2 weeks in Italy
Feb 2, 2017, 9:59 am
#151
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: CRK MNL
Programs: CX Gold
Posts: 1,287
Learn a few Italian phrases, enough to be able to ask if they can help you in English. Many Italians are competent, and usually understate how good their English really is (there's a self-consciousness about accents, I've found).
Many places have English menus and will offer them, others will just walk you through the Italian menu and explain it in English. I was at dinner the other night and watched a waiter go line by line with a Chinese couple with English as the common language, and what I appreciated in the exchange was that he wasn't steering anyone toward any particular (expensive) menu items, he literally explained every line on it and answered questions. Not everywhere will be that level of patient, but for the most part, service industry Italians in the cities are pretty welcoming. Or, you do what other tourists do, and listen for some other tourist who you hear speaking both English and Italian and ask them for help - I can't speak for everyone, but I certainly never mind when people ask me.
I am guessing, though, that you will be approached in English by default if you're in the historic center of major Italian cities. With Florence in particular, just about every local can spot a non-Italian. You generally shouldn't have a problem until you go too far South, or out into the countryside.
Many places have English menus and will offer them, others will just walk you through the Italian menu and explain it in English. I was at dinner the other night and watched a waiter go line by line with a Chinese couple with English as the common language, and what I appreciated in the exchange was that he wasn't steering anyone toward any particular (expensive) menu items, he literally explained every line on it and answered questions. Not everywhere will be that level of patient, but for the most part, service industry Italians in the cities are pretty welcoming. Or, you do what other tourists do, and listen for some other tourist who you hear speaking both English and Italian and ask them for help - I can't speak for everyone, but I certainly never mind when people ask me.
I am guessing, though, that you will be approached in English by default if you're in the historic center of major Italian cities. With Florence in particular, just about every local can spot a non-Italian. You generally shouldn't have a problem until you go too far South, or out into the countryside.
Feb 2, 2017, 10:56 am
#152
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
The basic rule is don't be a jerk - you're a guest in their country, so try to do things their way and don't complain about differences. You will mostly be met at least half way just for making the attempt.
Feb 2, 2017, 10:59 pm
#155
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: LAX/FAO
Posts: 355
The Google translate app is handy in a pinch. It works offline so you don't use your data and you can aim your camera at a sign (or menu) and it will translate the whole thing without having to type it in manually. It's not perfect but should give you a good idea of what you're ordering. And pointing to an item on a menu always works if you're unsure of the pronunciation. 
When is your trip? There are many free or low-cost language apps available to help learn a little before you go. Duo lingo and memrise are two I like. Even if you don't speak the language, being able to recognize words on signs and menus is so helpful and can really increase your comfort level even somewhere new to you. Definitely worth carving out a few minutes a day to learn some basics.
When is your trip? There are many free or low-cost language apps available to help learn a little before you go. Duo lingo and memrise are two I like. Even if you don't speak the language, being able to recognize words on signs and menus is so helpful and can really increase your comfort level even somewhere new to you. Definitely worth carving out a few minutes a day to learn some basics.
May 11, 2017, 8:32 pm
#157
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: CRK MNL
Programs: CX Gold
Posts: 1,287
Italians are very proud of their language, and are generally less fluent in English than the rest of Europe. That's why they appreciate when you try, but I haven't personally seen anyone get pissed off about people wanting to speak English. It's second hand since I do speak Italian, but just my observation, especially since I will pick up when someone is pissed off and expressing it in Italian.
The basic rule is don't be a jerk - you're a guest in their country, so try to do things their way and don't complain about differences. You will mostly be met at least half way just for making the attempt.
The basic rule is don't be a jerk - you're a guest in their country, so try to do things their way and don't complain about differences. You will mostly be met at least half way just for making the attempt.