Italian Culture Series: Travelling to Italy?Do as Romans Do
When in Rome (and definitely not in Venice!), please don’t speak in English, Grazie.
So what happens when you land up in the capital of a country, which would have welcomed you with open arms had you not uttered those deadly words right at the onset: “Sorry, I don’t speak Italian!”
Well, you will definitely be frowned at, ignored, unanswered or just be left on your own - which I am sure nobody would prefer in a vibrant space such as Italy.
You can make sure to begin your conversation with at least “Scusi” (Excuse Me— formal) or with a minimal salutation like “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera”. Then, perhaps, you could proceed to tone down your actual question in English by using cue words in Italian, like “toilette” (Italians prefer the french word to their own “bagno” in reference to the washroom) “piazza” or “pizzeria” “ristorante”, so that the local Italian understands quickly what you are referring to.
Don’t be afraid to use Italinglish: “scusi, where is “ristorante”?” or something even shorter: “Scusi, toilette?” which will be taken more into consideration than your English version.
Italians like being elaborate when they give directions, as for everything else in life. Be patient and say “Scusi, non parlo italiano!” (Sorry, but i don’t speak Italian!) which is a table turner. This will immediately make an average Italian rush to your help even if their English is not so good. You must not, however, ever point out to an Italian that their English is not up to the mark! Praise them if you must, criticize them never. And you never know, this might be a great start to a cross-border friendship.
You see, Italians take an instant liking to you if you express any sort of interest in their culture and language; they are extremely protective, just like any culture where multiple languages and dialects are spoken, about their native tongue. You’d be surprised to know that some of their dialects are full fledged languages in themselves, and equally diverse are their traditions which vary greatly from north to south.
Having learnt and then having taught the language to Indians – I have had the possibility of meeting many Italians. And I have always felt they might have, a soft spot for India and Indians in general – because in a way they are as multi-hued as us and they relate to our cultural diversity. So for them an Indian with even a basic knowledge of their language comes across as someone very “figo” (an informal slang for “cool”)!
But that is true for anyone who lands in Italy with a basic knowledge of Italian – you’ll be befriended at the bar, at the ristorante, in the tassi, in the underground metropolitana, the autobus faster than you can imagine. Don’t be overwhelmed, and don’t shy away from engaging with each one as you go. The more you chat, the more you will enjoy this land of wonders.
One last advice: If you really want to enjoy your first, and many more trips to this architecturally and scenically beautiful space – you better have your hellos, thank yous and wows in order (“Ciao” “Grazie” and “Che Bello!”)!
So with the first cultural contact established, hope you have a Buon Viaggio in Italia!
