In Jhumpa Lahiri's "In Other Words," she contemplates the possibility of a future where she can read Italian fluently without the aid of a dictionary or notebook. While this thought is appealing, she questions if that should be the ultimate goal. Lahiri believes that the struggle of reading in a new language enhances her experience, making her a more engaged and active reader, despite her limited skills.

She finds value in the challenges and limitations that come with reading in Italian, as they contribute to her growth and understanding. For her, ignorance serves a purpose and fosters a deeper connection with the language, allowing her to appreciate the effort required to communicate and comprehend. This perspective highlights the importance of the journey in language learning rather than solely focusing on the destination.