During my time in Florence, I have noticed some communication differences and preferences. One positive cultural communication norm that stood out to me right away is the custom of greeting people with a “buongiorno” or “buonasera” when entering stores, cafes, or even elevators. It creates a warm, respectful atmosphere and sets a tone of politeness that I’ve really come to appreciate. Typically, where I’m from in the US, people don’t say much in those situations, and at the most will greet strangers with a nod. Saying buongiorno or buonasera in these situations is a small gesture, but it carries a lot of weight in making everyday interactions feel more human and connected.

At the same time, I’ve experienced a few communication frustrations, especially early on in my study abroad experience. Many of the awkward moments I encountered were when I tried to speak Italian but didn’t understand the response, leading to some confusion. Although it was a little intimidating and at times embarrassing, I realized that this is a valuable part of the learning experience. If I didn’t try and occasionally fail, I would never improve.

Coming into my global experience, I knew that I wanted to return to the U.S. knowing at least a little conversational Italian, and moments like these, both the successes and the stumbles, have been key to helping me reach that goal. The need to be flexible and open-minded in everyday communication has helped me grow both linguistically and personally.