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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Cultural factors

Greetings everyone,

How are things going?

I decided to write this article about the significant differences between cultures because I find this subject fascinating. I am referring to those details that, according to our culture, we take for granted, while others may take them seriously or personally.

Factor 1: Today, I discovered that in Chinese culture, writing an email signifies the need to discuss a serious matter or warn someone about something. This contrasts starkly with our daily use of emails for reminders, communication, or simply to discuss everyday life.

Factor 2: I noticed that here in Norway, after a day at work, a reunion with friends, or an outing, Norwegians have the habit of saying, “Takk for i dag!” which means “Thank you for today.” For instance, we Italians do not say this, possibly because we tend to take time spent with others for granted. In contrast, Norwegians take nothing for granted and express their gratitude, a practice I have adopted myself. We should learn to appreciate such details. Similarly, after meals, Norwegians say, “Takk for maten!” which means “Thank you for the food!” This is something I have never encountered in my country, and I find it so intriguing that I am learning to say it despite it not being my habit.

Factor 3: In Spain and Latin America, I noticed that everyone calls each other “amor/tesoro/mi vida,” etc., meaning “love/honey/my life,” and many other affectionate nicknames even if they have just met. This practice starts practically from day one! It is entirely different in Italy, where we use such nicknames only when we are well-acquainted with someone. Let me remind you that I left Italy 14 years ago, and surely some things have changed since then. Perhaps they are more passionate than us.

Factor 4: We Italians hug frequently, a habit not shared here in Norway. I recall a few years ago when I went to Italy with a Norwegian friend for a wedding. I couldn’t stop greeting and hugging people because it had been a long time since I had seen them or had the opportunity to be with them. Upon returning to Norway, my friend remarked, “I had such a great time, but I have never seen so many hugs in a day!” What is normal for us is not for them, and vice versa.

Do you know more cultural differences between other countries?

The world is beautiful because of its variety!

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Did you know that?

Hello Everyone and Welcome to Sunny Days!

Finally, we have some summer days here in Norway, and having them here is big news!

Today, I would like to share my thoughts on two articles that I have found particularly interesting lately:

Why Do People Throw Rice at Newlyweds?

According to an article I read online, in ancient times, cereals were considered a symbol of prosperity. Bread has always been a staple in our daily lives, and traditionally, brides would incorporate spikes of wheat into their hairstyles, while grooms would place a wheat pie on their heads to serve to guests after the ceremony. Guests would throw almonds and nuts at the newlyweds as a wish for children. Over time, dried fruit was replaced by rice, which continues to symbolize prosperity and abundance. Recently, petals of roses, soap bubbles, or feathers are also thrown to the bride and groom, as rice can sometimes get in their eyes or soil their dresses. Curious, isn’t it?

Why Are Pizza Boxes Square?

Another intriguing fact is the reason behind the square shape of pizza boxes. As children, we learned to recognize geometric shapes and fit them into the correct slots in educational toys. This might explain why the question “Why are pizza boxes square?” arises. Pizza makers often create round pizzas that are not perfectly circular. Placing these in square boxes allows for variances in size. Additionally, producing a square box is cheaper than a round one because it requires only one sheet of cardboard, whereas a round box would need two sheets plus extra time to cut the angles precisely. The side holes in square boxes are necessary to let steam escape, preventing the pizza from continuing to cook and becoming burnt. Interesting, isn’t it?

Learning new things, especially about everyday items we take for granted, is always fascinating.

I hope you enjoyed my post and have a wonderful summer, even in these unusual times.

Follow my posts and please share your opinions.

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