Expats 'need to learn the Italian language'

Tuesday June 3rd , 2008

English speakers who are planning to work in Italy should learn the Italian language, experts have stated.

According to ShelterOffshore.com, foreigners who are working in the country are widely expected to have a basic knowledge of the native tongue.

The website said being familiar with the language could help people from overseas earn the respect of their Italian counterparts.

This, it stated, is still the case even if they are working for an international company.

ShelterOffshore.com remarked: "If you're going to be moving to Italy, you need to know how the Italians work."

The website added that if people are living and working in the country, learning as much as they can about Italian business etiquette would be a wise move.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, more than 200,000 emigrated from the UK during 2006.

Jill Rutter of the Institute for Public Policy Research recently told the Telegraph that this is partly because the employment market has become more globalised in recent years.