Fast Track to Speaking in Italian
Vancouver LaughWalks Presents
Etymology
Italian vocabulary is largely based on Latin, which survived until the Imperial decline and was one of the most important languages spoken in the Peninsula. Since Latin is at the base of Italian, it is also true that many other languages gave Italian their imprint.
Pronunciation
When studying Italian or any other language, it is vital to use your ears. You can study Italian's many grammar rules and conjugations by heart. You can read books, magazines and newspapers to broaden your vocabulary knowledge, but you also need to listen to a real speaker and imitate the sounds he or she produces.
Common Words
By mastering the basics of conversation in Italian, you put yourself and the person you're talking to at ease. Everyone should learn essential Italian conversational words and phrases before traveling to Italy. These words and expressions are sure to come up in most everyday conversations.
Introductions
In North America, particularly on the East Coast, if someone you don’t know talks to you on a bus or train, you may immediately check for your pepper spray and start looking for a different seat. In other parts of the world, however, striking up conversations with strangers is not only accepted, it’s the norm.
Questions
How do you ask basic questions in Italian? Well, Italian interrogative words mean the same as they do for English: who, what, when, where, why, and how. By knowing basic Italian interrogatives, you'll be able to express your questions, even without an extensive vocabulary.
Phrases
Italian is known for being one of the most beautiful languages there is. It is the language of Dante and Da Vinci, and the direct descendent of Latin. When learning Italian, however, it might help to start with the basics.
Asking Directions
Even though most Italian cities are smaller than many cities in North America, they have a complex street system which doesn't follow any type of pattern or grid.
The ancient Romans weren't too big on formal city planning, so sometimes the way the roads are laid out can be confusing, and it's easy to get lost...
Asking Help
Know how to ask for help in Italian before you have an actual emergency. By learning a few simple Italian words and phrases for emergencies, you can save valuable time in a crisis.
The simplest way to ask for assistance is Aiuto!, which means Help!
Coffee
Italy has quite a unique coffee culture. A coffee usually means an espresso, and it is seen to be perfect after a big meal; the coffee wakes you up, but since it's espresso, you can drink it on a full stomach.
Coffee is also consumed during the day, but don't expect Starbucks or free Wi-Fi...
Travelling
Traveling in Italy can
be confusing if you
can't read the signs
or understand
the instructions
you're given.
Dining Out
In Italy, most people don't just eat to live, they live to eat. Italians take
their food very seriously,
and restaurant culture is
quite popular. When
you travel to Italy, it's
important to know the
basics of dining out.
Money & Banking
Traveling is expensive,
so it's crucial to
have a good
understanding
of Italian phrases
for money and
banking.
Parlare per viaggiare
Weather
While Italy generally enjoys freedom from very extreme weather changes such as hurricanes or typhoons, it can have boiling hot summers and frigid winters. In early springtime, it can be rainy, windy, and cold, only yielding to warmer temperatures toward late spring and early summer.
Family
The family is a cornerstone and very important part of Italian life.
Family needs or desires
will usually take
precedence
over work or
friends.
Compliments
Terms of endearment abound in the Italian language. Couples have 1001 ways to refer to each other, and very often enjoy attempting to invent a "unique" one for themselves.
Many terms can also be used casually with friends as compliments and friendly gestures.
Dating
Whether you’re traveling to Italy for a brief period or you’ve decided to make it your permanent home, you should always be prepared for a love affair- with the land,
the food or perhaps even a new sweetheart.
Fashion
When talking about artistic life and experiences in Italy, one
can refer to Renaissance
artists, literature, opera,
and even modern
fashion.
Shopping
If you’ve ever walked the streets of Rome or Milan and you’re not a millionaire, you’ve undoubtedly run across quite a few stores where the most shopping you can do is to stand at the window and press your nose against the glass.
