By LATOYA DUNCAN, Special to the Times Union
First published: Friday, May 4, 2007
NISKAYUNA — The Language Learning Institute recently launched its Italian program in March with a beginner class.
Institute Director Nancy Scarselletta said once the program develops, multiple levels will be offered. Advanced classes in Italian are expected to be added later this year. Eleonora Morrell, Italian class instructor, has a bachelor of arts degree from SUNY-Binghamton in Italian literature and language.
“Teaching at the Language Learning Institute has given me the opportunity to share the Italian language and culture with others who are as passionate about it as I am,” Morrell said.
Scarselletta said institute classes emphasize speaking, accuracy of pronunciation and comprehension of the spoken word.
“We promote the standard language while recognizing the familiar, slang and dialects and, most importantly, language is not merely words strung together. My programs are not grade-oriented, but rather learning- and study-oriented,” she said.
The institute also offers the Learn French and Travel program.
This program is designed for people who may want to travel and are interested in the culture and history of the French-speaking world, not necessarily just learning the language. This concept will eventually be expanded in 2008 with the launch of the Learn Italian and Travel program.
The Institute has after-school enrichment programs and summer camps for children. The institute also offers tutorial and advanced studies for middle school and high school students. There are also full-language programs for adults who just want to dabble or for those who want to become fluent.
Scarselletta holds a master’s degree in French from Middlebury College and a bachelor’s in French and secondary education from Siena College. She taught for more than 20 years in many different settings. She opened The Language Learning Institute in an effort to expand the learning experience beyond the classroom setting.
Those interested in learning more about current and future class offerings for either French or Italian or the Learn [a Language] and Travel program can contact the institute at 346-7096 or by e-mail at [email protected].
