"Interactive" Italian Poetry for English Speakers
It's hard to appreciate poetry in a language one doesn't know, so this is my attempt to make Italian poetry more easily enjoyable to English speakers. The approach is probably a bit nerdy, so I hope that at least it will be of interest on HN. I basically implemented what I would like to have when I listen to songs or poems in a language I don't speak: karaoke-like, word by word, literal translation, with notes about word usage and some context when needed. And some stuff about the language itself --- the part needed for the poems, at least. The tech stack is as minimal as it gets: I was…
"Interactive" Italian Poetry for English Speakers launched on October 15, 2023 with 187 votes, #230 of 4,393 launches that month and more than 95% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 3 years on.
In plain words
Interactive Italian Poetry for English Speakers makes Italian poems accessible to English speakers by providing word-by-word literal translations, karaoke-style highlighting, and explanations of word usage and context. The tool includes notes on Italian grammar and language features relevant to understanding the poetry. Built with minimal technology for a vintage web aesthetic, it is designed for language learners and poetry enthusiasts who want to appreciate Italian literature without advanced language skills.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
This website aims to facilitate the appreciation of Italian poetry by English speakers who don't speak Italian.
This website is my answer to the question: “If I were an English speaker trying to get an idea of how Italian poetry sounds, what tool would I like to have?” Well, I would like first of all to hear the poems recited out loud. Then I’d like an easy way to go back and forth between English and Italian without opening a dictionary. Also useful: some context on the choice of vocabulary, and maybe a guide to the most salient technical aspects of the Italian language. Please check the guide to see how all this is implemented. There will be no literary criticism, for the most part, nor structured lessons in the history of Italian Literature besides some nuggets now and then. One can certainly find…from italianpoetry.it
In the maker’s words, at launch
It's hard to appreciate poetry in a language one doesn't know, so this is my attempt to make Italian poetry more easily enjoyable to English speakers. The approach is probably a bit nerdy, so I hope that at least it will be of interest on HN. I basically implemented what I would like to have when I listen to songs or…
Does a similar job
all alternatives →
Personalized Duolingo (kind of) for vocabulary building2025 · github.com · ▲161Hi! Wanted to share the project I really wanted to have. TLDR; this app lets you create your own list of words and you get a Duolingo-like experience (kind of, still needs a lot of features) practicing those words in their context. My English is not the best but not the worst either. But I realized I can't boost it up after a certain level! In my belief, in order to truly learn a language, you need to be exposed to that language often. Vocabulary is the key factor here if you really want to improve in any language. My experience is that when I read a book to improve my English vocabulary, I…
TransLiteFeb 2026 · translite.app · ▲98Hello ! David from Spain here :) I built TransLite because I was tired of breaking my flow every time I needed to translate something before sending it. The usual workflow was: copy → open a browser tab → paste → translate → copy again → paste back. I've created a small macOS menubar app that lets you translate the current clipboard instantly using a keyboard shortcut, in any app. It works locally and supports using your own OpenAI / Claude API key. It’s intentionally simple — no accounts, no tracking, no subscriptions. Happy to answer any questions. Best regards, David
- LCLearnLingo – Converse with an AI-powered language tutor2023 · learnlingo.dev · ▲157
Hey folks! I'm Callum, and I'm working on a way to practice a new language with an AI powered tutor. I've always found that the hardest part of learning a new language is finding someone to actually converse with. Even if a partner can be found, the pressure can mean that you are more focused on not making mistakes than on actually learning new grammar or vocabulary. The service that I have been working on allows you to practice with a language tutor via online chat messages, or you can have a turn-based voice conversation. I'm working on a number of other features that will be coming out…
Karaoke for any song in any language2020 · github.com · ▲126The Best Karaoke Maker. Contribute to youkaclub/youka-desktop development by creating an account on GitHub.
More work this month
the category →
Smooth Recorder▲257Mac screen recordings that look edited when you hit stop
Work · 24d ago · smoothrecorder.com
Work · 18d ago · readrare.com
Source: Show HN post ↗ · launch text quoted in part
Launched alongside, October 2023
the whole month →
Nudge 2.0▲1,051In-app experiences to activate, retain, & understand users
Growth · 2023 · nudgenow.com
Unlock AI magic for elevated customer engagement, fast
AI · 2023 · tiledesk.com
Effortlessly discover API behaviour with a Chrome extension that automatically generates OpenAPI specifications in real time for any app or website.
Dev tools · 2023 · github.com