How to join an Italian conversation?

I have many students at A1 level. They do not have an extensive vocabulary yet, but at some point in their lives they will have to participate in Italian conversations to make the transition to A2 level. Often their passive knowledge is greater than their active knowledge. They understand what is being said fairly well, but responding in a nice sentence in time is difficult.

Often people are further along in the conversation by the time you understand what was being said 5 minutes ago. Or you were thinking about your response while the conversation was going on and the moment was lost.

The strategy

Now I have a very good strategy for that. That strategy is: study short, handy sentences with commonplaces, so that you still make a start with the participation.

I have a student, Rob, who was a master at this. In every story I told him in Italian (I knew he understood me), he had a response ready. Super fun, because: interaction!

I also heard this from former student Lucy. Sometimes you pick up something in Italy that makes you think: I should have known this sooner! For her it was the word: 'Posso?' with a question mark. She was sitting at a table eating something and wanted to ask for the olive oil from the table next to her. She heard other people say it: 'I can?'Sometimes one word is enough.

I've created a list on Quizlet that you can study, but I'll highlight some of these words in this blog post.

Useful phrases to go with

Eccoci qua Here we are.

The penny is falling I agree. With this you are suddenly part of the discussion between proponents and opponents. You can express your agreement without going into the details, but suddenly you are part of the conversation.

I don't live in peace I can't think of it right now. You're looking for a word, but instead of pausing or stuttering, you can simply say: I can't think of it right now.

Family thinking I need to think about it for a moment. Mainly intended to save time, so you can think about your choice of words.

I'm coming too! I'm coming too! People discuss where they want to go. You want to join in, participate! So: I'm coming too! You have already indicated that you are interested. People can then take the trouble to explain to you what, where and how. It is clear that you cannot be absent.

Come on! Come on! / No way! / You're kidding! Also used to give your opinion. When people tell a bizarre story and you don't know what to say, you're in danger of falling silent. But here it is: Come on!

Maybe! If only it were true! Someone tells you a story that is too good to be true, or thinks you speak fluent Italian. Magari! That would be nice!

I have not the foggiest idea I really have no idea. Someone asks your opinion directly in Italian after a discussion about a topic you don't understand. You can say this. Especially in combination with:

Do you prefer my mirrors? Can you please explain that to me? For when you have heard the bell chiming, but do not know where the clapper is. You need more information.

Are you joining in an Italian conversation?

Here they are: the conversation starters. Once you join in? People will look at you and look for approval or disapproval with their gaze. They might even pause for a moment. And then you can join in.

Want the full list? Then follow this link to Quizlet. We would love to hear from you: what is your favorite sentence, your conversation starter that you always use when you are in Italy? Leave it in a comment!

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