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European Day of Languages 2004

WELCOME TO OUR ITALIAN BREAKFAST!

BENVENUTI ALLA NOSTRA

COLAZIONE ITALIANA! 27th September 2004

OneNorthEastStella House

Newcastle Upon Tyne



Background

The European Day of Languages was launched by the Council of Europe during the European Year of Languages 2001.

Let’s bring Italy in Newcastle today!



Outline

Communication Stuzzichini linguistici Dos & Don’ts Tips on business culture Quiz



The Map of Italy

Il puzzle delle regioni d'Italia(The puzzle of Italian regions)

In the tubs you will find the shapes of the Italian regions.

Can you use them to recompose the map of Italy?

Buon divertimento! Have fun!



È un po' toccato.

English translation: He’s a little crazy

Communication

There is no communication without languages...but language is about 20% of communication...even less for Italians who “speak” with their hands!



Stuzzichini linguistici (language appetizers)

"Ciao" (hi, hello AND bye-bye) is a very informal greeting (used with friends and relatives).

"Buon giorno" (good morning), “Buon pomeriggio” (good afternoon – less used) and "Buona sera" (good evening) are formal

salutations.



Stuzzichini linguistici (language appetizers)

When introducing yourself you can use the expression "mi chiamo (my name is)" or "io sono (I am)" In general, "mi chiamo" answers the question: "come ti chiami?/come si chiama?" (what is your name?).

The expression "piacere" (pleasure, nice to meet you) and a handshake usually complete an introduction. For introductions with children or among teenagers, Italians simply use "ciao".



Some dos and don’ts at the table

Don’t order “spaghetti al sugo di pomodoro” (spaghetti with tomato sauce) to avoid embarrassment. Learning how to eat spaghetti is genetic! Don’t cut your spaghetti! Choose a pasta shape easy to eat (penne, rigatoni).

Ask for vino della casa (house wine) when eating in trattorie. It is usually very good and managers are proud of it.

Don’t drink too much: wine should accompany food, not submerge it!

Don’t ask for a cappuccino at the end of a meal!



Some dos and don’ts on the road

“Vuole guidare Lei?” (do you want to drive?). Passenger seat is on the right. If you try to get on the driver seat instead, Italians will use this as a joke.

Public transports? No, thanks! This seems for students, elderly and tourists only!

Driving is hectic. Don’t do it unless experienced.



Business culture

Why Italy-England trade should be a “win-win” solution:

Italians are eager to learn English and foreign cultures; the innate curiosity should be “tickled and tackled”. If they start speaking English, let them communicate this way, even if you are fluent in Italian. Let them show off!

English rely on Italian cultural and educational basis as a strength for high-quality and long-lasting project strategy. When Italians suggest, listen carefully and nod.



Business culture

Ways of communication: face 2 face > telephone > letter > fax > email

Pay particular attention to titles: “dottore” “dottoressa” are used for all graduates (when in doubt, use it!). The higher the better.



Business culture

Tell us where you go, we will tell you what to do. Every region has its own traditions and culture attitude.

Example: don’t talk about business during lunch in Southern Italy. But you will be invited to a business lunch in Milan.



Quiz

1. "Ciao" is used only (choose one):

a. Incontrando gli amici - When meeting friendsb. Lasciando gli amici - When leaving friendsc. Sia incontrando che lasciando gli amici - Both when meeting and leaving friendsd. Al mattino - In the morning



Quiz

2. “Ciabatta” is a typical Italian bread. Do you know what the word mean?

a. Butterb. Bootc. Slipper



Quiz

3. “Panettone”, “pandoro” and “panforte” are cakes typical of:

a. Easterb. Christmasc. Birthday celebrations



Quiz

4. What does this gesture mean?

a. Theftb. I am itchy

c. Money



Siamo giunti alla fine…

We hope you enjoyed our Italian breakfast.

See you in Italy!

Grazie e arrivederci

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translations, interpreting, cultural consultancy & language training european day of languages...

Documents

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tyne slide

business culture quiz

pomodoro spaghetti

table dont order spaghetti

dont drink

puzzle of italian regions