Travelling to italy?

Question

if a person knows only english,would he/she be able to communicate with normal italian people easily?

Answer 1

yes here in Italy a lot of people can speak english...don't worry!

Answer 2

go to a local book store and ask for translating books for Italy!

Answer 3

At an airport, train station, or hotel you should be able to find somebody that can speak English easily.  At subways and local train stations too.  This is true most of Europe.  If you are in a touristy area expect some people to speak English as well (2-3 waiters out of staff of 12 in a restaurant would be able to speak English).  You will be ok, but please learn some basics (hello, goodbye, please, thank you, your welcome, Do you speak English)

Answer 4

Yes, there will be no problem with the language.

Answer 5

It won't be a stroll in the park as most Italians don't speak English properly...even though the language is being taught in most schools...

You might find the odd ones that can actually make themselves understood but you won't be able to engage in a very long conversation....but,having said that, Italians are famous for being very mimical which means they will get their message across one way or another...and they are usually very funny when they do that..

Have a good stay in Italy...and enjoy the beautiful land where I was born!!

Answer 6

I was in Roma a little over a year ago and Italians are  a very hearty bunch and from my experience as an American travelling there, they will help strangers. I knew no Italian, but found out quickly while there that Spanish and Italian are pretty close, so I was often able to luck up on the word or meaning from my basic grasp of Spanish. So if you know any Spanish that may help you too. Also, the Carbineri are always out and they generally speak English and they can help you as well. I will give you a few links that will hopefully help you. And as always, please greet with a boungiorno(hello) or ciao and an arriverderci(goodbye) and grazie(thanks) That will help you always no matter how limited your Italian.

Answer 7

It depends on where you are. In tourist spots you'll find always somebody that,even he is not speaking fluent English,is able to understand you (provided you don't speak too quickly or in slang).

If instead you're travelling in the country,out of tourist routes, then you need to speak at least Spanish to make you understood since over there just a few people can speak English.

Answer 8

In the big cities like Rome and Milan should not be a problem, but once you get outside the city, it is difficult to find someone that speaks English.  I would suggest going to your local bookstore and buying a phrase book and/or italian-english dictionary.  Don't worry about making mistakes trying to speak Italian, Italians are usually pretty forgiving, and are thrilled when someone at least makes an attempt to speak the language.

Answer 9

No.

(Response for “normal Italian people” and “easily”)