Talking with Claudio

We had 'intensive' language courses this week, for both grammar and our internships. Monday was a placement exam and I was put into a class with people I know speak better than me so of course I felt proud of myself but it was also incredibly intimidating, also I have discovered I do not perform well under pressure. The class was set up for a lot of speaking which is definitely the best way to learn but I would get so tense and scared I couldn't say anything! Even when I had a little notice because my turn wasn't first I'd have the sentence perfect in my head and then I'd totally botch it when I had to speak. I think this was mostly a lack of confidence but possibly also an effect of the intensity of my teacher. His name was claudio and he was really really nice and entertaining but also in the true Italian fashion he was passionate and blunt which made it a little frightening. There was an older Australian gentleman who was an opera singer and truly a character. I loved listening to him speak because his Italian wasn't fantastic but he said it all with such gusto that is was so fantastic to listen to. Everyone in the class was boggled by the fact that the byu students dont drink or have premarital sex, honestly I find it reaffirming and easier to feel good about my standards when they are questioned. Overall the class was helpful yet terrifying and sometimes I felt like my Italian was getting worse, I'm sure this is an affect of understanding more which leads to an understanding of how many mistakes I'm making and how little I actually know. However, I know I'm improving and I love all the opportunities I get to speak Italian.