I’ll speak Italian, you speak English. OK?
Many Italians speak and/or understand English. They do differ from Americans in their use of any foreign language, and knowing this will help you communicate better when in Italy, whether you know Italian or not.
Most Americans are not shy about using any foreign language, or even just a few foreign words for that matter, when they travel. If they know it – or simply feel they know it – they’ll use it. Often poorly … very poorly. Italians, on the other hand, will tend to not speak a foreign language unless they are very accomplished at it. They prefer to not be embarrassed. We couldn’t care less!
This can complicate communication for visitors to Italy who can speak some Italian … as well as non-Italian speakers.
The way around this is to do one of two things.
One, use your Italian, no matter how poorly, but make people aware that you know you speak it poorly by saying something like, “Mi scusi, ma io non parlo italiano molto bene.” Translated as, “Excuse me, but I do not speak Italian very well.” Often, the person you’re speaking with will respond, in English, that you speak Italian better than they speak English. Then, you can respond that this is not true, they speak English better than you speak Italian. Cap it off with, “I’ll speak Italian for practice, and you speak English for practice, and we can both get better.” I have never had someone respond negatively to this offer.
Two, just let them know that you speak no Italian, and if they speak any English, you would appreciate them helping you out by trying. That it would be a big help to you. I have found that Italians are curious, but are not very intrusive. They will always lend you a hand, but it is best to ask for help because they don’t want to appear like they are “butting in”. But ask for help, and you’ll get it. As much as you need.
Improving communication, however it happens, will make your travels more enjoyable.
Most Americans are not shy about using any foreign language, or even just a few foreign words for that matter, when they travel. If they know it – or simply feel they know it – they’ll use it. Often poorly … very poorly. Italians, on the other hand, will tend to not speak a foreign language unless they are very accomplished at it. They prefer to not be embarrassed. We couldn’t care less!
This can complicate communication for visitors to Italy who can speak some Italian … as well as non-Italian speakers.
The way around this is to do one of two things.
One, use your Italian, no matter how poorly, but make people aware that you know you speak it poorly by saying something like, “Mi scusi, ma io non parlo italiano molto bene.” Translated as, “Excuse me, but I do not speak Italian very well.” Often, the person you’re speaking with will respond, in English, that you speak Italian better than they speak English. Then, you can respond that this is not true, they speak English better than you speak Italian. Cap it off with, “I’ll speak Italian for practice, and you speak English for practice, and we can both get better.” I have never had someone respond negatively to this offer.
Two, just let them know that you speak no Italian, and if they speak any English, you would appreciate them helping you out by trying. That it would be a big help to you. I have found that Italians are curious, but are not very intrusive. They will always lend you a hand, but it is best to ask for help because they don’t want to appear like they are “butting in”. But ask for help, and you’ll get it. As much as you need.
Improving communication, however it happens, will make your travels more enjoyable.
posted by Mark Pukita | 8:05 AM
1 Comments:
People tend to underestimate themselves in this country. Nice blog, I put you on my favourites.
Cheers,
mac
(baronedivandastad on VT)
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