ITALY - ROMA
I've loved learning and using Italian in Rome! I'm thrilled to say that I've been able to pick up the language quickly, even though Italian was new to me when I arrived! I'm so happy I enrolled in an Italian course at a local language school! It's made a huge difference. There are about 10 of us in the class, all from different countries, and it's so interesting that most of my classmates plan to stay in Rome for at least six months, with some even staying for several years! It's so inspiring to be in a group of international learners! It makes the journey so much less intimidating, and it's encouraging to see others tackling the same challenges.
One of the absolute best and most rewarding parts of learning Italian has been trying to use it in real-life situations, like ordering in restaurants or interacting with locals. I really try to order in Italian whenever I go out to eat! It doesn't always go smoothly – sometimes I stumble over words, or the server responds faster than I can follow – but every attempt is a learning experience! Every interaction helps me build confidence and reminds me that even mistakes are valuable steps toward fluency!
I've also been having a blast immersing myself in the language by spending time with my amazing classmates from my Italian course! We sometimes get together for activities around the city, which is a great way to practice Italian outside of the classroom in a relaxed setting. In these casual settings, I learn new phrases and expressions relatively quickly, and it feels amazing to pick up bits of the language as we chat and explore Rome together!
I've found that one of the most exciting challenges in learning Italian is understanding it when someone speaks unclearly or if I don't fully grasp what they're asking for in certain situations. Sometimes, context clues help me fill in the gaps, and it's always a fun challenge to figure out what's meant! Additionally, I'm still working on my verb conjugation skills. I know it'll take some practice, but I'm excited to get there! I sometimes mix up the tenses or forms, but I'm learning! On the bright side, I'm thrilled to say that I've been able to grasp the correct articles and basic Italian phrases easily, which makes simple conversations feel totally natural! These small victories are so rewarding! They give me a sense of progress and confidence as I learn.
I've found that using translation apps is a great way to bridge the communication gap! These apps are an absolute godsend, especially when I come across more complex or technical language that I'm not yet familiar with. I try to limit my use of apps to avoid becoming too dependent, but they're an amazing backup in situations where understanding is crucial! I also make a point of noting down all those handy phrases and useful vocabulary that come up frequently. This really helps reinforce my learning and improves my comprehension over time!
I can't wait to put these language skills to use on future vacations in Italy or in the Italianspeaking parts of Switzerland! Knowing that I can communicate in Italian opens a whole new world of travel and cultural experiences in these regions! And there's more! Learning Italian has also given me a real boost in my general communication skills. I've become more patient and adaptable, and I'm so excited to have learned that language is not just about words but also about understanding and adjusting to cultural nuances!
This experience has also been an incredible journey of self-discovery as a communicator. Speaking a foreign language is an amazing opportunity to learn and grow! It requires a willingness to make mistakes and be vulnerable, but it's also a chance to connect with others in a truly unique way. Every time I communicate in Italian, I'm reminded of how important it is to be clear, listen closely, and be flexible when things don't go as planned—and it's a great reminder! I know these skills will serve me well in other aspects of life, too! Whether it's in Reflections on Language – Navigating Italian in Rome Christian Maruhn personal relationships or professional settings, I'm excited to see where they'll take me. My journey with Italian has been an incredible adventure! It has been challenging at times, but so rewarding. I have learned so much about myself as a learner and communicator.
And now a description of the collage:
Left: A beautiful view from my hike near Rome. The sky is partly cloudy, with sun rays breaking through, giving the landscape a unique atmosphere. This view showcases the natural beauty and openness just a short distance away from the bustling city of Rome.
Top right, left: One of the postcards I sent. It features some of Rome’s iconic landmarks and represents my attempt to send a piece of Rome back home to my friends and family – though the Italian postal service seems to be taking its time.
Top right, right: A photo from my first exam at the university. The room is filled with students, and there’s a typical exam atmosphere. This was a unique experience for me because the oral exam was conducted in front of the whole class – something normal in Italy but quite unfamiliar to me.
Bottom right, left: A snapshot from the Lazio game. The fans are filling the stadium, and the large scoreboard features the goal scorer, Pedro Rodriguez, capturing the atmosphere of a football match. Although the energy at Lazio was more subdued than at AS Roma, it was still an interesting glimpse into Rome's football culture.
Bottom right, right: A picture from the zoo in Rome showing a meerkat. This curious little animal seems to be observing its surroundings attentively, bringing a touch of the wild to the city. Visiting the zoo was a nice change from city life and offered a relaxing break.