Rampini, J: Grammar of the Italian Language, Vol. 1 (Classic - Taschenbuch

Excerpt from A Grammar of the Italian Language, Vol. 1

This Grammar has been written principally for the use of students in this country who learn the Italian Language as a branch of education. At the same time, those who wish to extend their knowledge will be better able to do so after having made themselves thoroughly acquainted with a short treatise of this kind, than if they had commenced with a more complicated work. The Author's experience has convinced him that long courses of Grammar are often undertaken, but seldom completed. The beginner is unable to distinguish the essential parts from those which are of secondary importance and may therefore be taken up with advantage at an after-period. No doubt this inconvenience may be obviated to a certain extent by typographical distinctions and directions, or by the judgment of the teacher; but it is better to keep what is unnecessary at first out of sight. To learn a little well will enable the pupil to learn more afterwards: to learn a great deal imperfectly is an impediment to all future progress. In the language of Whately, - "It is better to understand even a little, that it is possible to accomplish, than to make splendid professions, which can only lead to disappointment." - Early Lessons on Reasoning. Much useful information may be conveyed, and with little effort on the part of the pupil, by the observations of an able preceptor. To render this Work a really good Hand-book, to be thoroughly learned and continually referred to, all observations not absolutely necessary have been omitted. Many Grammars are made up of mere verbiage. The Author having observed that pupils often employ technical words without understanding them, a more simple mode of expression has been used, though with reluctance, which may present fewer learned words, but is fitted to impart clearer ideas. And here again Whately's words may be quoted: - "Even in the common mechanical arts, something of a technical language is found n