Why Learning Italian Is a Game-Changer When You Move to Italy

While it may seem obvious, if you do not already speak Italian to some degree, you will really need to buckle down and make learning the language your number one priority when you move permanently to Italy, as not being able to communicate freely with Italians could create some very challenging situations.

Recently, I spoke with an English-speaking foreigner who relocated to Italy approximately five years ago. Despite their limited knowledge of Italian, they made minimal efforts to enhance their language skills during this time. Unfortunately, this individual developed an illness that required communicating with multiple doctors. Due to the language barriers faced by the foreigner and the limited English spoken by the medical professionals, the individual believed they received a misdiagnosis and may now face a permanent health issue due to their inability to understand the doctors’ diagnosis. Of course, there are two sides to the story, and without being present, one cannot know for sure what truly transpired, but one thing is for sure: not being able to speak Italian to a certain level certainly caused stress, worry, and a sense of isolation. This episode was such a negative experience for this person that they decided to leave Italy permanently.

Unfortunately, when I moved to Italy, I had no idea that it would become my permanent home. Had I known this, I would have arrived in Italy with a more extensive vocabulary than just ‘ciao’ and ‘grazie’. My first two years in Italy were particularly challenging because I didn’t have a solid grasp of Italian. This meant that I had to either seek out services where people spoke English, which often came at a premium, or I literally had to go around with a dictionary. Of course, with the advent of apps on one’s phone that can translate for you, things have become much easier. However convenient this can be, there is nothing, in my opinion, like being able to freely converse with another person.

The internet is now filled with articles that promote living a laid-back life in one of Italy’s small towns, where one can take advantage of the 7% tax program. However, given that these towns are made up of 20.000 or fewer inhabitants, and that many have older populations, it is safe to say that finding people who speak English may be rarer than a hen’s teeth. This could, despite one being happy with their life in such a town, lead to feelings of isolation if you do not speak Italian well enough to be able to hold a conversation, albeit a simple one, especially at the beginning. In addition to this, we, as foreigners who have chosen to make Italy our home, owe it to Italians to make the best effort we can to learn their language.

While Italians may be forgiving when you learn their language and make mistakes, there is no doubt that they truly appreciate it when a foreigner makes a genuine effort to learn Italian. This is particularly true in a business setting, where the Italian spoken can often be very formal. As a result, Italians generally value the ability of a foreigner to express themselves effectively in Italian and who fully understands the use of ‘Lei’ and ‘Tu’ in this context.

It is fair to say that some people and certain nationalities seem to be more gifted at learning languages, and the same is also true of Italian. That said, we owe it to ourselves, as well as to Italians, to learn the language as well as we possibly can, and here are five reasons why we should do that.

1. Cultural Immersion and Authentic Experience: Mastering Italian allows for a deeper connection with the rich culture and history of Italy. From understanding the nuances in Italian art, literature, and cinema to appreciating the subtleties of everyday interactions, speaking the language fluently enhances the authenticity of your experience. Fluency in the language provides access to local traditions, festivals, and customs that you might otherwise overlook.
2. Enhanced Travel Experience: Navigating through the picturesque towns and bustling cities of Italy becomes significantly easier when you speak the language. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food in a quaint trattoria, or engaging in conversation with locals, fluency in Italian can transform your travel experience. It allows for more meaningful interactions and a deeper appreciation of the places you visit.
3. Professional Opportunities: Italy is home to numerous industries, including fashion, design, automotive, and culinary arts. Proficiency in Italian can be a significant asset in pursuing career opportunities within these fields. Fluency in the language can provide opportunities for professional growth and development, whether you’re seeking to work with Italian companies, collaborate on international projects, or simply enhance your resume.
4. Educational Advancement: Italy boasts some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, such as the University of Bologna and the Sapienza University of Rome. Learning Italian can provide access to these institutions and their vast array of academic programs. Additionally, understanding Italian can enhance your ability to engage with primary sources, research materials, and academic literature, enriching your educational experience.
5. Personal Growth and Cognitive Benefits: Learning a new language, especially one as beautiful and complex as Italian, can be a highly rewarding intellectual challenge. It improves cognitive functions such as problem-solving, multitasking, and memory. Furthermore, the process of learning a language can boost your confidence, foster adaptability, and enhance your communication skills, all of which contribute to personal growth and development.

If the above five reasons are not enough, believe me when I say that you do not want to have a root canal, for example, or some other medical procedure if you do not fully understand the medical professional. You also don’t want to talk with an Italian accountant if you don’t understand completely what they’re saying. In addition to this, bonding with Italians and creating lifelong friendships are much easier if you can speak to them in their own language.

Learning Italian can take time and patience, but the rewards will be worth it. Don’t keep putting it off; start today. Even learning just one new word a day means you have learned three hundred and sixty-five new words in a year!

As a Global Mobility Expert and Expat Coach with over thirty years of experience in Italy, I specialize in facilitating smooth transitions for individual and corporate clients adapting to Italian life. My services include immigration & relocation assistance, advanced spousal support, personalized coaching, as well as entrepreneur mentoring, ensuring successful and fulfilling expatriate experiences in Italy.

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