CORONA NEW VOCABULARY

Good morning, everyone, and happy New Year once again!

As we find ourselves still in the midst of this ongoing lockdown season, it feels as though time has stood still. I understand that it’s a challenging time for us all, but let’s continue to remain strong and hold onto hope.

While we may not be able to return to our normal routines just yet, perhaps we can view this period as an opportunity to truly appreciate life and its simple joys. What do you think?

Today, I want to explore how the meaning of certain words has shifted during this time. Have you noticed it too? Words that once held positive connotations now carry a different weight in light of the pandemic.

For instance, we used to praise positivity, but now being around a “positive” person can be risky due to the potential for infection. Even something as fundamental as human touch has taken on a different meaning, as we navigate the necessity of social distancing.

Words like “quarantine,” “restrictions,” “closed,” “ambulance,” “hospital,” “vaccine,” “infected,” and “dead” have become a part of our daily vocabulary, evoking feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety.

However, amidst these challenging times, there are words that continue to offer hope and strength. While they may be familiar, let’s not overlook their significance:

“Home,” “family,” “Earth,” “savings,” “love,” “hugs,” “health,” and many more. Let’s hold onto these words, as they can serve as sources of motivation in our daily lives.

Perhaps the most important word right now is “patience.” We must remain patient as we wait for better days ahead and approach this situation with a positive mindset. Additionally, let’s not forget the importance of gratitude. Despite the difficulties, we can be grateful for what we have, including the ability to connect with loved ones through social media.

My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods due to this virus. Know that you are not alone, and I stand with you during these challenging times. Personally, I am grateful for my health, my family, and the everyday comforts that I have.

Let’s continue to hold onto hope and strive for a better future.

Good luck to each and every one of you!

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UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS!

Hey everyone,

I won’t be talking about languages or cool cultures today. Instead, I want to send positive vibes your way and wish you all the best for the future, especially after everything we’ve been through!

Let’s spread love, help one another, and most importantly, share with each other.
Kind and gentle words have so much power, so let’s use them.

Stay safe and cherish the little things in life!


MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
BUON NATALE E FELICE ANNO NUOVO
FELIZ NAVIDAD Y FELIZ AÑO NUEVO
FELIZ NATAL E FELIZ ANO NOVO
GOD JUL OG GODT NYTTÅR
Federica
Gregorace Translations

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HOW DO YOU FEEL?

Good Morning,

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the people around you start speaking in a language you do not understand? This can be frustrating, especially in international environments where different cultures and languages are present. Sometimes, individuals from the same country may begin conversing in their native language, not considering that others in the group may not understand. While it is important to speak your mother tongue, it is equally important to be mindful of others’ feelings. I have been in situations where people were speaking in Polish or Chinese, and I could not understand a word, which made me feel left out.

Let us strive to be more inclusive when sharing our native languages in international settings. Thank you!

I must admit, I have made that mistake myself. I have spoken my own language in front of people who did not understand it and realized how uncomfortable it can be. It is awkward for the person who does not speak your language or the predominant language in that setting. They might think you are talking about them, even if you are not, which can make them feel excluded.

What I am trying to convey is that if you are in an international group (such as a mix of French, Italian, Colombian, etc.) and there is a common language that everyone understands, like English or Norwegian here in Norway, use that language. Do not wait for your Italian friend and start speaking Italian when no one else understands. It is simply not polite. However, if you are alone with someone from your own country, feel free to speak your language.

Speaking your language in front of others who do not understand it is not the way to gain positive attention. It does not make you look cool; it just makes you appear as a showoff.

Therefore, whenever you are in a group of people who speak different languages, if there is any doubt about being understood, just switch to a common language.

It is all about respect and consideration.

What do you think about this? Has it ever happened to you? How did you feel?

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ITALIAN AS A SECOND/THIRD LANGUAGE

Today, I am going to comment on a very interesting article I came across that discusses how children learn Italian as a second or third language.

Allow me to elaborate further: here in Oslo, there is an Italian association where teachers and academic professionals teach Italian to children. These children either have Italian parents or are of half Italian and half Norwegian origin. It is fascinating to observe how these children learn a second or third language in addition to their native Norwegian.

While some of these children can accelerate their learning at home with the support of their Italian parents, others may need to put in a bit more effort due to their practice being limited to a classroom environment. However, regardless of their family background, it is said that children find it easier to learn a new language because they do not have as much information in their brains as adults. This means they are able to absorb and memorize new information more quickly.

Some of you may be wondering why I have selected this particular topic today. Well, it is because I have been hired by this Italian Association to work as a teacher for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Yippee!

What excites me the most about this role is the idea of becoming part of a system where I can witness these children’s progress while exploring new ways to support them throughout this journey. It will also be interesting to see how they use their imagination and creativity in a non-native language. I believe that people, particularly children, can learn faster while having a bit of fun. Therefore, I will be experimenting with game-like tasks to support their learning. In addition, I am planning to let them watch cartoons, read fairy tales to them, do some origami, etc. For the primary teachers out there, any other suggestions?

My first aim will be to understand how much Italian they know so far in order to determine the best class for them and the most effective way to teach them this beautiful language. This is a new and exciting challenge for me, as it is my first time teaching Italian as a second or third language to children. Currently, the lessons will be held online, but I am eager to teach in person soon, as I believe it is easier to learn a language face-to-face rather than through a computer.

Let’s see how it goes, wish me good luck!

And you, do you have any children who are learning a second or third language?

Feel free to share your insights and experiences.

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LA BELLA MA SBAGLIATA ITALIA

Dear Readers,

After some delightful and relaxing holidays, I am back! How are you all? I can say that I am doing well, back to study and work… I could use a holiday after the holidays, hehe!

Now, let’s focus on the topic I would like to discuss today: the frequent errors we encounter on Italian menus in Italian restaurants around the world. There are so many! I believe that the presentation of a menu and culinary culture are crucial when you sit at the table of a restaurant representing your country.

The first thought that comes to mind when I read these mistakes is: the author is not Italian. However, this is not always the case, unfortunately. Even Italians themselves sometimes make errors when writing in their language.

But what are the mistakes commonly made by those who own Italian restaurants?

Orthographic and grammatical mistakes.

How often do we read: “Spagheti, Spagetti, Veggetariana, Capriciosa, Coze,” etc., when it should be: “Spaghetti, Vegetariana, Capricciosa, Cozze,” etc.?

Or how frequently do we come across: “Buoni sapori ce puoi assagiare sul nostro tavola,” which should be: “Buoni sapori che puoi assaggiare sulla nostra tavola!” or “I nostri clienti sono benvenuto,” when it should be “benvenuti,” the plural form?

I don’t know about you, but I go crazy every time I encounter such experiences, which unfortunately happens quite often!

However, let’s hope that now, with Google at our fingertips, these errors can be checked before being written… hehe!

For those who have been following my blog from the beginning, you already know how curious and particular I become when it comes to “language”! Mistakes should not be made, especially when they appear on a menu that hundreds of people can see!

Anyway, let’s try to stay positive and hope for fewer experiences like these in the future!

Have a wonderful day and a pleasant end of summer!

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