Three Tips for Overcoming the Language Barrier in Southern Italy

It is a common misconception that English-speaking vacationers can travel throughout the bel paese without encountering a language barrier. Sure, if you plan on spending most of your time in Rome, Florence, Venice … even parts of the Amalfi Coast, you will hear a good bit of English and be able to get by in restaurants, bars and shops. However, if you head south of Naples and into Basilicata, Calabria, Puglia and even parts of Sicily, you are in for an Italian language surprise.

Does this mean non-Italian speakers should avoid the deep south?

Mai!

Instead of skipping out on half of the country, here are three tips to help you overcome the language barrier in southern Italy.

1. Study Up

Learning a bit of Italian before you travel to Italy is always appreciated by the locals and is a good way to help you maximize your Italian experience. This is even more important when you are traveling in the south. I like the podcasts at ItalianPod101 , but there are a number of other programs that can help you with some basics.

Study a bit before you go to Italy and practice speaking with your travel partners-you might be surprised at how quickly you can pick up some basic expressions.

2. Be Prepared

One of the major differences between traveling in more touristy regions in Italy and visiting the south is the menu translation. In all of my time in Calabria, I have only seen two or three menus that have dishes listed in English … not a good sign for a picky eater who doesn’t speak Italian.

Before you head to southern Italy, purchase a pocket-sized Italian meal phrase book-this will ensure all of your Italian meals are memorable for the right reasons … and not because you thought morzello  was a white watery cheese.

3. Have Fun

Italians have fun with their language-and so should you. They don’t take themselves too seriously, they use hand and body language whenever possible and if they make mistakes, they just laugh them off and try again.

Most southern Italians will love you for trying to speak their language and you’ll find their enthusiasm contagious. With any luck you will leave Italy with a bit more confidence, a few new vocabulary words and a whole lot of motivation to keep learning.

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What other language tips do you have for southern Italy travelers?

Cherrye Moore is a freelance writer and Calabria tour  and travel consultant living in southern Italy. She writes about travel for MNUI Travel Insurance  and about living and traveling in Calabria  on her site, My Bella Vita.