by Ann Kucera
My unexpected ITALIAN LIFE – Episode 2
Our decision to apply for dual citizenship in Italy, required us establishing residency for several months as part of the process. For convenience in researching and submitting ancestry records, we were advised to choose a town close to where Grandpa lived in order to satisfy this residency requirement.
A side note: Going through the process of obtaining dual citizenship is not easy, by any means. It requires extreme organization, excessive tenacity, and patience- lots of patience!
By this time, we had already established a great working relationship with ItalianSide, so it was only logical that we should use their citizenship services.
Since my husband is Italian by birth, his process is really straight forward. He simply needs to prove his ancestry by presenting the necessary documents.
My case, however, is a bit more complex. Though I qualify for citizenship by marriage, I must go the extra mile by, among other things, passing a 5 hour, intermediate level Italian Language test.
While waiting months for Italy to reopen its borders, I had spent my days plodding through Italian language lessons via online language apps. My diligence had paid off, I felt, because I had mastered many levels and could now recognize the Italian words for colors, animals, and adjectives.
I arrived in Rome feeling somewhat prepared and a bit smug. But in the time it took to get through customs, I quickly realized that out of my 300+ word vocabulary, only about 10 would be ones I could actually use daily.
Suddenly surrounded by large crowds speaking rapid-fire Italian, my head spun as my brain desperately sought to grab a recognizable word. And even though Italians are known for using their hands when they speak, my attempts at using basic hand gestures along with English was met mostly with scowls and unintelligible muttering.
In those first days, two sentences I’d learned became my default. ‘Non parlo Italiano. Io parlo Inglese.’ (I don’t speak Italian. I speak English.) And the ever useful sentence I’ve used far too often: ‘Come si dice in Italiano, per favore?’ (How do you say in Italian, please.)
So it’s my opinion that while most online apps are ok for those wanting to dabble in a language, if you are really serious about learning a language, you need to be in a classroom setting with a native
language teacher and students on your level.
My first online class with an Italian Language School was a real eye-opener when I quickly realized all
those months I’d spent online with language apps had in no way given me an advantage. Since it will
likely take five or six months of intensive language lessens to reach the B1 level of proficiency necessary to pass the test, it appears my unexpected Italian life will extend well through the next year.
Hearing the words pronounced properly makes all the difference and definitely saves you from embarrassment. I say this from personal experience.
So the day I arrived in Italy was the day I left my pride at the airport!
Next up: All roads lead to Rome…..provided you catch the right bus!
Ann Kucera is a freelance writer living and enjoying life with her husband in southern Italy