Prepped for Prepositions

Oy Vey! Italian Prepositions!

Let's face it, if you wait until you've mastered the prepositions in any given language before you try to speak face to face with a native, you'll probably never get to use your new-found tongue at all.  True, there are a few rules and guidelines for when to use certain prepositions, such as using di not da when you're referring to being 'from a certain place,' e.g., Sono di Firenze,  but there are exceptions galore.  Mastery of prepositions is a skill that only really sets in after many years of regular practice, allowing plenty of time and self-forgiveness for making many mistakes at first. 

I see the problem time and again when I read the English that non-native speakers write to me.  Sometimes they use the wrong preposition, and sometimes they completely omit a preposition where one is needed in English, but totally unnecessary in their own language.  All those from's, to's, at's, etc., are employed slightly differently in each language.  Do you live in the street or on the street?  When you think about it, you do neither; you live by the street. 

But we must remember that these are little words, albeit important words, that most of the time will not make you message incomprehensible to your listeners.  As in so many cases, we have to give up a little of our unwillingness to make mistakes and be a little lenient with ourselves.  Most of the time your amici italiani will be equally forgiving.  If you're willing to meet them halfway and at least make an attempt to respect and utilize their language, they will tolerate a few slip-ups, especially if they are second language learners themselves.

A presto...