The Language of the Angels

 The protagonist of Thomas Mann's novel, Confessions of Felix Krull, stated, "I am truly in love with this beautiful language, the most beautiful in the world.  .... For me, there is no doubt that the angels in heaven speak Italian.  It is impossible to imagine that these beautiful beings would use a language less musical."

The reference to angels speaking Italian is an indirect reference to a line from The Divine Comedy, in which Dante states, "la lingua degli angeli mostrasi si piacente a chi la ode." -Paradiso XXV (trans.  The language of the angels appears pleasing to those who hear it.)  It is useful, malleable, musical, seductive, harmonious, all qualities that angels like very much. 

Throughout history it has been noted by great poets, thinkers, scholars .... and emperors, that Italian is the superior language.  I think this is best summed up by Emperor Carlo V d'Asburgo (1500-1538) when he stated, "I speak in Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse."

Oh, Europeans and their sexy multi-lingual ways. 

My journey with Italian definitely started in a 'dark wood,' not unlike Dante's entry into Hell.

I was in that 'dark wood' for quite a while.  Only recently have I entered into the Glory of the Light!  8 years, so far, and still going.  But it is so satisfying to feel fluency coming on.  To speak without translating first, to learn slang expressions, to communicate and be appreciated.  Bello, bello.