Hurdling the Language Barrier

So, I have returned.

Last night, I flew in from Italy, back to the chilly evenings and cloudy afternoons of England. My holiday was lovely, thanks, and also rather enlightening on the subject of different languages.

You see, before going to Italy, I had never spoken any more Italian than 'Grazzi' (Sp?), and wasn't really sure how I was going to get along. In France, it was different; a 5 year course of French-speaking pills had given me enough grounding to get by, but in Italy, I was stone-cold English. However, this week I spoke far more Italian than I spoke French (in France).

I think what it's really down to is the people. In France (and this is not to their detriment, England is undoubtedly the same in many cases) you feel that if you aren't speaking perfect French, they're having a good laugh at you. I think maybe it's because they don't smile so much... they seem a little dry sometimes. In Italy, however, they are much more welcoming, and encourage an effort to speak their language. During my brief time there, we visited mutual relatives (even though that isn't technically a thing) who were native Italians, and despite the obvious Berlin-wall of a language barrier, we got along pretty much 'just fine'.

Now, this may have been helped by the fact that Italian schools teach English. In fact, this does seem to be a trend running through pretty much all of the world. Some would say it's better that way, but I personally feel, when I see a sign in English, or have a shop assistant switch to English because i so obviously 'sound' (or 'look') English, that I have failed or am being something of an awkward customer.

Anyway, as far as words go, it was a pretty damn good experience. I can now say a few basic things in the language, and am eager to learn more so I can go back and have a good conversation with everyone there.

Is it good to be back in England? I don't know. I cast my eyes out of the skylight and it's a never-changing grey, varied only by the large rain droplets clinging to the pane.
Home sweet home. I've missed you.

SQ. x