I am going to Italy today and I am kind of scared I don't want to try to understand Italian people because I don't speak that language. Do many people speak English there?
2006-06-23 06:15:57 · 32 answers · asked by Bella Italiana 2 in Travel ➔ Italy ➔ Rome
I have been there, it's a wonderful country and most of the people I met there are really nice, polite and helpful. Some do speak english. But tikiboy is right, you should be opened to their language, at least try and learn a few basic words, hello, goodbye, thank you and that kind of stuff. I try to do that everywhere I go. Get interested in the country's culture and people, not only the sights.
Start off with these:
hello - ciao
goodbye - arrivederci
please - per favore
thank you - grazie
All the essentials, with audio files for pronunciation: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/italian/quickfix/index.shtml
And for all the rest, even if they don't speak english, there's mimic. Or do you think people who are not native speakers of english and don't speak any language besides their own don't travel at all?
Enjoy Italy, have fun and if you have time don't stick to the big cities, the countryside is beautiful too and people are great. Don't be scared, humans have a way of understanding each other without the need for words. :o)
2006-06-23 06:41:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to the larger cities, than yes you will be able to find many people who speak English. Most people there will be happier to help you however, if you have made even a horrible attempt at asking in Italian first. Buy a travel sized translation book from English to Italian, and just use some words like hello can you help me with.... and they will be much more willing to speak to you in English and help you, because you have made an attempt at trying to speak it.
Mostly just have fun and don't worry too much about the language, you can always ask an attractive Italian to give you a quick lesson in the basics!
2006-06-23 06:23:01 · answer #2 · answered by germanhackett 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lucky you, not italy but I've been to Greece, Spain, Yugoslavia, Romania, and Jordan and there is always alot of tourism around these places and you will not have a problem finding Italians that speak English. Get rid of all your worries, come on you are going there to have fun Just remember that you speak an international language....English is everywhere.
HAVE FUN!
2006-06-23 06:24:02 · answer #3 · answered by Sunny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't got the chance to go Italy but I certainly hope that I can be there some day. I suppose the people there are able to speak English, the only problem is whether they are willing to communicate in English with foreign visitors. Maybe you will meet someone friendly and hope you enjoy the trip!
2006-06-23 06:20:54 · answer #4 · answered by Beachboy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At least learn how to say please thank you good morning good afternoon, I'm sorry I don't speak Italian, do you speak english, how much does this cost, etc. Plenty of people speak English especially in the big cities, but you will be treated better if you at least learn the greetings and courtesies. Also, don't talk louder in English if you are not understood, they won't understand you any better. Smiling helps also.
PS : It is not considered polite to say ciao
(means hello and goodbye) to people you don't know. Many americans make this mistake. Say Buongiorno till about 4PM
and Buonasera after that.
Dino
2006-06-23 06:26:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes i have! I am Half italian and lived in italy for 8 1/2 years! (my mom is in the military and we got lucky and was stationed in italy and we lived right next door to our relatives! i'm so sad i really wanna go back though. Oh and since many american poeple come to Italy most italians learn some american so they can talk to you to stuff (thats how it was in the area i lived in!)..it really is a wonderful place to be!
2006-06-26 07:23:15 · answer #6 · answered by ♥ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People travel all the time, all over the world, without being able to speak the language.
Many people in Italy speak English, especially in the big cities. If you run into trouble, use my never-fail method of communication: smile!!
Buon viaggio!
2006-06-23 08:08:10 · answer #7 · answered by nancina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been to Italy, and in most of tourist places people speak english there. Have fun
2006-06-28 12:17:24 · answer #8 · answered by beatricearuste@rogers.com 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on where you go. Places like Rome, Venice and Florence are OK. Even when noone understands, people are nice and you can always point and grunt (that's what I did) :)
Just be as nice as possible and don't just assume that people speak English. Ask them in Italian if they do.
Don't worry, you'll be fine.
2006-06-23 06:19:49 · answer #9 · answered by shoelace 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you stick to the major cities, you'll find that most businesses and establishments speak some sort of English. If you wander to the country side, English is less prevalent. I studied abroad their (in Florence and Milan) and never had a problem not being able to speak Italian. It does help if you get a dictionary and learn a few common words, like please (pour favora) and thank you (grazia) and you're welcome (prego)...
2006-06-23 06:19:17 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋