Back in the Learner’s Seat: What Italian Taught Me After 18 Years of Teaching French

Buongiorno !

--- um.. Bonjour ? Hello ?

Come si chiama ?

--- Je m' appelle.. oh sorry.. Mi chiami ? chiamo ? chiama ?

MAMA MIA !

This was going to be more difficult than I thought ! After nearly two decades of teaching French as a foreign language, I had forgotten what it felt like to be a student. I thought it would be a good experiment to try and learn Italian and observe my learning.

Why Italian ? I don't have a very convincing answer, I wanted a European language so I didn't have to learn a new script, and out of German, Spanish and Italian, it felt like the most aesthetic choice (Yes, you may shoot me now, LOL). The experience was both enriching and revelatory.

To begin with, being in a foreign language classroom as an adult (when I learned French, I was still a student so the experience was quite different) is SCARY ! Who needs Halloween, really ? Even when you know that mistakes are part of learning, it can be uncomfortable to say something incorrectly in front of other people. You may hesitate, replay your words in your head, or wish you had phrased things differently.

Experiencing that feeling myself reminded me how much courage it can take for learners to speak up before they feel confident.This is something I need to remember when I see students in my own classroom on day 1.

So my valuable piece of advice # 1: The only way to overcome this is by facing it.

Say the wrong thing. Look like a fool. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Trust the process.

I realised that knowing grammar and using it correctly are two VERY different things. As I knew French, picking up the grammar was truly a piece of cake (I am not saying this in arrogance, the two languages are very similar with respect to grammar). Yet, when I opened my mouth to speak, I only produced air.

So here's valuable piece of advice # 2:

Grammar is only a part of learning. When we learn a new language, we need meaningful listening, repeated practice and multiple opportunities to use the language. Do you homework, practice dictations and listen to a lot of authentic conversations.

Another important revelation I had was that, to learn a language effectively, you must find ways to connect with it. I didn't have any blocks while learning French, because I loved its sounds, loved the way francophone people spoke and French thinking and philosophy already occupied a huge part of heart. This was not true for italian. While I liked the language, I still hadn't 'taken' to it.

When a language feels appealing or familiar, it can be easier to stay curious and keep going. When that connection doesn’t come as naturally, learning may take more effort. That isn’t a sign that someone is incapable of learning; it simply means motivation, patience, and the right kinds of practice matter even more.

My final piece of valuable advice, therefore, would be this:

When you’re just beginning, be intentional about what shapes your first impression of a language and its culture. Seek out positive entry points: music, films, food, literature, or everyday stories, that make you curious to learn more. Don't let negative portrayals in the media become your main association. For example, pickpockets in Rome or the surliness of Parisian waiters.

Overall, my experience learning A1 Italian was an enjoyable experience, it was so much fun being part of a classroom, especially one I didn't have to teach ! I don't know if I will continue to learn further, as it requires considerable time commitment as well, but it definitely helped me looked at language learning afresh, both as a teacher as well a student.

Never underestimate your little steps, for like they say in Italian, Piano piano si va lontano.

 — Little by little, you can go a long way.

Ci vediamo, cari amici !