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ROME - LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE

Contrary to North European preconceptions, we found the Romans rather distant and very reserved. They don't have the charming politeness of the French, the ready friendliness of the English and Dutch or the rumbustiousness of the Germans. But while Romans seem to be rather quiet, they also struck me as tough-minded and hard-headed, qualities which earn my respect.

It's not true that everyone can or is willing to use English. The more you wander from the tourist areas the more you’ll need some Italian. For reasons of self-respect and peace of mind, and respect for the country I was visiting, I made a point of trying to learn some Italian and this proved useful if not essential at times. I tried to use Italian as a matter of course, and I hope this gesture was appreciated. It certainly brought a smile to the face of some waiters and waitresses, but I don't know whether this was born of pleasant surprise or because they were laughing at my appalling pronunciation, syntax and usage. If you want to be taken for a local rather than a tourist you'll need a pair of sunglasses, not just any old sunglasses but ones that will stay put when balanced vertically on top of the head which seems to be the place they are usually worn.

Rik - 8 June 2001

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