 |
Buongiorno! I’m Laura K. Lawless, creator, writer, editor, and CLO (Chief Lawless Officer) of this free online Italian learning site. If this is your first visit, take a look at Welcome to Lawless Italian.
Life Story
Born and raised in Illinois, I happily escaped to California at the age of 20. I spent 2½ years going to school and working in Monterey and another 3½ working, going to school, and goofing off in San José. I lived in Morocco for two and a half years, then spent four years in Pennsylvania, 9 months in Costa Rica, and 5 years in the South of France (during which I visited Italy about 20 times), before finally settling in Guadeloupe.
Interests
Language is the great love of my life, and computers are in my blood, so the two together are a match made in heaven. I also love traveling, trying new restaurants, cooking, and especially reading. I’m not a big sports person, but I enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, biking, and dancing.
Education
After graduating from high school, I started attending Knox College, but transferred to Monterey Institute of International Studies after two years, where I received a BA in International Studies, and then completed the first year of MIIS’ translation and interpretation MA program. I later spent a year studying French linguistics and literature at San José State University.
How’s My Italian?
I always managed to get by quite nicely during the several months total I spent in Italy before creating this site, including Venice, Milan, Turino, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Siena, Rome, Naples, Monopoli, and Tropea – as well as many, many small towns in between. (I’ve also taken several week-long cooking classes in various places.) Yet, I had never actually studied the Italian language, other than a single session with a beginners’ group which was just too boring to continue.
The problem is that because I speak French and Spanish, I can pick up new Italian vocabulary and grammar in moments, so a traditional classroom doesn’t work for me. In the summer of 2022, I took private classes in Sardinia and Sicily and my Italian improved exponentially.
Skills
I speak conversational Italian and Spanish, fluent French, basic Greek, and a smattering of Darija (Moroccan Arabic). I’m an eagle-eyed proofreader (except when it comes to my own work) and have a knack for transforming complicated concepts into accessible articles.
Other Information
I love language, and I love being able to share it via this wonderful tool: the internet. I’m truly delighted to have the opportunity to share my knowledge of and love for the Italian language with you. My only goal is to create a comprehensive Italian language resource for students and teachers.
I write about other topics at Lawless French, Lawless Spanish, Lawless English, and The Veggie Table (vegetarian recipes and info).
Though it’s certainly not required, I’d be very grateful if you would consider supporting this site.
Read more about me:
Questions?
Please post your questions about Italian on the Lawless Italian Facebook page.