Blessedly, Italian is phonetic and presents few difficulties in pronunciation. Here are some of the basics.
Do not use the pronunciation of Italian surnames in America as a guide. These are very often adapted and anglicized.
Also avoid pronouncing diphthongs as two syllables. This irritates me no end. Do not order Pinot Gree-gee-oh or Kee-an-tee. There are only two syllables there: say Pinot Gree-jo and Kyan-tee. Also, stop tormenting all the Giuseppes of the world by calling them Gee-ooh-zeppy. They should be properly addressed as Joo-zeppeh.
