Here's my stance on this. I don't have much time really so I'll try to keep it short.
This method does look effective, IMO. On the other hand, I do understand why people complain about it as it does look a bit hard. Considering that I've followed Italian sites trying to read some news and post it here, watched some streams with Italian commentator etc. I'd say I have a better starting point than some here. On the other hand, that better ground is like 5-10% more, so people shouldn't think of me as an expert because I'm not one.
The thing is, I can understand a pretty big part of the conversation. I play the video and read the lines in Italian, what's written below. Based on a topic I'd say I understand like 70-80% of it. After that I read the English version and see what were those words confusing me to begin with. When it comes to that dialog, Janna, you shouldn't worry about it. I mean, I was most copying Martin's text and changing some parts where I have used online dictionary for the other half, trying to make a correct sentence. Hell, sometimes I write what I think it should be correct and guess what, I made tons of mistakes. Like Klin said, I find it very hard to step on another level and try to write something myself, let alone speak the same. If I had to write a short story I'd have to use dictionary for 95% of it, it's how weak I am. But I just try, no need to think I'm somehow ahead of you by miles, I just try.
It would be much easier for me if I had much time. There's a lot of stuff going on in my life right now and I'm very nervous and short on time. I have a lot of drama and exams coming up. As for the course itself, I like it and I find it very useful. So I can only say thanks to Martin and Kate for doing this.
