Posts tagged italian language
Italy's Language Landscape

The Unique Language Landscape of Italy

Termoli, Molise, Italy (Pic credit The Little Italian School)

Author: Anna Wolf

In Italy, people speak Italian – obviously, this is nothing new to you. And as an Italian enthusiast, you have probably also been told that there are an infinite number of regional and local dialects spoken all over the peninsula. But did you know that there are 12 (!) distinct languages other than Italian that are historically spoken in different corners of Italy?

There is for example Ladin, Franco-Provençal, or Catalan. In fact, as you can see on the map, Italy’s linguistic diversity resembles a disorganised patchwork of different language groups, spread all over the peninsula. It is estimated that in total about 3 million Italian citizens speak a so-called historic minority language.

As a lover of Italian language, you might want to practice your newly acquired Italian skills and travel to some Italian destinations. But if you go to Aosta, Sardegna or the Dolomites, you will be surprised to hear locals greeting you with: “Bonjour!” (French), “Ajò!” (Sardinian) or “Bun dé!” (Ladin) instead of the classical “buongiorno” that you would expect.

Italy’s linguistic minorities differ considerably from each other, in the numbers and in the way they are taught at school. For instance, while the German-speaking minority in the North, located in South Tyrol/Alto Adige, continues to have a stable number of speakers (approximately 360.000) and enjoys an elaborate protection system with German language schools, some smaller language groups such as the Croatian minority in Molise lack support and numbers are continuously decreasing.

But why do those communities within Italy speak these different languages, you are wondering? Well, historians will tell you that Italian has not always been the majority language of Italy. Back in time when Italy unified as a state (1861), all those culturally diverse regions were integrated into the new nation state. During the first decades after the unification, through the new school system, the population was educated in Italian – which then was a foreign language to many of them. A famous saying of those times was, “Fatta l’Italia, bisogna fare gli italiani!” (Having made Italy, we now have to make the Italians!).

The historic reasons why those different language communities were living on the peninsula are various: In the south, the Arbëreshë, were descendants of Albanian populations that had migrated there in several waves, starting in the 15th century. Even earlier, Greek populations had settled in Calabria and Puglia, where they continued to speak the “Griko” language. In the north, new linguistic groups became part of Italy as a result of the unification wars and of WW1: the French and Franco-Provencal speaking minority in Aosta, as well as the German speaking minority in South Tyrol and the Slovenian speaking minority in the region around Trieste. After WW2, Italy recognised the linguistic minorities present on its territory in its 1948 Constitution and committed itself to protect them.

So, the next time you meet an Italian person, you might ask them, if they by chance also speak a minority language. Maybe you will be surprised. Anyways, now you know how rich Italy’s linguistic diversity is - and that people in Italy do speak Italian… but not only!                       (~520 words)

The Best Italian Language Series and Movies To Kickstart Your Learning Journey

Source : Netflix

Grace Flynn

The power of film can’t be understated, especially when it comes to learning a language. While DuoLingo tries to convince us that learning abstract phrases like ‘my aunty is wearing a purple sweater at the library’ will have you fluent in no time, I’d argue that TV series and movies could be the real ticket to learning a new language and a new culture.  

Or at least part of it.

Sparking a passion for the Italian language, culture and history, these streamable Italian-language TV series and movies are sure to have you picking up Italian phrases and colloquialisms in no time.

Rose Island

Where to watch: Netflix

Set in the late 60s, Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa sets about building his very own nation out on a man-made platform in the Adriatic Sea, just outside of Italy’s territorial waters. Available through Netflix, this comedy-drama film tells the incredible story of Rosa’s battle with the Italian authorities in his quest to retain his independent state, L’isola delle Rose. Along with picking up some Italian vocab, this fun and quirky watch tells a true story that is sure to surprise.

Source : Netflix

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS2NtbEoIc8&ab_channel=Netflix

An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts

Where to watch: Netflix

If you’re looking for a funny, feel-good series, look no further than Guida Astrologica per Cuori Infranti. Based on Silvia Zucca’s best-selling novel of the same name, this witty rom-com series follows heartbroken and hopelessly single Alice as she navigates dating in her 30s, friendship, an intense office romance and the supposed power of the stars. If you don’t watch this for the purpose of picking up modern Italian lingo and dating vocab, be sure to watch it for the drama!

Source: IMDb

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O48gSeQGMC8&ab_channel=Netflix

Suburra: Blood on Rome

Where to watch: Netflix

Directed by Gomorrah’s Stefano Sollima, this gripping and bloody mafia series takes viewers on a journey into Rome’s underbelly. Inspired by true events, this highly rated Netflix series is perfect for those who enjoy a good crime and gangster show. And for those who are looking to pick up a few choice words in Italian.

Source: Netflix

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GcC9kduhO4&ab_channel=Netflix

Generation 56K

Where to watch: Netflix

Exploring the power of the internet and childhood crushes, Generation 56K is another bingeable rom-com Netflix series that’ll have you picking up some Italian vocab in no time. Flipping between present day and the late 90s, this heartwarming series tells a story of love and friendship set on the small island of Procida.

Source: Netflix

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMgg3v0fUOw&ab_channel=Netflix

Made in Italy

Where to watch: Google Play Movies

Set in 70s Milan, Made in Italy follows Irene, a university student who becomes enamoured with the glittering world of Italian fashion (think big brands like Missoni and Giorgio Armani). Exploring the political unrest of the time period, this historical drama series takes a look at Italy’s tumultuous youth revolution, the rise of feminism and the Italian fashion industry.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg-FJiOHHGY&ab_channel=KylieFlavell

The Hand of the God

Where to watch: Netflix

Directed by Paolo Sorrentino, É stata la mano di Dio was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. Set in 1980s Naples, the critically-acclaimed film follows a young Fabietto as he navigates grief and a budding passion for filmmaking. Touching on Italy’s enduring love of football (or more specifically, Maradona), this movie provides insight into Italian culture as well as the fascinating Napoletano dialect.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_1VW_0i6vo&ab_channel=Netflix

Summertime

Where to watch: Netflix

Another romance series that’ll help you pick up some Italian phrases and colloquial language is Summertime. Set in a small town on the Adriatic coast, the series follows teenagers Ale and Summer who share a powerful attraction despite coming from different worlds.

Rotolo di Cannella -Cinnamon Scrolls

Scoll down to find the recipe and click on the link to watch the reel on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cby7deOl9Tn/

Honestly - if you just put all the ingredients in a bowl and either mix them well in a kitchenaid or knead well by hand , they will turn out beautifully. Don’t over think it!

3 cups flour 00

2 teaspoons dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

100 gr room temp butter

1 & 1/4 cups milk

Knead. Let it rise for a couple of hours or so

IN THE MEANTIME - make your cinnamon butter spread and your icing. Put about 100gr room temp butter, a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar, a tablespoon of cinnamon, and mix until it forms a buttery texture.

For the icing, just a few tablespoons of icing sugar and a tablespoon of milk and mix. If you like it more runny you need more water , or more thick, just add more icing sugar (do it gradually, in small amounts so you get “your” right consistency.

Once risen roll out the dough into a square (ish) shape, spread your butter cream on it, roll and cut and place in a tin. Take a look at the one I have used in my reels to get an idea of the size.

Let rise for about another half hour and then bake.

Bake on around 175 until they are golden.

Head to reels to watch method! https://www.instagram.com/the_little_italian_school/

Torta di Pera e Yoghurt
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This cake was delicious!

For the pear prep

2 - 3 pears sliced and cooked in a small pan with a couple of tablespoons of sugar and a drop of water until browned.

Place them in a greased flan tin.

For the batter - in one bowl and in this order

3 eggs

12 tablespoons sugar

grated lemon rind and the juice

1 teaspoon powdered Vanilla (or from a pod or paste)

2 heaped tablespoons yoghurt

12 tablespoons sunflower oil

1 teaspoon baking soda & 1/2 of bicarb soda

(STIR) then add

12 tablespoons 00 flour

(if you don’t have raising agents then just use self raising flour)

Bake on 175c for approx 40 minutes (or until cooked - each over is different)

Head to reels on our instagram to watch the method

https://www.instagram.com/the_little_italian_school/reels/

Risotto in Bianco con Cicoria
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500 gr Carnaroli or Arborio rice

2 large bunches of cicoria

1 litre vegetable broth (bought or homemade)

1/4 cup white wine

1 onion

250gr butter

salt to taste

Head to our instagram page to watch the method of this simple easy one pot dish https://www.instagram.com/the_little_italian_school/reels/

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Sardegna's Secret to a Long Healthy Life
Pic credit: Conde` Nast Traveller Magazine

Pic credit: Conde` Nast Traveller Magazine

Did you know that the mountainous Italian island of Sardegna (Sardinia), situated in the Mar Tirreno (Tyrrhenian Sea) is one of the world’s Blue Zone regions? These regions are places where a population lives a healthier and longer life than other parts of the world. There are ten time more centenarians living in Sardinia per capita than in the USA, with as many being male as female. So what is their secret? Do they drink more protein shakes and do more exercise than other people? Do they swallow copious amounts of vitamin tablets every day ? Absolutely not. Infact, it’s a lot more simple than we think.

We always hear that eating a good diet and exercising is key to living a healthy life, which is true, but with busy lifestyles, it is often easier said than done. You may not live in the pretty mountains of an island surrounded by beautiful clear water beaches, but with a little imagination there are ways to adopt the simple lifestyle the Sardinians live.

Pic credit: Travellintale.com

Pic credit: Travellintale.com

Their sleep patterns are in harmony with the rising and setting of the sun. They wake at dawn to tend to their crops, livestock and do household chores, then call it a day at dusk. Living in the mountains means each time you take a stroll you are ‘working out’ while breathing in pristine fresh air in the sunshine, and neither age nor mountains will stop a Sardinian from keeping on the go. Even the elders continue to stay active and busy, which could mean simply taking the goats for a graze in the fields, babysitting a grandchild, or walking to a local neighbouring farm or shop to grab a necessity.

Family is everything. Parents and grandparents care for the young and in turn the young care for the aged. Being cared for and feeling loved is known to lower depression rates and stress. Nonni (grandparents) play a key role in society by sharing their wisdom and knowledge about the land, nature and traditions, handing down all they know for the benefit of future generations.

Elders are made to feel important and needed, and they are seen as an asset to society rather than a burden. Extended family and friends are also embraced and Sardinians enjoy daily gatherings in the streets or piazzas to mingle, laugh, and share a story or two with each other.

Pic credit: pinterest Boyaroo

Pic credit: pinterest Boyaroo

Sardinians eat a plant based diet leaving meat for Sunday’s or special occasions, and most of the dairy consumed is from grass fed goat or sheep. Whole grain breads make up most of their diet at a whopping 47% (yay to the carbs ! ), dairy coming in at 26% , along with their own (or locally grown) vegetables. Meat, fish, poultry and legumes make up a very small percentage along with added sugar and fats, while fruit makes up only 1%. They also enjoy a glass or two of home-made red wine daily- cin cin!

The way we live our lives is a choice. We can choose the ‘all or nothing’ approach, or we can learn from the wise Sardinians and choose to keep it simple, doing ‘life’ in balance and moderation, surround ourselves by loved ones, and most importantly cherish and look after our nonni. It may not guarantee anything, but it makes total sense and is worth a shot.

Pic credit - The Little Italian School

Pic credit - The Little Italian School

Latin sayings still used in Italian Language today
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1.     BIS

Meaning ‘double’. Something you will hear a lot around the dining table! When someone wants seconds they’ll say :

‘Faccio il bis’ – I’ll have seconds.

‘Bis’ can also be used at a concert if concert goers want a repeat of a song they love. They will simply yell out ‘Bis, bis…..!’

2.  LAPSUS

Used when you have a slip of the tongue…maybe saying something you shouldn’t have said! That’s called ‘avere un lapsus’

3.     IDEM

Meaning ‘the same’. When someone says something you feel the same about you can simply say ‘idem’.

EG. Person 1 : Adoro andare a ballare!  Person 2: Idem! (I love going dancing! Me too!)

4.     DE GUSTIBUS NON DISPUTANDUM EST

Meaning "In matters of taste, there can be no disputes" and is used in Italian when in discussion with someone who likes something that you make not like.

EG Person 1 – Non mi piace il colore del vestito che hai comprato.

      Person 2  - De gustibus non disputandum est

5.     Gratis

Meaning ‘free’. You will see this word written and hear it often regarding events that may be free or have free entry. You may read something like ‘musei gratis’ if you are searching the web for free entry to museums. Or if you are want to say something like ‘do you get in for free?’ you would say ‘si entra gratis?’.

6.     In Vino Veritas

 ‘In wine there is truth’ meaning when someone has has a little alcohol they are likely to speak more truthfully. This can be used if someone thinks maybe someone has said something they may not have said in a conversation without the odd glass of ‘vino’ or aperitivo.

7.     Verba volant, scripta manent 

Is a Latin proverb and literally translated, it means "spoken words fly away, written words remain". You could use this if you were having a bet with a friend and wanted to write it down just in case they forget .

8.     Carpe Diem

Meaning ‘Sieze the day’. Not only used in Italian but it is one of the most famous Latin saying used by people all over the world! You can use it whenever you want to ‘enjoy the moment’.

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Easing Back into the Italian Way of Life

So many of us had to cancel our Italian summer holiday this year because of the pandemic and are feeling a little disappointed, but if you can try to imagine what life is like in Italy right now, you may not feel so bad.

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Travel restrictions in Italy have been eased this month, and according to our family and friends life still feels so surreal. Travel restrictions between regions has been lifted but since the oubreak of Covid19 until now, travelling was not allowed unless it was for work. If you are travelling by car with a someone other than a family member you are limited to two people and both passengers need to wear face masks.

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Since the 18th of May Cafés and Restaurants have been open with limited table service to help prevent large crowds. Cinemas and theatres will reopen on June the 15th with a limit of 200 people allowed at once inside, and facemasks worn by staff and patrons is a must. Social distancing applies in all public spaces at all times and everyone needs to avoid contact with people they don’t live with, including relatives and especially the elderly. Regions like Lombardia and Piemonte where the outbreak hit the worst are making it mandatory to wear masks even outdoors.

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If you are sporting a temperature of over 37.5 degrees you need to stay home, and if venturing out to dine you may be asked to have your temperature taken and to register your personal information for tracking purposes. If you refuse you will find yourself sent on your merry little way.

So with social distancing including outdoor areas a must and wearing mandatory facemasks, it may be a blessing to be able to skip your travel plans this year to Italy and have a little extra time to put your dollars aside for a more relaxed holiday to our beautiful country in the near future.

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Easy Italian Crema al Limone
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Here is a very simple Italian custard recipe given to me by my ‘zia’ (aunty), and all you need is a tablespoon to measure!

Ecco qui… (here it is)…

1 litre full cream milk

3 eggs

6 tablespoon plain flour

6 tablespoon sugar

rind of one lemon (or two if you prefer it more tangy!)

(optional - I decided to make the custard because I had lots of lemons left with no rind from preparing limoncello. So I used a cup of lemon juice and put in an extra tablespoon of flour)

Step by step

Pour 3/4 milk into pan on very low to start warming up the milk (don’t bring to boil).

In a bowl pour the rest of the milk, eggs, flour and sugar and whisk all together.

If you have optioned to add a cup of lemon juice, add this also.

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Once the milk in the pot is warm, pour in the mixture and keep whisking to avoid lumps.

Soon enough you will feel the custard start to thicken and once it gets thicker turn off the heat. Once it has cooled and been put in the fridge it will set more.

We use eggs from our own chooks hence the very yellow colour

We use eggs from our own chooks hence the very yellow colour

I used the custard to fill a beautiful apple and custard crostata. The recipe for the crostata base is on my IGTV which you can head to and watch using by clicking here

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Pan Brioche con la Marmellata di Fichi
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Quantity for 2 loaves or 1 loaf and some mini brioche with leftover pastry

1 cup milk (luke warm)

1 teaspoon dry yeast

600gr flour 00

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

¾ cup sugar

1 egg

Bustina di vanillina (or some vanilla essence or lemon rind if preferred)

 

Filling – Fig Jam (or any jam of choice or chocolate spread)

 

Melt the yeast in the luke warm milk (set aside)

Beat the egg, vanilla and sugar in a bowl (large enough to slowly add the flour later)

Add evoo and beat

Add milk and yeast mixture and beat

Slowly add flour and knead until soft and elastic

 

Place dough in bowl covered and leave to rise for an hour to two, making sure it doubles in size or almost.

Now you will need a rolling pin and a rectangular bread tin. If you don’t have a bread tin you can use a ciambella tin.

Flour your board and place risen dough on top and knead it a little getting back to a ball shape.

Roll it out with a rolling pin, into a rectangular shape that once rolled into a log, will fit into a rectangle bread tin.

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Spread your jam over it, leaving a little strip at the top of the rectangle you can wet a little with some water so it seals up when you roll it up to close the log shape.

Roll the dough into a log and place in tin lined wth baking paper or some flour

(optional – beat one egg and brush the dough with it before baking)

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Oven 180 degrees Celsius and bake for about 40 minutes or if you like a crust leave a few minutes longer

 

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