”[…] visiting a country on holiday and living in that same country really do mean two completely different things”
Sarah Saheed is originally from India and has lived in five countries. She moved to Italy, the home country of her spouse, at the start of the lockdown in 2020. Her transition hasn’t always been as smooth and dolce as one would hope. Sarah’s dedication and motivation have helped her adapt to her new home base of Vicenza. We were curious to know more about her story and language learning process.
1. Sarah, why did you decide to take a language course?
”It was always in my plan to learn Italian, eventually at some point down the line. It was just a matter of when. Having an Italian partner didn’t influence my decision to enrol for the language course, since our primary language of communication is English and we never lived here, so it was never a priority. However, once we decided to move to Italy, it made it back on the list. One of the first things I did before moving here was contact a few language schools in the city. I always wanted to learn Italian from an officially certified language institute because they usually have a method of teaching that has the right flow, which is really important for a first time learner. (Maybe I also like collecting certificates) I thought that it would be a great way to start a routine here, meet other people, make some friends and dip my toe in getting to know my new city that would eventually call home. For me, it’s a great way to really learn a language. For some people, they have the great skills to learn just by speaking to the local people. I don’t have those skills (I have tried learning Italian thrice before, casually) But I was really keen on learning it from the basic ABCs and taking it from there. An official language course also plays a big role in preparing you for the mandatory exams that non-Italian citizens need to take, either to qualify for long term residence or for citizenship. Which is also a contributing factor in influencing my decision to take up a language course.”
2. Have good language skills been important to integrate in the country you are living in? If yes, why?
”Living in a country like Italy, I’d have to most definitely say, yes. Mine is a situation that is a unique one. Having moved here right at the start of the lockdown of 2020, making the transition was very difficult and not a smooth one. Only knowing a few hundred Italian words, the inability to form complete sentences on top of moving to a country where English, my native language, is not widely spoken at all, made it all the more difficult at the start of my Italy chapter.
I’ve lived in 5 countries, so far. And this is the second one where English is not the official language or rather not as widely spoken. I’d have to put it in last place on that list. When you realise that you can’t even go to the corner fruit shop to buy some apples, that’s when you know you’re in trouble and things are only going to get more difficult from here. I personally went through that for a while. Italian is a language where every verb is conjugated and every noun has an assigned gender. It wasn’t easy. As far as necessary documentation is concerned, one needs to have knowledge of a certain level in order to qualify for a Permesso di Soggiorno, the document that one needs for a long stay and to gain access to sources to sustain a living, or open a bank account. So it’s an entire chain of what you need in order to live a very basic lifestyle here.
2 months after moving here I took up a quick basic language course online. I’d have to say that it definitely helped a lot. At least, to do basic daily tasks, including going back to the corner fruit shop to buy some apples, and perhaps, add more to the basket!”
3. Do you think your chances in the country you are living in have grown since your language course? If yes, why?
”Yes, perhaps in a way. Not particularly to make new friends or relationships. But it has definitely helped nurture existing relationships and make them more meaningful. Like with my mother-in-law who doesn’t speak a word of English. We used to communicate with each other earlier nonverbally, for years. It was fun but it was very surface level. Now we chat once a week over the phone for at half an hour. And, hey, that’s good enough for me!
I can also now partake in discussions and have conversations with extended family members and local friends. Although, our friends always like to chat with me in English. I suppose it helps them hone their skills, too. Either way, it works and everyone has a great time.
It’s easier to make business enquiries or to approach people for opportunities. There are always mistakes and it’s not always perfect but that’s all part of the learning journey.
It’s also very important when it comes to dealing with official matters like medical visits, trips to the vet and of course, the place where every non-Italian citizen must make an appearance, the Questura. What an experience that has been!
All in all, it has also helped me be a tad more independent in certain ways. As the days go by I do hope that my language skills improve and get better.”
4. How did the language course at inlingua change your perspective in the country you are living in?
”I must say that visiting a country on holiday and living in that same country really do mean two completely different things. When you’re just visiting, you’re looking at the place through rose-tinted glasses and of course, you go to all the places where there is heavy tourist traffic, where everything is catered to you, to create picture perfect memories.
The reality of trying to make this place my home is a different scenario, all together.
The course at inlingua has really helped me in a big way to ease into the everyday goings on. It has definitely given me the confidence to move out of my comfort zone in a big way. To make small talk with people while waiting in line either for the bus or at the post office (something that would usually come easy to me someplace else). I’m able to see the country from a different perspective now too. And perhaps get a deeper insight into the mindset of the people here. I wouldn’t particularly say that things are now easy, but it’s definitely better to a degree. I now have a clearer understanding of the behaviours and mannerisms of the people here. But I also think that’s because I can now actively immerse myself into day-to-day activities and in the culture.
inlingua as a whole, helps its students prepare for various examinations with the tools and learning material for a comprehensive learning experience. And, most importantly, to prepare me for survival in a new country of residence. I have also made some friends here who I’ve met through the course and have made the experience all the more interesting.
I can certainly say that the helpful teachers and the friendly administrative staff have played a pivotal role in my journey of navigating through the complex world of language learning.”
…
1 Comment. Leave new
I really agree! I found the course useful, interactive and interesting.