When I wake up tomorrow morning, it is going to be a different sort of day. Inspired by Cherrye at My Bella Vita and Benny at Fluent in 3 Months, I have decided to kick my Italian studies into full gear starting September 1st (hey, isn’t it back to school time?). I have decided to make the much needed jump into the Italian language by speaking only in Italian this month, except for when talking with family and friends in America. Similar to Cherrye’s story, I have learned a lot of Italian over the past two and a half years, but I still find speaking quite a challenge. It is often easier to just speak in English even though I understand what is going on in Italian. Now I often find myself in the awkward position of being mute and frustrated, because I can understand what people say and I can’t respond. Enough of this already!
I know it is going to be a tough month, but I am excited already thinking about how much my Italian will have improved by the end of the month. And after this first month it will only get easier. One of the hardest parts will be breaking my habit of speaking in English, and gently reminding others to only speak to me in Italian. Oh, and finding the right words and remembering verb conjugations . . . It will be worth it! I will keep you all updated on my progress, as well as sharing any interesting language learning links I come across during my studies. Thanks for the inspiration Cherrye!
Italian immersion month begins in… tre… due… uno!
Well looks like we'll have to speak Italian when we finally meet up!
Next step – teaching you "Napoletano" 😀
Hope your blog posts are an exception. My Italian is basic at best!
Ciao Peter! I hope I will have improved enough that we can talk in Italian. I think it's going to be a big next step to Napoletano! 🙂
Ciao Barbara! No worries… I will certainly be posting in English. I meant to put that in my post, so I appreciate you mentioning it. I might be throwing in a few more Italian phrases and fun websites to check out, but otherwise things won't be changing much on Ciao Amalfi. Thanks for asking!
I have been thinking about doing this too (I was also inspired by Cherrye's blog and fluent in 3 months). I'm exactly where you are at with Italian and I am really sick of it. I have been here a little over 2 and a half years too and can understand nearly everything, but when I try to talk I get freaked out and just speak English. It's so annoying and I feel like it holds me back. I really like the idea of just going for it. So I think I will too!
Allora, cara Laura, da questo momento in poi i miei commenti saranno sempre e solo in Italiano. Daccordo?
Bravissima, mi pare il modo giusto di affrontare il tuo "problema" con la lingua parlata. Ricordati di lasciare sempre la TV o la radio accese, leggi il giornale, ascolta il cicaleccio delle persone in giro, e vedrai che ben presto darai indicazioni stradali in Italiano – segno inequivocabile che hai imparato la lingua.
In bocca al lupo,
~Lola xx
Hi Laura, I think that is an excellent idea, hope you keep it up 🙂 Well done, and hope it goes well!!
Ciao Jessica! Thanks for your comment and for introducing me to your blog. Yes, it sounds like you understand exactly how I feel. I know my personality tends toward "all or nothing" so I thought this might be the best approach. So far so good! There have been a lot of silent moments today as I try to figure out how say what is on my mind, but I know this will come faster. I think this will also help me be more diligent with studying. I agree that the speaking limitation holds me back. I am so pleased to be able to understand, but am tired of being frustrated not being able to speak. Let me know if you start and we can keep one another going! Thanks again for your comment!
Ciao Lola! Grazie … questo sarà a buon esercizio per me. 🙂 Sei sempre una ispirazione!!
Ciao Anne! Thanks so much for the encouragement! So far so good on the first day. 🙂 There have been a lot of silent moments though while I try to find the right words (or words close enough to still express the general idea) for what I want to say. I had a very successful phone conversation just now that boosted my spirits! Lo posso fare! (I can do this!)
In bocca al lupo! It's really the best way to go about improving your Italian. I hope you see results fast. 🙂
You can do it! Just be patient with yourself…sbagliando si impara!
I'm so glad to see how many people I've inspired with my suggestion 🙂
That month was the hardest of my life, but it changed my life forever. Keep at it and you'll get through fine 🙂 If I could do it with basic Spanish after a few months, then you can certainly do it after all of your Italian exposure 😉
Looking forward to hearing how you progress!!
In bocca al lupo!
Ciao Jul! Crepi il lupo! 🙂 I have noticed an improvement already, and it has certainly made me see exactly what I need to be studying. Thanks for stopping by and for the good wishes!
Ciao Saretta! Thanks for the good advice. Being patient with myself is probably the hardest part. But even when I make mistakes I feel good that I am finally working hard toward speaking. 🙂
Ciao Benny! Thanks for stopping by and for the good wishes. Crepi il lupo! 🙂 So far it has been very hard … a lot of silent moments! But I am getting more confident already, which helps so much. I find my understanding skills are also improving as more and more I am only listening to Italian. I have also been seeking out as many opportunities to listen to Italian as I can find. (More about that later this month!) Thank you again for the inspiration and for stopping by with your encouraging words. Grazie mille!