Social+customs+in+Italy


 * Social customs in Italy **

**Traditions and habits ** ** Traditions and habits **

**Greetings in Italy **

When you're introduced to an Italian, you should say 'good day' ( //buongiorno// ) and shake hands (a single pump is enough).  When you're Introduced to an Italian, You Should say 'good day' //(hello)// and shake hands 'Hello' //(hello)// is used Among close friends and young people, But It Is not Considered polite When addressing strangers Unless They use it first. Women may find that some men kiss their hand, although this is rare nowadays. Women May Find That Some Men Kiss Their hand, although this is rare Nowadays. When being introduced to someone in a formal situation, it's common to say 'pleased to meet you' ( //molto lieto// ).  When Being Introduced to someone in a formal situation, it's common to say 'pleased to meet you' //(very happy to see you).// When saying goodbye, you should shake hands again. When Saying Goodbye, You Should shake hands again. It's also customary to say 'good day' or 'good evening' ( //buonasera// ) on entering a small shop, waiting room or lift, and 'good day' or 'goodbye' ( //arriverderci// or, when addressing only one person, //arrivederla// ) on leaving (friends say //ciao// ). It's Also customary to say “have a nice day or have a nice evening “ on Entering a small shop, waiting room or lift, and “have a nice day” or 'goodbye' //(See you// now, When addressing only one person, //bye-bye)// on leaving (friends say //hello).//

**Kissing in Italy ** ** Kissing in Italy **



Italian families and friends usually kiss when they meet, irrespective of their sex.  Families and friends Usually Italian kiss When They meet, irrespective of Their sex. If a lady expects you to kiss her, she offers her cheek. If a lady Expects you to kiss her, she offers her cheek. Between members of the opposite sex the 'kiss' is deposited high up on the cheek, never on the mouth (except between lovers!) and isn't usually really a kiss, more a delicate brushing of the cheeks accompanied by kissing noises. Between members of the opposite sex the 'kiss' is deposited high up on the cheek, never on the mouth (except Between lovers!) And isn't really a kiss Usually, a more delicate brushing of the cheeks Accompanied by kissing noises. There are usually two kisses – first on the right cheek, then on the left.  Usually there are two kisses - first on the right cheek, then on the left. It's also common in Italy for male relatives and close male friends to embrace each other. Also in Italy it's common for ill relatives and close friends to embrace evil Each Other.

**You & You **



<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">When talking to a stranger, particularly older Italians, you should use the formal form of address ( //lei// ). <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> When talking to a stranger, Particularly older Italians, You Should use the formal form of address //(you).// Don't use the familiar form ( //tu// ) or call someone by their Christian name until you're invited to do so. Do not use the familiar form //(you)// or call someone by Their Christian name until you're invited to do so. Generally the older or (in a business context) senior person invites the other to use the familiar //tu// form of address and first names. Generally the older or (in a business context) invites the other person senior to //you// use the familiar form of address and first names. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">The familiar form is used with children, animals and God, but almost never with your elders or work superiors. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> It's customary to use //you// in conversations with shopkeepers, servants, business associates and figures of authority.

**<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Invitations **

<span style="background: white; color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 12pt; margin: 7.5pt 0cm;">

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">If you're invited to dinner by an Italian family (a rare honour), you should take along a small present of flowers, pastries or chocolates. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> If you're invited to dinner by an Italian family should you take along a small present of flowers, chocolates or pastries. Gifts of foreign food or drink aren't generally well received unless they're highly prized in Italy such as single malt whisky. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">Flowers can be tricky, as some people associate them with certain things (eg chrysanthemums for cemeteries), but a florist will be able to advise you.Italians say 'good appetite' ( //buon appetito// ) before starting a meal. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> Italians say 'good appetite' //(good appetite)// before starting a meal. If you're offered a glass of wine, wait until your host has made a toast ( //salute!// ) before drinking. If You're Offered a glass of wine, wait until your host has made ​​a toast //(salute!)// before drinking. If you aren't offered another drink, it's time to go home. . You should, however, go easy on the wine and other alcohol, as if you drink to excess you're unlikely to be invited back! You Should, However, go easy on the wine and other alcohol, drink to excess as if you're Unlikely to be invited back! It's common in Italy to invite people to come after dinner ( //dopo cena// ), eg from 9.30pm, for dessert and wine. It's common in Italy to invite people to like after dinner //(after dinner),// eg from 9.30pm, for dessert and wine. 

**<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Dress code in Italy ** **<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Dress code in Italy **



<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">Italians dress well and seem to have an inborn sense of elegance and style. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> Italians dress well and Seem to Have an inborn sense of elegance and style. Presentation and impression are all-important to Italians and are referred to as //bella presenza// or //bella figura// (literally 'beautiful presentation or figure'). Presentation and impressions are all-important to Italians and are Referred to as //handsome// or //beautiful picture// (Literally 'beautiful presentation or figures'). Italians generally dress well and appropriately, tending to be more formal in their attire than most northern Europeans and North Americans. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">However, although they rarely loaf around in shorts or jogging pants, they also tend not to go to the other extreme of tuxedos and evening gowns. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> However, although They Rarely loaf around in shorts or jogging pants, They Also Tend not to go to the other extreme of tuxedos and evening gowns. Italians judge people by their dress, the style and quality being as important as the appropriateness for the occasion. Italians judge people by Their dress, the style and quality Being as important as the appropriateness for the occasion. Italians consider bathing costumes, skimpy tops and flip-flops or sandals with no socks strictly for the beach or swimming pool, and not the street, restaurants or shops.

**<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Other Customs **



<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">You should introduce yourself before a    <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">sking to speak to someone on the telephone. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> Should you introduce yourself before Asking to speak to someone on the telephone. Although the traditional siesta is facing a battle for survival, it isn't recommended to telephone between 2 and 4pm, when many people have a nap ( //pisolino// ). Although the traditional siesta is facing a battle for survival, it isn't recommended to telephone Between 2 and 4pm, When Many People Have a nap //(nap).// If you must call between these times, it's polite to apologise for disturbing the household. If you must call Between These Times, it's polite to apologize for disturbing the household. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">If you have a business appointment with an Italian, he will expect you to be on time, although he will invariably be five or ten minutes late. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">If you have a business appointment with an Italian, he will expect you to be on time, although he will invariably be five or ten minutes late. If you're If you're going to be more than five minutes late, it's wise to telephone and apologise. Going To Be More Than Five minutes late, it's wise to telephone and apologize.

**<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13.5pt;">Being Italian **

**<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">An insight into Italian stereotypes ** **<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> An insight into Italian stereotypes **

**//<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">Spaghetti, mafia, musical accent, gestures, romantic, loud, fashion, chaos - //****<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> these are all words often used to describe Italians. ** **<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> //Spaghetti, mafia, musical accent, gestures, romantic, loud, fashion, chaos -// These are all words Often used to describe Italians. How much truth is there in the stereotype? How much truth is there in the stereotype? By Nicoletta Di Bartolomeo **

**<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">So what's true in the stereotype? ** **<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> So what's in the stereotype true? **

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">Stereotypes always tend to have some truth mixed in with a few generalisations and a bit of exaggeration. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> Tend to Stereotypes always have some truth mixed in with A Few generalisations and a bit of exageration. Let's see what's true in the Italian stereotype. Let's see what's true in the Italian stereotype. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Spaghetti and pasta in general are sacred. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Spaghetti and pasta in general are sacred. You cannot take pasta away from an Italian meal otherwise it won't be complete. You can not take away from an Italian pasta meal Com it will not be complete. A typical Italian meal usually includes: A typical Italian meal Usualy includig:



<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">1. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Starter ( //primo// ): pasta <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Starter //(first):// pasta <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">2. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Main course ( //secondo// ): fish or meat with salad <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Main course //(second):// fish or meat with salad <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">3. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Fruit or dessert ( //dolce// ) <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Fruit or dessert //(sweet)// <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">4. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Coffee <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Coffee <span style="background: white; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">there are big regional Some Differences in Italy, I know you Might find rice pasta in Replacing Some places!

· <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">A good meal should always be shared with someone else. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Should Always Be A good meal shared with someone else. It is a way to share conversation and jokes, forget about work for a couple of hours and enjoy life. It is a way to share jokes and conversation, forget about work for a couple of hours and enjoy life. Be assured, an Italian will always find the time to eat properly. Be assured, an Italian will always find the time to eat properly. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">The //Mafia// is real: we are not proud of it but it does exists, especially in the South and the island of Sicily. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> The //Mafia// is real: we are not proud of it But it does exists. Obviously, not every Italian is a Mafioso and most will feel offended and insulted if you use the term, even when if you mean it as a joke. Obviously, Every Italian is not a Mafioso and Most will feel insulted and offended if you use the term, even if When you mean it as a joke. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Yes, the way we speak is completely original. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Yes, the way we speak is Completely original. The most important element of communication are the gestures: the way we move our hands, hold our heads, move our shoulders, our facial expressions, as well as the way we use our eyes and mouths to make ourselves understood. The most important element of communication are the gestures: the way we move Our Hands, Hold Our Heads, Our shoulders move, Our facial expressions, as well as The Way We Use our eyes and mouths to make Ourselves understood. We simply cannot talk without our hands. Simply we can not talk without Our Hands. If they are busy doing something else, we start moving shoulders or other parts of the body for emphasis. If They are busy doing something else, we start moving shoulders or other parts of the body for emphasis. Italians speak very loudly in public whether on the bus, in the street or on the phone. Italians speak very loudly in public Whether on the bus, in the street or on the phone. Don't worry, we are not all deaf. Do not worry, we are not all deaf. A lot of foreigners think we are fighting when we talk that way but it's just the way we are. A lot of foreigners think we are fighting When We Talk That Way But It's just the way we are.

· <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">We like to travel a lot, but do not speak many foreign languages - maybe because we trust body language more than words. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> We like travelling a lot, But can’t speak any foreign languages ​​- maybe Because we trust body language More Than Words. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Yes we do enjoy romance (just like everyone else - more or less) and maybe the stereotype of the Italian romantic lover is not completely dead. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Yes we do enjoy romance (just like everyone else - more or less) and maybe the stereotype of the Italian romantic lover Is Not Completely Dead. An Italian guy will never let a girl go home unescorted. An Italian guy will never let a girl go home unescorted. Also, the macho ideal is still alive and well in Italian culture. Also, the macho ideal is still alive and well in Italian culture. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">We are also fashion victims: you can recognise Italians by the way they dress from the head to feet (strictly black Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses; Calvin Klein boxers; Levi's jeans; Gucci handbags; tanned skin all year long; perfect make up). <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Also We are fashion victims: you can recognise by the way Italians They dress from head to the feet (strictly black Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, Calvin Klein boxers, Levi's jeans, Gucci handbags, tanned skin all year long, perfect make-up). We will dress stylishly for every possible occasion. We will dress stylishly for Every possible opportunity. You won't ever see an Italian wearing sporting short pants combined with long socks: it's simply against our fashion rules (let alone our sense of style)! You will not ever see an Italian wearing short pants sporting combined with long socks: it's Simply Against Our fashion rules (let alone Our sense of style)! · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">We are chaotic. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> We are chaotic. Nothing in Italy is well organized or easy-to-use. Nothing in Italy is well organized or easy-to-use. You have to fight to get the smallest scrap of information. You have to fight to get the smallest scrap of information. Don't be surprised to see Italians fighting to get into the buses or jumping the queue to be served first at the coffee bar. Do not be surprised to see Italians fighting to get into the buses or jumping the queue to be served first at the coffee bar. Italy's slow-moving and stressful bureaucracy has made us more pushy and resourceful. Italy's slow-moving and stressful Bureaucracy has made us more pushy and Resourceful.

**<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">So, what's wrong with the stereotype? ** **<span style="color: #b82222; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> So, what's wrong with the stereotype? **

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">Italians tend to feel that they are unfairly stereotyped and get offended by how they are perceived by foreigners. <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';"> Italians Tend to Feel That They Are Stereotyped and unfairly get offended by how They Are Perceived by foreigners. The stereotype is actually true but being Italian takes a lot more than that - we are not really pasta and pizza chomping mafiosi. The stereotype is true, But Actually Being Italian Takes a Lot More Than That - we are not really chomping Mafia pasta and pizza. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">We are a generous, sunny and communicative people. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> We are a Generous, sunny and communicative people. We like to smile; we love to talk - preferably over a one or two hour meal followed by a good cup of coffee. We like to smile, we love to talk - Preferably over a one or two hour meal Followed by a good cup of coffee. This doesn't imply that we don't take work seriously or that we work less than in other countries. Does this work IMPLY That We Do not Take Seriously or Less Than That We work in other countries. A typical working day in Italy lasts for about 8 hours, from 8/9 am to 5/6 pm, sometimes until 7 pm, depending on how many breaks have been taken during A typical working day in Italy lasts for about 8 hours, from 8 / 9 am to 5 / 6 pm until 7 pm Sometimes, Depending on how many breaks Have Been taken During.



<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">the day. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> We feel that work is not everything in life, that's why we spend so much time on coffee or cigarette breaks. We Feel That work is not everything in life, that's why we spend so much time on coffee or cigarette breaks. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Italians stay at their parents' home until they have saved up enough money to pay for a flat. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Italians stay at Their parents' home until They Have saved up enough money to pay for a flat. This can take a while, which is why many Italians leave their homes when they're already 30 years old. This can take a while, Which is why many Italians leave Their homes When They're Already 30 years old. This, by the way, has earned Italians a reputation of being mummy's boys – yet another stereotype caused by misunderstanding between cultures. This, by the way, has earned a reputation of Italians Being mummy's boys - yet another stereotype Between Cultures Caused by misunderstanding. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">Family is the most important thing in our lives and male as well as female roles are based on it. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> Family Is The Most Important Thing in Our Lives. Men should be strong and protective, whereas women should be gentle and feminine. · <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">The country of Italy is made up by many different regions and provinces - each one with its own distinctive dialect, culture and history. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> The country of Italy is made up by many different regions and provinces - Each One with ITS own distinctive dialect, culture and history. Inter-regional relations can be quite tense during election times or even just during local football matches. Inter-regional relations can be quite tense During During election times or even just local football matches. But we are all totally committed to our national football team (the //Squadra Azzurra// ). But we are all totally committed to Our national football team (the //Blue Team).// When the World Cup is being played, we forget about the differences between the North and the South, Milan and Rome. When Being the World Cup is played, we forget about the Differences Between the North and the South, Milan and Rome.



<span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">We are a strange and w    <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif';">onderful country that is well worth a visit - you may like it or not, but you will definitely be surprised! <span style="font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;">We are a strange and wonderful country That is well worth a visit - May you like it or not, But You will definitely be surprised.

Driving in Italy


<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Italians <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> rarely give up driving around for travel a few miles .This involves major problems of traffic on roads. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> Italian cities are characterized by a chaotic traffic. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> When an Italian enters in his care he heis convinced to leave for the war ; he thinks he has always the priority, often arguing with other drivers turning their words are not particularly nice , sending in " unpleasant places " with eloquent gestures. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> If you are a pedestrian or a cyclist, do not expect acts of kindness by the Italian drivers , in fact you'd better be careful to not to make a “ bad end.”

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"> Kiara Bono e Caterina Gaglio