Originally Posted by
raybo
I am planning another trip to Italy in April. This time along the southwestern coast and into Sicily.
Before I go, I am trying to expand my knowledge of Italian. To help, I've written a
simple Italian - English flash card application.
I wrote
an article about how I created the word list and other information about the application.
I'd be interested in more words I should add to both my vocabulary and flash cards!
You should try to listen to the spoken word too. Get yourself some "tapes". April is kind of pushing it. I studied for a year.
Lots of Italians speak at least some English. But many won't admit it. I think they are just too embarrassed to try if their English is poor. But if you try your poor Italian, they will open up and try their English between the two of you it works.
Just some tips. Shops and restaurants are closed between 1PM and 3PM. Be sure to get what you need before then. It is called La Pausa or the pause.
You will find markets open in the morning. They will have a cart like these.
They make great roasted chicken but I forgot you are a veggie.
You are missing out.
Well they do have lots of fresh fruit and vegetables in those markets and some really great bread and cheeses if you are into that.
Some other works for your list.
Per-mai-so Use this when you want to get by someone.
I have learned not to ask for directions with a spoken response. Italians talk very fast and hard to follow if you don't speak the language. Instead ask them to write a map. Scriva mappa per favore.
I took some refrigerator magnets of Pittsburgh with me. I would give them out when someone went above and beyond. People seemed to really like them as refrigerator magnets are not real common in Italy.