by Tina Ferrari

As we all know, speaking the local language is essential when you move to another country.  I’m fortunate to be able to pick up languages easily.  In Argentina, it took a few months for me to get comfortable with Spanish, but I kept at it and was able to integrate pretty well into my surroundings.  I don’t know how I would survive Italy without knowing Italian.

I feel very lucky and proud when I navigate my way through mundane situations such as calling the phone company (if anyone answers) and going to the doctor.  Things I wouldn’t otherwise be able to do without the language. What’s really exciting is when I’m able to understand jokes and even make them myself – in the local dialect!  It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s quite an accomplishment.

Knowing the language has helped me make friends, obviously… but there are sometimes moments where either wires get crossed or I get tongue-tied because no matter how many ways I try to explain something, I can’t say what I want to say, or the person I’m talking to thinks I’m saying something else!  This is what happens when you form relationships that move beyond the usual superficial “where are you from” and “nice weather we’re having today” topics that you can usually run through without a thought.  The problem arises when you really want to get to know each other.

Luckily, people are patient with me and most of the time we work together to figure out what I’m trying to communicate.  We figure it out and I learn something new about how to express myself in Italian. I also tend to communicate with my emotions, gestures and facial expressions, which helps.  And believe me, I’ve been known to make it a game of charades in which I act everything out.  But I long for the day when I can be understood all the time without these extra efforts.  When I can rest assured that I’m expressing my true self to the fullest with my words.

How do you express yourself in your adopted country?

Tina Ferrari is a tango dancer, translator and writer currently based in Lecce, Italy. She writes at AffordableCallingCards.net as well as on her own blog, Tina Tangos. Comments are always welcome!

Tags: expat in italy, expat life, Getting Adjusted, Italy, language

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