XIV
LANGUAGE.
The traveller entering Italy for the first time should do so, not
by rail, but by one of the Alpine passes (Spliigen, Simplon, etc.),
as only thus will he obtain an adequate idea of the full ethno¬
graphical significance of the Alps, which conceal so new and so
strange a world from northern Europe. The luxurious character of
the Italian climate, vegetation, and scenery, the soft richness of
the language, and the courtly manners of the upper classes all
present a striking contrast to the harsher and rougher characteristics
of German Switzerland or the Tyrol. On no account, however.
should he traverse these passes at night, and he should always in¬
form himself beforehand of the condition of the diligence, and
raise an energetic protest against broken windows and similar in¬
conveniences. In spring it is advisable to wear coloured spectacles
as a precaution against the dazzling reflection from the extensive
snow-fields (p. xxvi).
The traveller who has entered Italy by one of the Alpine passes
is recommended to quit the country via Nice (1 day), Cannes
O/2 day)> Marseilles (1 day), Aries (Y2 day), Ntmes (1 day), Avignon
(1 day), and Lyons (R. 1), all of which are worthy of a visit, even
after Italy.
III. Language.
The time and labour which the traveller has bestowed on the
study of Italian at home will be amply repaid as he proceeds on his
journey. Is is quite possible for persons entirely ignorant of Italian
and French to travel through Italy with tolerable comfort; but such
travellers cannot conveniently deviate from the ordinary track, and
are moreover invariably made to pay lalla Inglese' by hotel-keepers
and others, i. e. considerably more than the ordinary charges. French
is very useful, as the Italians are very partial to that language, and
it may suffice for Rome and some of the main routes; but for those
who desire the utmost possible freedom, and who dislike being im¬
posed upon, a slight acquaintance with the language of the country
is indispensable, f
t 'Baedekers Manual of Conversation in English, French, German, and
Italian, -with Vocabulary, etc.'' (Stereotype Edition), which is specially
adapted for the use of travellers, with the addition of a pocket-diction¬
ary, will soon enable the beginner to make himself understood. —
A few words on the pronunciation may be acceptable to persons unac¬
quainted with the language. C before e and i is pronounced like the
English ch; g before e and i like j. Before other vowels c and g are
hard. Ch and gh, which generally precede e or t, are hard. Sc before e
or i is pronounced like sh; gn and gl between vowels like nyi and lyi.
The vowels a, e, i, 0, u are pronounced ah, a, ee, o, 00. — In ad¬
dressing persons of the educated classes 'Ella' or 'Lei1, with the 3rd pers.
King., should always be employed (addressing several at once, 'loro1 with
the 3rd pers. pi). 'Voi1 is used in addressing waiters, drivers, etc., Hu'
by those only who are proficient in the language. 'Voi1 is the usual mode
of address among the Neapolitans, but is generally regarded as inelegant
or uneourteous.
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