Un’amica di penna

It is one thing to sit at a desk, conjugating verbs; but to use the grammar, vocabulary, and expressions learnt in the classroom and apply them to a real conversation – to laugh, to share stories, to exchange ideas – that is when you immerse yourself into another culture, another world, another way of life, and that is when the learning truly begins.

A pen pal, or ‘un’amica di penna’ in Italian, has allowed me to apply my language learning to a place beyond the classroom – where it belongs – connecting with the authentic rhythms of everyday Italian conversations. Through our exchanges, I have not just gained language proficiency but a deeper understanding of the customs, values, and idiosyncrasies that make up the face of Italian culture, things that one can only grow to learn through genuine personal connections.

On a personal level, conversing with a pen pal has helped me overcome the instinctual fear and embarrassment that often come with learning a new language. The fear of making mistakes or sounding too foreign might discourage you from continuing your language journey. However, through these brief, everyday exchanges, that hesitance is gradually replaced with genuine excitement and motivation to keep improving.  Writing to a pen pal makes you realise how much progress you’ve actually made, encouraging you by revealing just how capable you are.

I feel extremely fortunate for my experience writing with my pen pal. It has granted me the opportunity to employ my language skills in a context beyond textbooks and classrooms and to be able to travel the world through words alone.

Tamara Jabbour
Year 11