Italian Dialect Or Language
Interestingly enough, Italian dialects are not truly dialects…
The Italian language is the only official language of Italy. Until 1861, however, Italy was a loose network of small states with each having own language. One of the unifying forces at the time was the Roman Catholic Church, and this year the Sa die da Sardigna (the Sardinian National Day) Mass, was celebrated in the “limba” dialect, a variant of the Sardinian language.
While the history behind the official usage of Italian is a long one, essentially, when the Savoy Kingdom unified all these states under its crown, the decision was made that the literary Florentine variant of Italian would become standard across the country. A major factor in this decision was that Florentine literature (Dante, Petrarca and Boccaccio to name a few) was read widely throughout Italy, and therefore was considered part of the national identity.
The newly standard language was taught in schools as part of a federal schooling program that made the instruction mandatory everywhere, however the usage of regional languages persisted and remain an integral part of Italy’s regional cultures.
Interestingly enough, Italian dialects are not truly dialects as a dialect is a variant of a codified language and many of these “dialects” developed independently with their own grammar and vocabularies. This would technically classify them as their own languages. Currently, there are 32 minority languages, all of them derived from the Latin.
For more info on each of the minority languages, click here!
We hope you've enjoyed learning about what denotes Dialect or Language in Italian! Ready to delve more into not only the Italian language, but the culture that it was born of? Our culturally infused group classes with native instructors are sure to put you on the path to fluency faster than you may think possible. Click below to learn more!
The Fight For Italian Marriage Equality
The annual Pride march in Rome took place this week as LGBTQ+ Italians are continuing to fight for equal rights regarding marriage equality.
The Fight For Italian Marriage Equality
The annual Pride march in Rome took place this week as LGBTQ+ Italians are continuing to fight for equal rights regarding marriage equality.
In Italy, both male and female same-sex sexual activity have been legal since 1890 though it was not until 2016 that civil unions law passed with many of the rights of marriage. Stepchild adoption was, however, excluded from the bill, and it is currently still being reviewed. The same law provides both same-sex and heterosexual couples which live in an unregistered cohabitation with several legal rights In 2017, the Italian Supreme Court allowed a marriage between two women to be officially recognized.
Currently, Italian law only allows heterosexual couples access to fertility treatments, but a Turin city council in April registered the birth of the son of a lesbian couple, who was conceived via IVF in Denmark.
While many strides have been made towards equality under the law, in May 2018, the Court of Cassation ruled that same-sex marriages performed abroad cannot be recognized in Italy. Instead, they must be registered as civil unions, regardless of whether the couple wed before or after Italy introduced civil unions in 2016.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about The Fight For Italian Marriage Equality! What is your stance on the laws regarding marriage equality in Italy? Join the conversation below!
Renting In Italiano
Thinking of renting an apartment (appartamento) in the beautiful country of Italy? Here are a few terms that you must know…
Renting ”in Italiano”
Thinking of renting an apartment (appartamento) in the beautiful country of Italy? As you may have read in our previous article, Italian Casa : Caffè Price, there is an increased interest in living in Bel paese amongst foreigners. If the thought of living, and specicfically renting in Italy peaks your interest, we’d love to walk you through a few terms that will make navigating the process much easier!
First, we’ll review a few different types of contracts (contratti) that you may encounter. The process is different for a student compared to someone hoping to stay longer-term. These long-term contracts are called 'contratti di libero mercato' or in English, free market contracts, which usually last 4 years (if you find that you’d like to renew, you will generally be given the option of another 4 years). ‘Contratti concertati' (mutually agreed contracts) can be used for 3 years as a residential contract (uso abitativo) and also covers temporary use (uso transitorio) at a period of 1 to 18 months.
You should plan to see the term for a landlord (il/la locatore) in your contratti. While you may rent directly from the landlord, it is also advisable to go through a leasing agent (agente immobiliare).
Ok, so you’re ready to sign your contract, but what type of living situation do you want?
A studio? (un monolocale)
A double room? (un bilocale)
A triple room? (un trilocale)
Regardless of your style of housing, be sure to check the floorplan (la pianta del piano) to see what's included (such as a kitchen, bathrooms, etc.) and be weary of truffe (scams), particularly those that ask for a deposit in cash (in contanti). Most importantly, never pay before signing the contract and getting the keys (le chiavi) to the apartment.
Don’t be afraid to ask if the rent is negotiable (trattabile)! You may end up saving as you navigate how to pay for utilities (utenze) as well as additional service charges (spese condominiali). Once you're happy with everything, the only thing left to do is sign (firmare) and begin preparing for the move (il trasloco)!
Divertiti!
We hope you've enjoyed learning about Renting En Italiano! Want to make the process even easier?! Our immersive group classes taught by native instructors will help you not only breeze through the linguistic aspect of the renting process, but help you understand where you would be best suited to live based your desires of the cultural landscape!
Preserving the Language Of the Divine Comedy
It is no secret that ‘English-isms’ have permeated nearly every language in countries across the world. Recently, The Accademia della Crusca, have accused the country’s education ministry of implementing an emerging educational text with dozens of English words and phrases…
Preserving the Language Of The Divine Comedy
It is no secret that 'English-isms' have permeated nearly every language in countries across the world. Recently, those trusted with the preservation and protection of the Italian language, The Accademia della Crusca, have accused the country’s education ministry of implementing an emerging educational text with dozens of English words and phrases. This comes as disturbing news as the threat of “English-ification” grows ever present in the Italian language.
The committee, similar to it’s French counterpart, Academie française, has stated that it was “deeply concerned” that the text about entrepreneurship in business contained the phrases”team-building”, “start-up”, and “case history” among others when they feel that there are Italian equivalents that could have been just as effective. Because this has become “institutionalized,” according to the committee, The Accademia della Crusca contends that the education ministry needs to work to hold Italian language and culture,” in a higher regard, because “Rather than teaching students about entrepreneurship, the text seems to promote the systematic abandonment of the Italian language.”
Academie Francaise
Claudio Marazzini, the president of the academy, said the stated text would be difficult for Italian students to comprehend adding to a long list of points for the necessity to use native words over foreign ones. This linguistic compromise is not without a degree of being lost in translation as the meaning of some English words has been warped to the point where they aren’t recognizable to native English speakers. For example, "mister" has taken a new meaning as a football coach. The word, “location” has also come under fire specifically because there are three Italian equivalents (luogo, sito and posto) that could be used in it’s place.
Valeria Fedeli, the Italian education minister, however, has rejected criticism of the school text stating that her department was "committed to promoting Italian but also believed it was vital for schoolchildren to start learning English from a young age” and that “Italian borrowed words from many other languages, not least Latin and Arabic.”
We hope you've enjoyed learning about how The Accademia della Crusca are Preserving the Language Of the Divine Comedy! How do you feel about the committee's efforts to keep the Italian language as pure as possible? Join the conversation below!
Seeking Italian Citizenship
According to new figures from the statistics offices at Eurostat, Italy granted citizenship to over 200,000 people in 2016 placing it as the number 1 provider of citizenships of all the countries in the European Union.
Seeking Italian Citizenship
According to new figures from the statistics offices at Eurostat, Italy granted citizenship to over 200,000 people in 2016 placing it as the number 1 provider of citizenships of all the countries in the European Union.
The new citizens (all 201,600 of them) account for 1/5th of the new EU citizens. This shift represents a 13% increase from 2015 with the majority of new citizens originally hailing from Albania, Morocco, and Romania. The only countries contending with these numbers are Spain and the UK, each with around 150,000, followed by France with 119,200 and Germany with 112,800.
While EU citizens can live in Italy permanently without a visa, non-Europeans need to apply for the official residency permit or carta di soggiorno. Those who want full nationality, however, must either have Italian parents or grandparents, marry an Italian, or prove as many as ten years' legal residency in Italy. Currently children born to non-native parents must wait until they're at least 18 to apply. EU citizens can live in Italy permanently without a visa, but non-Europeans need to apply for a residency permit.
Thinking of applying for Italian citizenship? Our culturally-immersive classes and native instructors can provide you with all of the linguistic and cultural knowledge you could ever need to fit in with native Italians! Click below to learn more.
Returning to Italian Cafe Roots
This year, Starbucks is planning to open its first store in Italy with a mixed reception from locals...
Returning to Italian Cafe Roots
This year, Starbucks is planning to open its first store in Italy with a mixed reception from locals.
In a move that has provoked resistance from many locals, Starbucks will open a new cafe in the centre of Milan. While Italy is considered to be the birthplace of the modern coffee culture (as you read more about in our article, Evolution of Italian Espresso) the idea of Starbucks attempting to bring Frappuccinos to native Italians is causing a bit of a stir.
While many would argue that the coffee culture remains unaffected by globalization in Italy, it’s safe to say that global coffee culture has been very affected by Italian coffees. The exportation of the espresso has been an astonishing success and now forms the basis of the majority of coffee drinks around the world, especially in the menu at Starbucks.
However, to the approval of skeptics, Starbucks’ new store is attempting to make a return to its origins in Italian coffee culture by having the shop accompanied by it’s own roastery. Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz, has stated many times that having a shop in Italy has been an aspiration of his since he visited the country in the 1980s.
Whether Starbucks will be accepted by the locals is yet to be seen, but it will, without a doubt shape the future of the Italian coffee experience.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about how Starbucks is Returning to Italian Cafe Roots! Do you think Starbucks will be able to receive rave reviews in the birthplace of modern coffee? Let us know below!
Little Italy: NYC's Disappearing Neighborhood
The neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, once known for its large population of Italian Americans, today consists of only a few authentic Italian stores and restaurants...
Little Italy: NYC's Disappearing Neighborhood
"Walking beside the narrow, cobblestoned streets beneath the fire escapes of turn-of-the-century tenements, you're tempted by the sights, sounds and smells of Italian cuisine and culture emanating from the restaurants surrounding you at every step."
Any idea which NYC neighborhood is being referenced in this quote from it's official website?
Hint: Look below!
The neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, once known for its large population of Italian Americans, today consists of only a few authentic Italian stores and restaurants. and is surrounded by heavily gentrified areas -on the west by Tribeca and Soho, on the south - Chinatown, on the east - the Lower East Side, and on the north - Nolita.
Originally named Mulberry Bend, Danish-American social reformer, Jacob Riis, described it as "the foul core of New York’s slums.” as mass immigration from Italy during the 1880’s led to the influx of Italian immigrant settlement in lower Manhattan and resulted in the commercial gathering of their dwelling and business. Contrary to popular belief, Little Italy was not the largest Italian neighborhood in New York City, as East Harlem (or Italian Harlem) had a larger Italian population.
After World War II, many residents of the Lower East Side began moving to Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island, and New Jersey. Chinese immigrants became an increased presence after the U.S. Immigration Act of 1965 removed immigration restrictions, thus causing the neighboring Chinatown to expand to the detriment of the Italian neighborhood. As lower manhattan real-estate boomed, residents struggled to survive well into the 20th century and after the September 11 attacks in 2001, areas below Houston Street were cut off for the rest of the fall. As a result, the San Gennaro feast scheduled for September 13 was postponed and yet again the residents of the neighborhood were dealt a massive financial blow.
In 2004, Bill Tonelli from New York magazine stated that "Today, Little Italy is a veneer—50 or so restaurants and cafés catering to tourists, covering a dense neighborhood of tenements shared by recent Chinese immigrants, young Americans who can’t afford Soho, and a few remaining real live Italians.” and the website, ItalianAware, has called the dominance of Italians in the area, "relatively short lived.” In 2010, Little Italy and Chinatown were listed in a single historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although Little Italy has shrunk as Soho and Chinatown continue to expand, Mulberry Street to this day showcases the enduring impact thousands of Italians made on NYC.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about Little Italy: NYC's Disappearing Neighborhood! What is your stance on the ongoing gentrification in Lower Manhattan, and do you believe there is a way to save Little Italy from disappearing forever? Leave a comment below!
Culture + Cheese = Parma
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini announced February 16th that Parma would be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2020.
Culture + Cheese = Parma
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini announced February 16th that Parma would be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2020.
The northern city swept the competition including Agrigento, Bitonto, Casale Monferrato, Macerata, Merano, Nuoro, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia and Treviso. Parma has been regarded as "a virtuous and extremely high-quality example of local culturally based planning".
The city was at the center of several wars in the peninsula during the 14th and 15th centuries and became part of the Papal States, only to be detached from them in 1545 by Pope Paul III. During the Napoleonic Wars, Parma was annexed to France, was a center of resistance to fascism, and boasts one of the oldest universities in the world.
On a culinary level, Parma is famous for its ham and (surprise, surprise) parmigiano cheese. In Emilia-Romagna, where Parma lies, there is more origin-protected food and drink than any other region in Italy, and in the plains around Parma you'll be able to find amazing prosciutto, salami, cheese and porcini mushrooms. It is no surprise that Parma was also named a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy in 2015.
As part of its candidacy Parma has pledged to further broaden its cultural attractions, commissioning installations outside the city centre and inviting artists from elsewhere in Italy and the world to give their own creative view of the city.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about how Culture + Cheese = Parma! Looking to make a trip to the cultural hub of Parma? Our immersive group classes with native instructors will ensure that you are ready to experience everything Parma has to offer!
Italian Casa : Caffè Price
In the hunt for new neighbors, the village of Ollolai is offering a massive price break on houses that were once owned by shepherds, farmers and other villagers for only $1.25 per house. Yes. One dollar and twenty five cents.
Italian Casa : Caffè Price
Over the course of the last 50 years, the population of the Italian town of Ollolai has shrunk from 2,250 people to 1,300 with no end in sight to the weaning number of residents.
Photo: Getty Images
The town of Ollolai sits just at 1000 meters above sea level, surrounded by Mediterranean views accompanied by the famous Finestra della Sardegna (“Window of Sardinia”), where, during clear days, you can see the two seas of the island (on the east and west coasts) all while shaded by Holm oaks. Those entranced by local folklore and ancient traditions can anticipate captivation by the well-preserved Tombe Dei Giganti (tombs of giants) and the Cestini Di Asfodelo (asphodel baskets).
In the hunt for new neighbors, the village is offering a massive price break on houses that were once owned by shepherds, farmers and other villagers for only $1.25 per house. Yes. One dollar and twenty five cents!
Unfortunately, there is a bit of a catch. Prospective buyers must agree to renovate their newly-bought Italian living space within 3 years of purchasing the property which has been estimated to cost about $25,000. Considering views like these:
Photo: Ollolai comune proloco
Photo: Michele Columbu
it may be worth the investment.
In fact, the village website that originally published the real estate deal has become so overwrought with applications that there is now a deadline in place.
Since the amount of offers has exceeded the 200 properties currently available in the village, the office will stop accepting applications on February 7th.
Planning to make the big move to Ollolai to get an Italian Casa at a Caffè Price? As you can see from the application website, knowledge of the Italian language is a must! Lucky for you, our team of enthusiastic native instructors who teach our fully immersive lessons are a great place to jump start your journey to fluency. Click below to learn more!
The Hidden Gems of Italy
There is a way to get in on an exclusive Italian experience once every year, so before you spend all of your hard earned money on that ticket to Italy, read on...
The Hidden Gems of Italy
If you had to make a list of places you visit every time you make a destination trip, would you happen to include a museum? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone, especially in Italy. Italian state museum revenues increased by almost 50 million euros between 2013-2016 and has seen an increased visitor rate of almost 19%. With the vast exhibitions, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, however it does mean that museums can be increasingly difficult to peruse without feeling like you’re standing cheek to cheek with strangers on the NYC transit system (which is your favorite pastime, right?).
There is, however, a way to get in on a more exclusive experience once every year, so before you spend all of your hard earned money on that ticket to Italy, read on.
The Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI) or National Trust of Italy hosts an annual “Spring Days” event in March that opens up many hidden gems of Italy including: buildings, villages, and gardens to visitors that are usually closed to the public.
This event includes 1,000 sites in 400 towns.
Among these, the art schedule includes 260 buildings and villas, 51 villages, 79 castles and towers, 90 small museums, 40 parks and natural areas, 20 archaeological areas, 7 military establishments and 20 academies, schools, and institutions, 16 industrial and business museums, 14 theaters and amphitheaters, 8 cemeteries, and 2 former psychiatric hospitals.
Arguably one of the most impressive hidden gems of Italy is the Brisighella Convent, which is so large that the nuns use scooters to get around. This alone is reason enough to start booking that trip.
To see the full list of the true hidden gems of Italy, feel free to check out the official FAI website here. This website is in Italian, however, so it would be recommended to have a translator handy! If you would like to be able to make your trip sans translator, there's no better accompaniment to experiencing these hidden gems than with your knowledge of Italian! Grazie!
How to Become a Gondolier
You have to prove your seriousness, knowledge of boating, willingness to clean the boat, but also your willingness to help tourists to settle and feel confortable.
How to Become a Gondolier
It is not possible to think about Italy, without thinking about its famous Venetian Gondolas. Gondolas are ancient, so ancient that the trace of its official inventor is hard to find. Indeed, this flat-bottom boat is around a thousand years old! There is a first mention of a Gondola in a correspondence from Doge Vitale Falier who was a Duke in Venice in 1094 where he used the word gondulam. Weather it is old or pretty recent, everyone loves a nice gondola ride on the venetian river where you can fill your eyes with wonders and your ears with beautiful and melodic Italian songs. Today, we are taking you to Venice for your first (or second) gondola ride... Enjoy!
What is a gondola?
A gondola is a boat that has a flat bottom and it is about 10,85 metres (34ft.) about 1,40 metres (4.5 ft.) in width. The boat is made with several kinds of wood such as fir, cherry, chestnut, elm, oak, linden tree and many more. It can take up to 2 years to build it, using about 280 wooden pieces, and its weight ranges about 350 kg to 600 kg or about 770 to 1300 pounds. It is not until the 15th Century that we will see the "modern" gondola that we know today. The color black was imposed to refrain an unfair competition with the rich Venetians who would ornate the boat with gold and other treasures. Up until the Second World War, gondolas were guided by 2 gondoliers and they were used by people as a private mode of transportation. Kind of like Uber, without the app!
How to navigate a Gondola
Gondolas are a very interesting kind of boat. It is propelled by a person who stands facing the bow and rows with a forward stroke followed by a backward stroke in order to compensate the movement. Because of its flat bottom, the gondola can also be drifted sideways if it is necessary.
Funny fact, the gondolas were equipped at some point with a little cabin from the passengers to protect them form the weather or people looking at them. It even had windows with blinds (original Venetian blinds!) to offer you the perfect intimate moment. This cabin, or "felze" disappeared in the early 20th Century.
how to become a gondolier
In order for you to become a gondolier you need to get a permit. There would be around 433 Gondoliers with a permit today. There is a limit of permits and Venice reached it. The number of gondolas was estimated to 10,000 in the 16th century and the gondoliers were a separate group in society. The knowledge was passed from one generation to another, from father to son. This system disappeared in 1980 and you can now take the exam. You have to prove your seriousness, knowledge of boating, willingness to clean the gondola, but also your willingness to help tourists to settle and feel confortable. The first women to obtain her permit is now working in the area of Dorsoduro. She passed her exam in 2009. Are you ready for the exam?
We hope you enjoyed reading about How to Become a Gondolier! One thing we must add that is the number one goal for gondoliers is the Regata Storica. It is an annual race that will allow winners to belong to a family (of gondoliers)! Do you have pictures of your recent trip in Venice? Don't forget to add them in the comments' section below. Looking for more Italian language & culture? Check out our Italian Group Classes and Private Lessons at JP Linguistics taught by native instructors. Grazie mille!