@ Anmal
thinking better i am afraid that , even if at the unconscious level , many Italians may share a similar definition of communication
I don't know if you never was in Italy, where obviously are many understand English,(French a bit less )
this happens often
you got lost , or anyway you need some information so since you don't know any Italian except then "ciao" and "pizza",you ask in English, or in French or whatever language you use to communicate.
Alas, nobody around there can speak English, but then something surprising happens!!
they will understand you are a stranger , so they will adapt their speech , talking very slowly, making clear each syllables and vocal and repeating twice each sentence, deeply convinced that sufficient to make you understand Italian !!
What even more surprising is that often works !Not really because you will understand any of the words but because the body language ,often emphasized by very theatrical arms and hands gestures and facial mimic may be sufficient to express even complex concept as
" Lady don't worry, : the Metro is closed but there is a bus stop just here and is coming a bus making same way of the Metro"
even more easy if you asked a direction, phonetically often the reply could make no sense, yet will be a adapt soundtrack for a sort of mime show , where a series of grim and arms and hands gestures will illustrate in any detail and beyond any doubt the path to follow to get to your desired destination