Sink or swim
I moved to Italy 10 years ago with my new Dutch husband and two English speaking daughters. My husband had a job to go to, but for the rest we were on our own. I didn't even know that Luce wasn't the name of the tenant on the doorbell plate but the light! We moved to an area in the north of Italy close to Lake Iseo where then English speakers were almost non existent. It was a case of sink or swim! Fortunately we swam, but with a lot of gafs, sometimes pain and of course fun. We have now bought a 1950s house which was originally a shop and 3 flats. The buying process has been a nightmare,even our Italian friends couldn't believe what we went through. We are now in the process of restoring it.
Sent by: Angela
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I'm learning Italian at my college for the first time as a new course for 1 year, and I would like to carry it on at university.
I would also really like to live in Italy for a while in my work placement year at uni (as the uni course is tourism), but the only problem is I don't know if I will be able to survive with the language.
I'm worried that if I do get a job in Italy for a while I would be lonely out there as I don't know the language well. Obviously for my uni course and the further career prospects it would be very useful to be fluent in a language.
I'm just rubbish at listening, and I'm worried that I will never get the hang of it! I've still got 3 years to decide and improve my Italian, but i'm just not sure if I'll be able to manage it? Any tips/ideas?
Thanks :)
Learning another language, and especially Italian, is worth every minute. I began in 1960, and it has been hard work, but I would do it over again in a heartbeat. It is not easy, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done with my life. Italy, Italian culture, Italian people, Italian food, etc., etc., are the best. I have gone into stores and talked with storekeepers. I did not get to be fluent without a lot of help from my friends, patient teachers, reading, listening, reading. I envy everyone who has been courageous enough to give their dreams a chance. You will not be sorry if you try.
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