My family and I are spending the summer in Rome. I've been trying to learn Italian, but it just doesn't.......

Question

....seem to be working. I've been teaching myself (I would take a class, but there isn't one offered where I am) from some Cd's I bought. It has everything (well, not everything), but I just can't pronounce the words. It's very difficult for me. Will I have an awful time getting around? I know the basics but I'm butchering the language....sorry about that, lol.

Thanks.

Answer 1

In a big city like Rome you'll always find someone who speaks English, especially high school or university aged people.

Italian is a phonetic language, so if you learn the right way to say the small chunks, you can string them together to pronounce any word correctly (eg "ci = chee" but "chi = kee" and so on). Try to listen to how the Italians pronounce things and imitate them. Don't assume it'll sound how you expect it to as an English speaker. Italian flows beautifully, so try not to make it sound choppy by adding in extra unnecessary syllables. Vowel sounds should be light and short, instead of drawled.

But you're there for a holiday so even if they act a bit uppity just push on and get your message across. They talk a lot with their hands, and that's an international language.

Answer 2

Don't worry you'll pick more up once you're in Rome infact your be amazed just how much you've already learnt, meeting people and being in their country is the best way to learn, enjoy!

Answer 3

If you try to speak the language, they will respect you more even if you mess up.  If you can speak any Spanish, it will help.  Both languages are Latin bases and they share similar words.  Good luck, enjoy!  Rome is awesome!

Answer 4

Pick up a phrase book, like Lonely Planet Italian.  It will really come in handy, and is well indexed so you can find things you need easily.  Most Italians do not speak much English, and often, only understand what they want!  You will at least need to be able to order food and shop.  The phrasebooks have very easy to understand pronunciation guides, too.

Answer 5

The Romans towards the city center know a good amount of English, but as you move further and further from the city, it becomes harder and harder to communicate. I prefer listening to tapes such as "Italian w/ Michel Thomas." I listened to these tapes before my trip to Italy and it was all I needed to know in order to communicate. I suggest that you buy the 2-disc set instead of the 8-disc because it will teach you enough of the language in order for you to get your point across. I know you are sick of tapes and Cd's, but these really do help. On the Cd's you are not forced to memorize but instead understand. I know you will have a wonderful summer in Rome. Enjoy it.

Answer 6

don't worry

yes,italian is a bit diffucult to learn,but the best thing for learning italian is, for me,going to Italy. Cd's can't do the impossible,going to Rome will be the best thing to improve your italian.

Than,Italians will understand you even if you don't speak perfectly.

I'm Italian!