Lorenzo Martinelli - Italian tutor and translator

Italian lessons that fit your goals!
From complete beginners to advanced conversation.

We all love the Italian climate, art, architecture, and Italian food. You can get a lot more out of your Italian experience if you actually do speak some Italian. Although most Italians will be more than willing to practise their English skills on you, you'll make a splash if you can say Buongiorno to them, or buy those oranges bursting with freshness from the market stall and book your hotel stay using their language. Whether you want to learn Italian for pleasure or for work, to make the best of your Italian experience, I can offer you:

Beginners Course

One-to-one or small group personal tuition and teaching, with a more structured approach, so you can learn Italian from scratch. Ideal for those who are first approaching the Italian language.

Improvers and advanced

Tailored to those who already speak some Italian, I can help you improve. Totally open-ended, you continue as long as you want, and stop when you feel you have reached the level of fluency in the Italian language you want.

Italian Conversation

If you already speak Italian, but want to improve it or keep it fresh, I offer interesting one-on-one online conversation sessions on a range of topics. Or you can join our weekly, in person, friendly Italian conversation group in Hereford

Tailored to you

I will offer you the maximum flexibility in our Italian lessons. You can progress from zero to survival Italian in an amazingly short time (from survival to fluent takes a little longer).

Online is easy and effective

Friendly and effective Italian language classes from the comfort of your home, using your computer or tablet. If you are hesitant with the technology , I can help you set it up simply and quickly.

...and translation

But I also offer translation services backed by over 30 years of experience. I translate documents, contracts, manuals, and many other subjects (especially technical and engineering documents, but also rental and purchase contracts, certificates, etc.)

I want you to learn to communicate in Italian, and I will help you to develop the Italian language skills you need, and learn how to ask questions, understand and give answers, and discuss the subjects you are interested in. We will use interesting course books, web sites, and many other resources, based on your needs, at your speed, and for your benefit. Let me know what you need, and what you want to achieve, and I'll help you do it!

More about me

I am Italian!

I was born near Milan, in Italy in the late 50s. I trained in engineering but soon developed an interest in languages, education and communication, as I worked for international organizations, travelling extensively in Latin America and Europe. My strong family connections with Siena, often considered the home of Italian, was certainly a source of my love for this musical language.

Teaching and Education

I have been teaching for many years, both privately and for larger organisations, and I work hard to keep my lessons fresh, relevant, and fun, reflecting the way people actually speak, rather than the way dry textbooks think they do. My students have included all sorts: university professors, opera singers and builders, office workers, artists, nurses, retired people and shopkeepers. If they can do it, so can you!

Translation

Yes, you can use AI to translate your texts, with often surprisingly good results, but AI does not always "get it". With over 30 years of experience, however, I can offer you the peace of mind of knowing that your translated text will accurately reflect the meaning of the original language.

Ethics

I believe that working for a peaceful, fairer, just, and more compassionate society is essential. For this reason I have chosen to work with and support local and international initiatives and Charities that are actively trying to make a better world.

What my students are saying

These are real, true comments from actual real people!

"Lorenzo makes learning Italian fun and interesting. He is endlessly patient with our glacially they are not that slow at all! slow progress and an excellent teacher."

K & P

Monmouth

"Our group has been having regular Italian classes for the last 3 years. Lorenzo manages to correct us while being always encouraging!"

The Monday Italian Group

Herefordshire

"Lorenzo's lessons are really interesting and fun. After 6 months, I am so much more confident to speak on holiday."

Lisa D.

Surrey

"After a year with Lorenzo, I went from zero Italian to holding conversations in Rome in Italian, and actually understanding the replies!"

Amanda W.

Surrey

"Lorenzo's Italian Conversation Group is an optimal and most enjoyable way of maintaining and improving my Italian with like-minded people."

Tim H.

Hereford

"Lorenzo's focused Italian course gave me the confidence to deliver a short speech in Italy after just two weeks. I was delighted!"

Alan T

Herefordshire

"Lorenzo has an engaging and vibrant teaching style that makes learning Italian a pleasure. In my lessons, he combines conversational practice with Italian culture and vocabulary. Lorenzo is always very patient and encouraging, making me feel comfortable to make mistakes. His instruction has greatly enhanced my trips to Italy."

MFK

Herefordshire

"Lorenzo makes learning Italian fun and interesting. He is endlessly patient with our glacially They are not that slow at all! slow progress and an excellent teacher."

K & P

Monmouth

"Our group has been having regular Italian classes for the last 3 years. Lorenzo manages to correct us while being always encouraging!"

The Monday Italian Group

Herefordshire

"Lorenzo's lessons are really interesting and fun. After 6 months, I am so much more confident to speak on holiday."

Lisa D.

Surrey

"After a year with Lorenzo, I went from zero Italian to holding conversations in Rome in Italian, and actually understanding the replies!"

Amanda W.

Surrey

"Lorenzo's Italian Conversation Group is an optimal and most enjoyable way of maintaining and improving my Italian with like-minded people."

Tim H.

Hereford

"Lorenzo's focused Italian course gave me the confidence to deliver a short speech in Italy after just two weeks. I was delighted!"

Alan T

Herefordshire

MFK

Herefordshire

Classes and conversation

One-on-one structured lessons
(Beginners)

One hour/week min.

Based on a tried-and-proven textbook by Loescher, delivered online using a computer or tablet. You will also need the coursebook, a notebook, a pen, some commitment and a couple of hours of study time a week.

Want to try?

One-on-one lessons or conversation
(Improvers and advanced)

One hour/week min.

We will use a more advanced coursebook and materials or cover specific topical subjects. We can focus on culture, travel, society, or explore more advanced language topics, based on your interests and needs.

Per cominciare

In-person conversation group
(Advanced)

Two hr./week approx.

Runs Oct.–July in Hereford. Chat freely in Italian in a fun, friendly environment — whatever takes our fancy. Light-touch tutoring and occasional in-depth lessons if you want them. Come and go as you please. Coffee and tea included.

Buona idea!