Progress Update on Learning Italian 

Samia Jannatul, Graduating Winter Term ’25, is a Political Science major studying at the American University of Rome this Fall 2024

Learning Italian in Rome has been a rewarding, albeit challenging, experience. Living in the Eternal City, with its bustling streets and vibrant culture, has given me ample opportunities to immerse myself in the language. However, navigating these linguistic waters has its quirks and difficulties. Romans, who are often overwhelmed by the 35 million tourists visiting their city annually, can sometimes be brusque or impatient when approached in less-than-perfect Italian. That said, there are many locals who are pleasantly surprised and even appreciative when an American makes an effort to speak their language. Their encouragement has often made my learning journey feel both valued and worthwhile.

Coming from a linguistic background where I have learned and used Spanish, I have found that Italian has come to me more naturally than it might for someone without such experience. Statistically, learning a second Romance language is supposed to be easier when you already know one. While that is true to some extent, it can also be a double-edged sword. The similarities between Spanish and Italian often blur the lines, leading me to mix up words or phrases. For example, I sometimes catch myself using Spanish conjugations when trying to form Italian sentences, telling my friends I speak “Spatalian”. Despite these hiccups, the experience has been enriching and eye-opening.

My Italian course at the American University of Rome has been instrumental in my progress. My professor places a strong emphasis on class discussions, encouraging us to speak as much as possible. This method has been particularly effective because it mirrors real-world conversations. In class, we practice dialogues and role-playing scenarios, which helps us build the confidence to use Italian outside of the classroom. I’ve found that this approach makes it easier to transition from structured lessons to spontaneous conversations.

Using Italian in everyday interactions has been both a test of my skills and a measure of my growth. Grocery stores, cafés, and local shops have become my training grounds. Ordering coffee in Italian or asking where to find certain items has not only improved my vocabulary but also given me insight into the subtleties of the language. Many locals appreciate the effort, even if they occasionally switch to English to accommodate me. Interestingly, I’ve met several Italians who apologize for their English proficiency, saying, “Sorry, my English is not very good.” This humility often surprises me, as their English is far better than they give themselves credit for. In such moments, I encourage them to continue speaking in Italian with me, as it provides an authentic learning experience and fosters mutual understanding.

One of the most memorable moments of my journey happened in Positano. I was at a small restaurant when I encountered a local woman in the restroom who spoke to me entirely in Italian. While I didn’t catch every word, I managed to piece together the gist of her conversation and respond. It was a small exchange, but it left a significant impression on me. The experience made me feel deeply connected to the culture and affirmed that my efforts to learn the language were paying off.

Living and studying in Rome has taught me that language is not just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s a bridge to understanding a culture and its people. Every conversation, whether it’s a casual exchange at a café or a more in-depth discussion with classmates, adds another layer to my appreciation of Italian. While the journey is far from over, I’m grateful for the strides I’ve made and excited to see how much further I can go.

Published by Samia Jannatul

Samia Jannatul, Graduating Winter Term ’25, is a Political Science major studying at the American University of Rome this Fall 2024
View all posts by Samia Jannatul