Will the language barrier really be a barrier?

You won't need a translator. In the larger city almost everyone speaks some English. You will have no problems understanding people and being understood.

With that being said, you should learn a couple of polite phrases before you go.

Donna

I really enjoy trying my best with Rick Steves' phrase book, or even just reading it for fun, but it's not necessary for communicating with anyone who works with tourists. See tips at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sightseeing/creative-communication.

While you may not need a translator for speaking I have found one to be helpful if there were signs I did not understand or things on the menu, etc. where you might be able to figure it out yourself instead of asking someone. Also, by having your own you might be more likely to try and learn a few more words or phrases. The one I use is jibbigo and it is used offline and is really a nice little benefit when traveling. Costs about $5...and well worth it. You just choose the language you want to buy. It's a lot of fun. And yes.... most often you will find English speaking people in the large cities.

No problems with language in these areas. DO learn "grazie, per favore, etc." simple polite things. Also manners are a little different there. When you enter a shop say hello, and when you leave say thank you, even if you don't purchase anything.

Also, do not touch the merchandise! We Americans like to touch/feel fabrics before we buy, but you need to politely ask permission in Italy.

They find us "odd" when we drink cappuccino after noon!

I love Italy.

Always ask a person if they speak English first, in your best attempt at Italian. If you just start talking English to them, (and they're not selling you something or serving you) they may not respond, even if they do understand you.

Don't assume that because someone speaks some English, they understand it all perfectly. Keep it simple.

"Any other handy tips?"

Since you're not going for a few months, you have some time to learn basics (please, thank you, where's the toilet, I'd like one of those, etc). I like Pimsleur, but there's others. You want a basic course aimed at travelers and beginners - don't waste a lot of money on a more comprehensive one.

And I like Rick's idea of trying to learn 5 words a day. That's not too onerous, but as he says, even if you only learn 50 words, you can do a lot with them.

If you have any background in any other Romance language, Italian will be much easier. Its pronunciation is also phonetic, which means that a little time learning how to pronounce it correctly is well rewarded (locals will be able to understand you when you say place names, etc).

I borrowed the book-and-CD package from the public library, and that gave me the basics -- for the rest, I used English when I didn't know the Italian word. And then the other person often gave the answer in clear English.

Learn what the word "fegato" means on a menu.

One of the more endearing things I experience in Italy is how a stranger on the street or in a shop will start rattling away in Italian- knowing I understand only a few basic words. It doesn't matter if you understand them or not. They will carry on a full conversation as if you do!! I love it. We may not understand all the words, but we can understand the feeling. And that is what I feel they are teaching me- to trust what I feel in the conversation.

So, no, I don't think it will be a barrier at all if you can play with it!
Italy and Italians are passionate. Meet them there.

Everybody gave you great advice. Just learn at least some polite basics.

Also be aware that younger generations are more familiar with foreign languages than older ones. This is due to the level of education (much greater today than 60 or 70 years ago) and also foreign travel and the internet, both of which young people have more experience with than their grandparents. So if in need of help, go after the high school or college student rather than a grandma feeding the pigeons.

Not sure why Doug considers that so important, but "Fegato" means liver. However "Avere Fegato" also means "To have guts".

Maybe Doug didn't have the guts to eat liver. It's actually good, especially the pâté on Tuscan crostini. Try it.

I seem to recall a previous fegato fixation by someone. Much more important than liver, as I've pointed out previously, is to learn what the words are for some things on a menu you really might want to avoid, like cavallo, asino, trippa, and more.

YES! Agree with the posters who tell you to look at what words mean on a menu at least! There are certain things I will NOT eat, including "brains." No where, no time, no way. Some people do not want to eat rabbit or goat, which is commonly served in Europe. That, in addition to attending family weddings in smal towns in Italy is what was the impetus for me buying the Pimsleur language CDs. They've served me well, in addition to an Italian Dictioinary.

However, for the "average" new traveler, you don't need to speak Italian to get by, but do get an Italian dictionary for menus!

You can't go to Florence and not taste the "Cervello alla Fiorentina" (cow brain Florentine style). So soft it melts in your mouth. Absolutely delicious. And when my grandma in the countryside cooked rabbit (another Tuscan specialty), she would always leave the rabbit brain for me. I've eaten so much brain that now I have so much brain that my body couldn't store it in my cranium, so I started storing it on my hips (some people think it's fat, but it's actually extra brain).