Italians are quite famous for being effusive talkers, keen on speaking with their hands to underline their expressions and thoughts. Even these, though, can change depending on which part of the country we are in: accent, tone of voice and gestures can all vary depending on which part of Italy you are visiting.
The habit of talking with one's hands in Italy has been reported to address and reinforce the meaning of expressions. An iconic symbol of Italian gesture is the movement of the hand with an up-down activity. Under normal conversation, gesturing helps in delivering the meaning and receiving information.
It has long been known that Italians and Jews talk with their hands. Many other cultures are known for their propensity to include a fair amount of hand-gesturing. It is one of the most recognizable cultural features many groups share, and these particular two are best known for, among other features.
The “finger purse/pinched fingers” gesture
Undoubtedly, the most famous around the world and probably the most used in Italy as well. It became a meme and also an emoji to basically symbolize the whole country.
Direct Communication: Italians are typically direct communicators . They tend to be open about their emotions and speak clearly about their point. They generally expect similar honesty from their conversation partner and hence may fail to read into understatements. Therefore, avoid ambiguity and indirect speech.
Italians are known for having high cheekbones and a strong jawline, giving them sharp-looking facial features. What is this? Coupled with their dark hair and eyes, plus their auquiline noses, Italians can give off an imposing aura when they wear a serious expression.
The famous elements of Italian culture are its art, music, cinema, style, and iconic food. Italy was the birthplace of opera, and for generations the language of opera was Italian, irrespective of the nationality of the composer.
Try to find any family documents, such as birth certificates or immigration papers. If you're an American-Italian, the Ellis Island records might help. Try to find your ancestral hometown in Italy, many of the secrets of the past may be buried there. Look for historical census information.
The most common Italian hand gesture is known as the “pinched finger” gesture, or as its known in Italian, il gesto del carciofo (lit. the artichoke gesture) or mano a borsa (lit. purse hand). To make this gesture, touch your fingers and thumb together, and shake your hand in front of your face.
In Italy this gesture tends to be used in disagreement, frustration, or disbelief and can mean “What do you want?” or “What are you saying?”
Studies have found that people who communicate through active gesturing tend to be evaluated as warm, agreeable and energetic, while those who remain still (or whose gestures seem mechanical or “wooden”) are seen as logical, cold, and analytical.
Hand gestures help us think, and they also help the listener understand what we're trying to say, explained Tanya Raymond, a body language expert. Those of us who are prone to gesticulation are seen as friendlier than people who don't talk with their hands, who are often perceived as colder or less friendly.
Non Mi Interessa (“I don't care”)
One of the most famous gestures, the so-called “chin flick” means “Non mi interessa!” – I don't care, and is formed by flicking the back of one's fingers under the chin.
Italians do enjoy talking and can be quite chatty. When we meet up with friends, it's usually to talk rather than to do some activities together!
One theory holds that Italians developed them as an alternative form of communication during the centuries when they lived under foreign occupation — by Austria, France and Spain in the 14th through 19th centuries — as a way of communicating without their overlords understanding.
Also called “mano a borsa” (purse hand), this Italian hand gesture involves touching your fingers and thumb together and shaking your hand in front of your face. It expresses disbelief, frustration, and disagreement and is one of Italy's best-known hand gestures.
The emoji ?, also known as the “I Love You Gesture” or “ILY” emoji, is a hand symbol that is used to express love and affection. The gesture is made by extending the thumb, index finger, and little finger while keeping the middle and ring fingers curled inward.
Thumbs-Up. Avoid using this gesture in: Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece. The gesture of 'Thumbs-up may look cool on Facebook or USA, but in Afghanistan, Iran, parts of Italy, and Greece, it means "up yours." So, to avoid any awkwardness, next time you must reconsider what you are doing.
The most common Italian stereotypes include a love of pasta, expressive hand gestures, love of family, passion for football, that Italians have a passion for coffee, the opera, and Dante's Divine Comedy.
Italian facial characteristics are often characterized by a strong jawline, prominent cheekbones, and dark eyes. Italians also tend to have full lips and thick eyebrows that frame their faces nicely. Additionally, many Italian people have olive skin tones which gives them a unique look compared to other ethnicities.
It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when they meet, irrespective of their gender. Stand up out of respect when an older person enters the room. It is important to dress neatly and respectfully. Cover your mouth when yawning or sneezing.
Values, Lifestyle, & Language
Italians seem to have developed an excellent balance between innovation and tradition, and between work and leisure, and they are often perceived as a cheerful and passionate people.
Love in Italy is also friendship, attention, solidarity and the ties that bind both traditional and newly-minted. Love and attachment to people, to nature, art, culture and to work ennobles and energises the best of Italy.