Speaking, the Italian Way!

By: Kirk G.

In Italy, communication plays a vital role in the lives of all people. Interactions between people drive the (very-much-so interpersonal) Italian society whether it be between vendors and patrons, friends, family members, or strangers. Italian communication styles, therefore, vary. Amongst friends, informal greetings (“Ciao, come va?”) often accompanied by a fist-bump, handshake, or embrace are customary. In more formal settings, slang and other forms of informal language is avoided. Family members will greet each other with a customary due baci (two kisses), first on the right cheek, then on the left.  

Body language also has significance in Italian communication. I observed that Italians tend to maintain attentive and respectful body language when conversing, no matter the situation. Eye contact is preserved and meaningful. Earbuds are not worn in situations where one may need to converse with others. Italians maintain a relaxed but proper posture when conversing, and face toward whomever they’re speaking to. Particularly during explanations and stories, I observed that Italians commonly tend to use gestures and hand communication to provide more color and emphasis to their speech.   

Vocally, Italians speak with an almost musical flow. Spoken in the region of Lazio, the Romanesco dialect is used and interchanged with standard Italian during informal conversation, though the differences between the two can sometimes be difficult to distinguish.  

In general, I observed communication in Italy as more proper than in the United States. Italians speak in a direct manner, avoiding ambiguities or “beating around the bush”.  Full attention is given to whomever is speaking, and manners are followed. Italian communication is also precise and flows well; “uhh”s and other interjections don’t clutter sentences as they commonly do in the United States.