“What is that filled with?” my friend asked, pointing at some delightful looking cookie labeled ‘Baci di dama’. The middle-aged Italian woman, hair pulled back and covered with a piece of white fabric (perhaps an alternative to a hairnet) gave us a rather puzzled look. My friend pointed again, “Chocolate?”
The lady then exclaimed, “no no, not chocolate, fruit…I don’t know how to say it in English!” The filling appeared to be a sort of jam so, naturally, I thought it was type of berry. Upon questioning her again, she nodded cheerfully and informed us that, yes, it was indeed a berry.
This woman, in an aromatic bakery on Via dei Neri, only spoke Italian. I could not help but to think about language barriers in a place of tourism like Florence. The presence of an unfamiliar language at one’s destination is undoubtedly intimidating. They may find it necessary to learn several common words that may allow for a pleasant and unproblematic stay.
Thousands of tourists come each year to Florence, a city filled with culture, art, architecture and delectable cuisine. Some may know Italian, others barely, and the majority probably made sure to order a copy of ‘Italian for Dummies’ prior to their journey.
Can a tourist get by in the city without knowing the language?
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