Maureen has been studying Italian for many years, first in Aberdeen and later in Edinburgh, where she moved nine years ago. Her interest in learning Italian was sparked by the detective series Morse. An active member of Edinburgh u3a and various other groups, she now leads an Italian Conversation group. As she puts it, “I can’t converse in Italian by myself!”
Alongside her Italian studies, Maureen has had a successful career as a medical sociologist at the University of Aberdeen, focusing on women’s experiences with childbirth and infertility. She has always been committed to community work, having served as a breastfeeding counsellor and a Samaritans friend. Within Eu3a, she also enjoys participating in patchwork-making and knitting groups, and an art appreciation group with her husband, Ian.
Edinburgh u3a hosts several language groups, including two focused on Italian conversation. Maureen has run Italian groups for several years, including during the pandemic, when she led an online group for participants across Scotland. Now, her Italian 2 group is for intermediate learners and meets biweekly on Thursdays (10.15-11.45am) at Morningside Library. With fourteen members, the group continues to grow, welcoming new participants. Many join to improve conversation with Italian family members, connect to communities near to places they have bought homes, or prepare for trips on holiday.
Language groups require not just organisational skills; they need subject expertise and a structured approach. In each session, Maureen encourages conversation by inviting members to share their recent activities and introduce themselves to newcomers.
To challenge her group, she also assigns a magazine article for translation ahead of time, with a list of difficult vocabulary. The latest topic centred on young people’s attitudes towards cars in Italy, and their growing disinterest in them, particularly as luxury car manufacturers like Ferrari and Lamborghini are slow to adopt environmentally-friendly practices.
Page last updated on 19th August 2025