In main tourist cities like Venice, language is not a big problem. Most hotels have English speakers at their reception desks, and you can always find someone who speaks at least a little English in other situations. You may run into a language barrier in the countryside, but a phrase book and close attention to the Italians' astonishing use of pantomime and expressive gestures will go a long way. Try to master a few phrases for daily use and familiarize yourself with the terms you'll need for deciphering signs and museum labels. Remember that the Italian language is pronounced exactly as it is written.
