Comincio di capire

Questa settimana tutti gli studenti hanno iniziato la scuola e l'universita e Firenze è piena. E troppo caldo di nuovo, e la zanzare sono sempre me mangia. Ma va bene, sono a Firenze e c'è sempre qualcosa che accade in una piccola piazza o di un grande palazzo (o fiume)*

I can quite clearly remember the sensation of learning to read, sitting on my father's lap as he read the newspaper and being able to figure out the shape of the words that he read out to me.  I was young, about 4 according to my mother, but it opened up a whole world that has given me pleasure ever since.

Learning a language as an adult is probably the closest we'll come to having a sense of what it was like to be a child learning to read, or a toddler beginning to understand the words of those around us. Meaning starts to reveal itself gradually. Where once there was babble, slowly you start to recognise a word or two, then you find you can get a sense of a conversation (Italians talk about food a lot!) The polite questions of a salesperson make complete sense, and you can respond appropriately.  

Simple conversations are possible although political discussions are more difficult (or those of the heart- there is only so many times you can say "Purtroppo" or "Spiacente" or "che piccante') My language classes in Firenze are not very different from those in Melbourne & the teachers are great, but what is making the biggest difference is that I am surrounded by the language whenever I step out of the door.  I fumble through every transaction in as much Italian as I can muster (I have mastered "Sto studiando Italiano, per favore possiamo parlare Italiano") but most of all I listen, listen, listen. I'm not sure if those I am listening to know that I can understand them - I haven't overheard anything rude yet!

* This week all the students have started school and university and FLorence is full. it is also very hot again and the mosquitoes are always eating me. But that's ok, I'm in Florence and there is always something going on in a little square, a grand avenue (or the river)