Ways to aviod learning a language
I moved to Milan about three years ago. I really wanted to learn Italian, but three years on and my command of the language is still only intermediate (on a good day). One big reason is that I'm teaching English. It's better to get a job where you have to speak and understand Italian. There are other ways to 'avoid' learning the local language, which are very easy to fall into: watching videos in English, reading English newspapers and books; living with other Anglophone ex-pats; going to Irish/Australian pubs, etc. The position of English as the world's Esperanto-of-the-moment can work against you: sometimes it seems that everyone you meet wants to practise their English. At the end of the day, there's only one way to learn a language, whether you're in the country or not: hard work, every day, without fail.
Sent by: Ryan
Comments
I am also now in Milan now. Don't watch movies in English, buy the Italian paper - you have to practise, practise, practise. I go out with friends and they will only speak in Italian with me sometimes. Go do things by yourself sometimes and ask questions. Good luck.
We moved to Rome 6 years ago, with our parents, at first we were really upset because we were leaving our friends, but now we have both made loads of new ones. It's great!!! We are really enjoying the hot weather, it's way better than the rain that we had back in dull and boring England!! Soon we are going to live in Canada with our grandparents - Freddie and Hilary.
Why not set up intercambio meetings with some of your keen students in your free time. I did it when I was TEFLing in Sicily last year and basically you meet in your free time for a coffee for an hour or so and spend half the time speaking English and half Italian. You both benefit and you might even make a good friend out of it like I did.
Why not get an evening job in a café or bar? Or do a course at home? Try it out. We have the same problem with the Italian exchange students in our uni, they all want to speak English. Do what we do and switch between languages, that way everyone gets some practice. Good luck and enjoy the experience!
Three years ago I moved to Sorrento. I lived with my friend and his family. I spoke little Italian. The family didn't speak any English. That was the best thing. I was forced to learn. Ciao Maria
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