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Post by WillTravel on Sept 24, 2003 17:25:27 GMT -5
In preparation for my eventual trip to Italy (I hope!), I'm taking an Italian class starting tonight. I know it's not strictly necessary for tourists, but I just will feel more comfortable with some idea of the basics. I can read Spanish fairly well, but can't really speak it. I've also taken Latin, but forgot most of that. In any event, one can't go wrong by learning something new!
How much effort do you put into learning the language when you visit somewhere?
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Post by Kim on Sept 24, 2003 17:57:38 GMT -5
With the last trip, we didn't have much time to put towards languages as planning the big thing was too exhausting.
I would love to learn Italian! I think for the next trip I will take classes.
Kim
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Post by Eagle on Sept 24, 2003 18:30:49 GMT -5
I'm also trying to learn Italian in preparation for my trip to Italy (next spring/summer, hopefully). I chose Italian rather than the language of one of the other countries I will be visiting, as this is where I will be spending the majority of my time. For the other countries, a Rick Steves 3-in-1 Phrasebook will have to suffice.
I've now finished two sets of night school classes (beginner & intermediate), and will probably sign up for the next one, which starts in January. The college is only offering a "conversational" course this time, but I'm sure that extra practise with an Instructor would do me some good anyway. I'm certainly not fluent by any means, but at this point could probably get along as far as ordering meals, buying tickets, etc. I've also been studying on my own with a CD course over the summer, and watching as much Italian TV as I can (we have one channel available locally).
Language skills may not strictly be necessary for tourists, but I feel that my trip will be more memorable if I can converse with the locals. I've been told by several knowledgeable people that many younger people in the larger cities speak some English, but this is not at all common with older folks in the smaller towns. Therefore, some basic Italian skills are essential!
Good luck with your Italian language studies and hope you have a great time on your trip!!!
Ciao, KEN
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 24, 2003 19:18:19 GMT -5
I feel so out of it when loudspeaker announcements are made (like on a train) and I don't understand them. I keep hoping they aren't saying anything serious  . I can understand some Danish and Norwegian, so on our Scandinavian trip this was helpful (plus my son is fluent in Danish), even though practically everyone there is fluent in English and it's about as easy a place as possible for an English-speaking tourist. There still were times when I felt like a hopeless illiterate, nonetheless! |
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 24, 2003 19:18:52 GMT -5
Your Italian preparation sounds great, Eagle. Good luck with your trip as well.
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BARATIER
Senior Travel Member
Viva la Revolucion!
Posts: 118
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Post by BARATIER on Oct 6, 2003 6:30:01 GMT -5
will,
if you know spanish, italian will be fairly easy to understand. And from my own experience, i know that italians will understand you if you speak spanish to them and viceversa.
Good thing thou to learn another language. I want to learn french!
;D
Bara
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Post by WillTravel on Oct 18, 2003 1:56:56 GMT -5
I've had four Italian lessons so far. The instructor holds my interest throughout the class, so he must be good. Italian is very straightforward when it comes to spelling and pronunciation, and it does indeed have a lot of similarities to Spanish. I'd know a lot more if I were studying more, though!
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Post by Numbers on Oct 18, 2003 2:44:08 GMT -5
I too am learning a language. I will be travelling to Poland next year (ages away, I know) so I thought I'd get a head start.
I went to the local library and borrowed a Polish Language Learning kit. It's great.
I know most of the basic greetings/numbers/months and days, yay!
I think it may add to the experience, too. Nothing is better than pretending to be a native in a foreign country... ;D
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Post by me on Oct 18, 2003 17:49:01 GMT -5
as i may have posted before, i'm taking some Spanish lessons right now. i hope it takes!
Spanish will also be very helpful to life in Texas! one almost MUST speak it to get by here!
- d
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Numbers
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 53
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Post by Numbers on Oct 24, 2003 23:36:13 GMT -5
Be sure to keep us updated on your progress, guys!  |
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Michelle
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 179
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Post by Michelle on Oct 25, 2003 0:14:17 GMT -5
I too am learning a language... I am concentrating on Italian first (my boyfriend and his family are all Italian, but they speak English as a first language). We are going to Italy next summer so I thought it would be a good idea to learn the language so I could at least speak with the locals and my boyfriends extended family in Italy.
I also went to my library and got out a learning kit and some dictionaries. The kit has some CDs which are really helpful so I can hear what all the words actually sound like.
Good luck to everyone else learning a language!!
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Post by Ynox on Jan 2, 2004 18:14:52 GMT -5
Studied Welsh, Spanish and French for 5 years so aren't too bad at those. Also know a little German.
Regarding the Spanish needed in Tx, I've got a relative down in Corpus Christi who is billingual due to needing it for his business.
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