Was It Something I Said?

Becoming Italian Word by Word, a blog by Dianne Hales, is an absolute must-read for anyone with an interest in Italian and Italians. Hales discusses the nuances of words and phrases, provides cultural insights, and talks about the history and structure of the Italian language, all in a way that is both entertaining and intelligent. As a native speaker of Italian who may not always grasp the English speaker’s mindset, my Italian teacher often finds it difficult (or impossible) to explain all those idioms, irregularities and idiosyncrasies to the satisfaction of his students. He shrugs his shoulders and says, “That’s just how we say it. It is the way it is.” Hales digs deeper and gives us a better of idea of why it is that way and what we can do with it. Take a look.

This looks absolutely wonderful:

http://www.piccolauniversitaitaliana.com/index.html

I can conjugate verbs on paper, but it’s a lot harder in the back seat of a taxi! In fact, I communicated well with taxi drivers in Rome and Florence. Whether or not they speak much (or any) English, they are used to tourists and usually quite patient about figuring out what you are trying to say.

Speaking Italian with people who were fluent in English was problematic. I still have to hesitate to translate what they’ve just said, or to compose my reply. They see the hesitation as a sign I don’t really understand, and they start speaking English. (They probably also find it more efficient.) Or, if my husband is standing next to me, he’s likely to just jump in, in English, before I can open my mouth to try Italian. When the other person can’t speak English, none of this happens. Since my communication needs were usually simple (asking directions, obtaining tickets or food, etc.) I managed quite well with those who didn’t speak English. When I made mistakes they usually understood what I meant anyway, and would sometimes kindly offer me a correction.

All in all, it was a great vacation. The educational part was secondary (maybe tertiary), but also lots of fun.

Here I am, in the business center of the Hotel Savoy in Florence, Italy. I’ve been in the country about a week, starting in Venice. I am not fluent in Italian, but I am so much better than I was the last time I was here that I am greatly encouraged. Kind people have congratulated me for putting together comprehensible sentences. I can’t hold a real conversation, largely because people keep saying things I don’t expect, and I simply can’t process their words quickly enough. But I am able to exchange enough information to get by. And, really, in the touristy places where I am traveling, many people speak at least a little English (and some are dazzling), so everything works out.