Culture tips - Italy Video Transcripts
Video 1 Transcript
I think food is probably the biggest thing for Italians. They're crazy about their food. So finish what people give you. It's the biggest compliment to them. And somebody's always going to offer you something. If you go to somebody's house, they're always going to offer. So be ready to even just ask for water. Because that'll make them feel like they're giving you something. And they'll love it. And if you just want to talk to any Italian, really just ask them about food. Some of my favorite parts about talking to people would be like, hey, where's the best gelato in this city? And they'd love to tell you. They love to talk about their cities. And then you get to talking. And then they find out you're American. And they love Americans. So yeah, just talk to people about food. They'll absolutely love you.
Video 2 Transcript
So, they do this thing called like un bacho, like a botch as we say it, is where they kiss each cheek when they see you and you had to be really careful about which cheek you botched first or else it got really confusing and also how far back you pulled before you did the other cheek. So, there were certain moments where it was really awkward or you felt a little bit too whiskery of these old women when you botched one cheek and then just like accidentally drag your nose across their face and do the other one. So, the culture tip is that you need to pull back as much as possible and then do the other cheek.
Video 3 Transcript
One thing that's tough about Italy is they don't like Americans overall. They like America, but in Europe especially, they don't love the American culture. And so if you really want to fit in, you really want to just learn a lot, is go in with that mentality and tell them that. It's like, I'm new, you can tell I'm an American, but I'd love to learn about your culture. I'd love to learn what everything means. Italians love Italy and they love Italians. So if you go and try and learn how they are, they'll open up to you really quick.
Video 4 Transcript
The easiest way culturally to get to talk to people with the men, talk about soccer. Study up on some soccer in the area before you leave, just kind of the big teams like Fiorentina, Juventus, Inter Milan, AC and other bigger teams that you can think of and just kind of talk to them about those teams. And with the women, talk about food. Food is almost a second religion for them and they are very, very proud as they should be of the quality of cuisine that they have. One thing for sure though is if you do get offered food, you have to eat all of it, otherwise it's seen as very offensive. You didn't think it was good enough to finish. So no matter how much they may put on your plate, you just have to choke it down. You might regret it later, but it's all worth it.
Video 5 Transcript
Culture tips. Well, Italians, they love stereotypes, and in some ways they can be stereotyped as well. I think Italians are very loud, and they kind of try to be like the center of attention. And so, in the same way, they will listen to you more if you're a little more louder, if you're a little more energetic. They also, obviously, they use their hands a lot when they speak. And so, when you speak, it's good to use your hands. Keep them engaged, and they'll listen to you. Italians, they love food. If you have nothing else to talk about, go straight to food. Just be like, where's the best pizzeria in this town? Or like, where's the best gelato in this city? They'll talk to you.
Video 6 Transcript
So Italian culture is so unique and so cool that there's a little bit too much to put into a single video but the biggest piece of advice I'd give is just to really dive in. I think it's easy when there's like cultural things that are different from what you're used to to kind of assume it's weird but I don't know just kind of like dive in embrace the experience and decide you know what I'm gonna be basically Italian. I had an Italian companion at one point and initially it seemed like it was going to be really difficult and a lot of cultural differences but honestly there's I don't know there's something life-changing about like learning so much about a culture that's different than yours. So whether it's like mannerisms, the hand symbols, figures of speech, like personality traits, like food, like art, all these things that make Italy what it is and that make these people who they are, the more you can embrace it the more you can understand and help these people.
Video 7 Transcript
Be mindful that you are different than they are and that's a good thing that we can meet different kinds of people and so they may be more open or they may be more closed than you so you may have to be prepared that if you wave at someone this happened to me once I waved at someone and they were just like do I know you and that in their culture if you wave at someone that means that you know them you don't just wave at people just to be nice and so part of the best tip is just to be aware of it and so always try to learn more about their culture and always try to to just to like them and to be more similar to them as you interact with them that and don't do this that's really offensive
Video 8 Transcript
Never give a thumbs up to anyone. Never wear a backpack on your back. Always wear it in front of you or get one of those little fanny pack things.
Video 9 Transcript
Learn their hand signals. It's so fun. All of their different crazy, you know, they say that like the stereotypes of Italians is that all they do is eat pizza and pasta and they talk with their hands. Well, that's not a stereotype. That is just fact. So learn their hand signals. They're really fun. Also take some time if you get the chance because each area has its own dialect. Learn a couple of their words because there's Italian, right? But then if you can respond to somebody or greet them in their language, they get really, you know, it kind of, it helps put the guard down almost instantly. If you can say ciao to a Sicilian or something.
Video 10 Transcript
It is a different culture over there, and realize that when you first get over there, you may be a little bit in shock. It's not a different world necessarily, but it is very, very different. Don't be afraid to ask questions as to why they do the things they do, and if you're genuinely curious and want to know, most people won't take offense. Another thing is try everything. Try stuff. Try doing it their way. Just try it, because you never know, and it's honestly how you experience the culture and get to know the people. Other culture tips is just learn the history, read the plaques, and just ask people. People are more than willing to share about their culture and why they do the things they do, and it is honestly, the Italian culture is so beautiful and so fun, and just be willing to experience it and go in with an open mind, and all will be well.
