Being understood in a place where you don't speak the language is understandably difficult.  My level of understanding has gone up as my Italian has gotten better, but one must understand, this is not an easy task.  But I think it is generally understood among Italians that tourists (non conoscete niente) don't understand anything, which makes it both difficult and easy, depending on what kind of person you encounter.  Difficult if the person doesn't like foreigners.  Easier if the person likes to meet foreigners and take the time to talk, in which case I don't feel so misunderstood.