and teaching languages promotes diversity, fosters empathy, and helps break down cultural barriers.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  One of the main challenges in learning Italian is mastering its grammar-especially when it comes to verb tenses and agreement-and moving beyond textbook language to real, authentic usage. For students in Victoria, the VCE Italian exam also presents its own set of complexities, requiring a high level of accuracy and cultural awareness. What truly helps the learning process is consistent oral practice and exposure to engaging, meaningful content. Grammar shouldn't be taught as a dry, mechanical set of rules, but rather in context, so learners can form strong mental connections and actually enjoy the journey.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  When I was in high school, I had the unforgettable opportunity to go on a three-week exchange in the UK and stay with a local family. It was my first real encounter with British culture-from experiencing the classic packed lunch and trying Yorkshire pudding, to learning the subtle art of English politeness. What made it truly special was how warmly I was welcomed by my host family; they treated me as one of their own. That experience opened my eyes to the power of language and cultural exchange, and it still inspires the way I teach today.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Since I'm a native Italian speaker, I'd answer this in two parts. Firstly, travel in general is one of the richest forms of learning-it has a unique way of sharpening your awareness of language, even the ones you don't speak fluently. Secondly, living in Australia has completely transformed my understanding of Italian. As a linguist and language teacher, it's pushed me to see my mother tongue through the eyes of my students. I've become much more attuned to the challenges English speakers face when grappling with Italian grammar and sentence structures. It's a constant learning process, and I'm always refining my teaching to better support my learners.