European Day of Languages 2004
WELCOME TO OUR ITALIAN
BREAKFAST!
BENVENUTI ALLA NOSTRA
COLAZIONE ITALIANA!
27th September 2004
OneNorthEast
Stella House
Newcastle Upon Tyne
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European Day of Languages 2004
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!
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European Day of Languages 2004
Outline
 Communication
 Stuzzichini linguistici
 Dos & Don’ts
 Tips on business culture
 Quiz
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European Day of Languages 2004
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!
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European Day of Languages 2004
Communication
 There is no communication without languages...but
language is about 20% of communication...even less for
Italians who “speak” with their hands!
 È un po' toccato.
English translation: He’s a little crazy
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European Day of Languages 2004
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.
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European Day of Languages 2004
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".
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European Day of Languages 2004
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!
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European Day of Languages 2004
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.
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European Day of Languages 2004
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 longlasting project strategy. When Italians suggest,
listen carefully and nod.
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European Day of Languages 2004
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.
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European Day of Languages 2004
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.
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European Day of Languages 2004
Quiz
1. "Ciao" is used only (choose one):
a. Incontrando gli amici - When meeting friends
b. Lasciando gli amici - When leaving friends
c. Sia incontrando che lasciando gli amici - Both
when meeting and leaving friends
d. Al mattino - In the morning
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European Day of Languages 2004
Quiz
1. "Ciao" is used only (choose one):
a. Incontrando gli amici - When meeting friends
b. Lasciando gli amici - When leaving friends
c. Sia incontrando che lasciando gli amici Both when meeting and leaving friends
d. Al mattino - In the morning
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European Day of Languages 2004
Quiz
2. “Ciabatta” is a typical Italian bread. Do
you know what the word mean?
a. Butter
b. Boot
c. Slipper
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European Day of Languages 2004
Quiz
2. “Ciabatta” is a typical Italian bread. Do
you know what the word mean?
a. Butter
b. Boot
c. Slipper
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European Day of Languages 2004
Quiz
3. “Panettone”, “pandoro” and “panforte”
are cakes typical of:
a. Easter
b. Christmas
c. Birthday celebrations
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European Day of Languages 2004
Quiz
3. “Panettone”, “pandoro” and “panforte”
are cakes typical of:
a. Easter
b. Christmas
c. Birthday celebrations
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European Day of Languages 2004
Quiz
4. What does this gesture mean?
a. Theft
b. I am itchy
c. Money
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European Day of Languages 2004
Quiz
4. What does this gesture mean?
a. Theft
b. I am itchy
c. Money
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European Day of Languages 2004
Siamo giunti alla fine…
We hope you enjoyed our Italian breakfast.
See you in Italy!
Grazie e arrivederci
.
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