THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION

Studying Italian Changed The Trajectory of My Life

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / May 7, 2024 / Blog /

By Natalia Skyba, recipient of the Italian Language Foundation’s Enrico Fermi College Fellowship

My journey with the Italian language started back in elementary school. Watching the Italian cartoon Muzzy in Gondoland, I would never have imagined the way the Italian language would transform and enrich my life and that I would continue studying Italian language and culture to this day. I always loved studying languages, and I was attracted to the beauty of theItalian language. The smoothness and musicality of the language and its rich history captivated me, and I was motivated to pursue my passion for learning the Italian language and culture. This motivation pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I played the lead role of La Befana for a Christmas play my Italian class put on for friends, family, and members of the community. The community was amazed by how well my class performed and our pronunciation of Italian.

Throughout high school, my dedication to studying Italian deepened. I was enrolled in advanced Italian courses that my high school offered, and I successfully completed the AP Italian Exam during my senior year. I also received the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy in Italian, and I won the Senior Star award for Italian. Throughout high school, I got the opportunity to complete many fascinating projects that deepened my knowledge about Italian culture. For example, I did a project on the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento which is a very popular attraction in Sicily, and I studied its history. I even built a 3D model of the Temple of Concordia for which I won an award for best Italian project at my high school competition.Furthermore, I also did a project with my friends on the Italian brand Ferrero Rocher. This project was incredibly fun to complete with my friends, not only because we indulged ourselves in my favorite sweet treat, but also because we made a video commercial in Italian advertising Ferrero Rocher. This video was then displayed at my high school’s annual Italian festival.

Moreover, even though the pandemic made studying the Italian language more difficult because my classmates and I studied remotely and we had class through Zoom meetings, my teacher helped bring the Italian culture to our homes. For example, my classmates, teacher, and I baked focaccia while on Zoom together and my teacher explained how the recipe of focaccia varies depending on the region in Italy. That experience is a memory I will cherish forever.

I was also a member of the Italian National Honor Society, and I was a secretary on the executive board. Part of my role was to help organize the annual Festa Italiana. The Festa Italiana is an event hosted by my high school in which students are inducted into the Italian

National Honor society, projects of Italian students are displayed all around the gymnasium, and local Italian restaurants cater a wide selection of authentic Italian foods. The Festa Italiana is one of the biggest events that my high school hosted, and it was always a huge hit with the entire community. Due to the pandemic, the Festa Italiana had to be moved online for one year. The theme for the festival that year was “Ma Il Cielo è Sempre Più Blu” or “But the Sky is Always More Blue” based on a song with an uplifting message by Rino Gaetano. My peers and I collaborated to create a heartwarming video displaying the work that Italian students did during the pandemic at home that was shared with the entire community.

Studying Italian changed the trajectory of my life. When I received the Barbanitini family scholarship, I decided to attend Dominican University. The scholarship required me to continue my studies in Italian and allowed me to pursue a degree in both neurobiology and Italian. I was ecstatic to begin my journey pursuing two passions simultaneously and studying both science and Italian. Even though neurobiology and Italian are seemingly two very different majors, it is incredible when these two worlds collide. For example, in my Italian Civilization and Culture II course, I did an extensive presentation on Enrico Fermi, an Italian physicist who worked in Chicago, Illinois and is famously known as the architect of the nuclear age. Additionally, Italian has helped me in my science courses. For instance, knowing the Italian language has helped me understand and memorize many medical terms for my Medical Terminology course and my Human Anatomy and Physiology courses because many medical terms use Latin roots.

Recently, I studied Dante’s Divine Comedy, including Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. I even studied several cantos in depth written in Italian. It was very interesting to read Dante’s original text and compare what I thought Dante meant to say to the reader and what the translator wrote in the translation.

Additionally, I enjoy exploring Italian culture in my own free time. For example, my friends and I went to Little Italy, which is a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. There we marveled at the beautiful architecture of the buildings in the neighborhood. During the field trip, we got a tour of the spectacular church called The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii. We also explored The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame which was very fascinating to see the various exhibits. Then, we went to Pompei, a family-owned cafeteria-style restaurant which has been serving Italian dishes and desserts since 1909. There I had a cappuccino with tiramisu. Their popular tiramisu is a family recipe and contains layers of ladyfingers soaked in espresso and liquor with cocoa and mascarpone. When I tasted the tiramisu, I was astounded by the explosion of flavors and the wonderful creaminess of the desert.

On another trip with my friends, we went to downtown Chicago and stopped at the Eataly Italian restaurant. This restaurant is a modern trattoria and market for Italian goods. There my friends and I tried out a few sweet treats. We bought Baci Perugina which is an iconic Italian chocolate and baci is the Italian word for kisses. This chocolatey mix with hazelnuts was incredibly delicious. We also tried torrone which is a traditional Italian nougat candy which had a surprising pillowy and soft texture and a wonderful sweet flavor.

I also continue to practice and enjoy Italian culture outside of class. For example, I enjoy listening to Italian music. Studying a language can be difficult at times. When I face challenges during my Italian studies, I turn on my favorite Italian music. As I listen to the melodious language, my stress melts away and my passion for learning the language is rekindled. Some of my favorite Italian artists include Francesco Gabbani, Il Volo, Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzotti, Andrea Bocelli, Mahmood, and Fred de Palma.

Last month, I was inducted into the National Italian Honor Society Gamma Kappa Alpha which is a huge honor, and I was proud to take the oath that I will stay true to my dreams, never stray from my beliefs, and carry forth the traditions that have made Italians great.

Embracing the Italian Lifestyle for Holistic Health and Happiness

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / April 23, 2024 / Blog /

My name is Marianna Cuomo Maier, and I am a founding member of the Emerging Leaders Council of the Italian Language Foundation. Professionally, I’m a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and founder of Grata Wellness, a coaching practice and blog with a mission to empower individuals to take daily actions that improve their lifestyle, boost confidence, and achieve their goals sustainably. I chose the name Grata inspired by the Italian root for gratitude as it’s a powerful tool to shift our mindset and view life from a perspective of gratitude.

As a wellness expert, I’m inspired by the traditional Italian lifestyle that naturally embraces holistic health. Italians live vibrant, active lives with a focus on wholesome cuisine, consistent physical activity, leisure, regular social interaction, and joy.

In Italy, mealtime is about more than the cuisine. Food is generally locally sourced, prepared at home, and shared as a group. Research supports the health of the Mediterranean way of eating, embracing plant-based whole foods and healthy fats, proven to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Many Italians live an active lifestyle and walk throughout their day. The Italian custom of una passeggiata, a leisurely walk, has numerous health benefits for mind and body.

Rest and leisure are widely prioritized in Italian culture and are crucial to productivity and happiness.

Perhaps nothing is more important in Italian culture than the people. Expressing love and affection and making time to nurture relationships are key.

Each of us can strive to take time each day to focus on our mental and physical well-being. We can all gain inspiration from the Italian lifestyle to laugh a little more, keep things in perspective, and fully enjoy life’s pleasures.

For more personalized guidance and support, please send an email to marianna@gratawellness.com or book a coaching consultation to begin your wellness journey today.

Your Go-To Travel Check List

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / April 5, 2024 / Blog /

Originally posted on the Lazy Italian web site by Francesca Montillo

My family and I moved from Italy to the US when I was 11 years old. Every August, we would return home for our summer break. I lived for those summers. I still live for my trips to Italy! It’s no surprise I made traveling to Italy the focus of my business and my life! During those summers in Italy, my packing included bathing suits, a few beach dresses, and flip-flops. Realistically, I could have packed the night before for any trip! Needless to say, I had no need for a travel check list.

Gone are those days! Not only is packing a lot more thoughtful (a detailed packing list will be published soon), but my preparation list of things to do before leaving for any trip has become a mile long! Even if I wanted to, I could no longer fly on standby because I need at least a good week of preparation before stepping foot in the airport!

In this travel check-list, I want to highlight some things you should consider doing before leaving the US. While some of these things might not apply to you, I am sure many will!

THE LOGISTICS

Buy Traveler’s Insurance

Let’s face it: traveling is a financial investment. Protect that investment with insurance! I didn’t even consider travel insurance in my younger years, but now, it’s a must. Many credit card companies have their version of insurance, or there are a bunch of other carriers. I usually refer folks to travelinsurance.com. You plug in your trip info, and it will populate quotes from several agencies. This is easier, rather than going to those carriers individually. It saves you time. Based on your risk threshold, you can purchase insurance that allows cancellation for just health reasons, or opt for a policy that will enable you to cancel for any reason. A “cancel for any reason” policy is always the most expensive, but as it says, it allows cancellations for any reason, not just health reasons.

Check Your Passport

This sounds obvious. But we’re all human and can often overlook this step because, well, life happens. Some countries, including Italy, require at least six months of validity left on your passport after you return home. So don’t assume you’ll be fine traveling next week if your passport expires next month.

Grab Your Visa

You may have heard that starting in 2024, Italy will require a VISA for all visitors entering Italy for vacation purposes. I’ll have more info on this towards the end of the year, as it becomes available to share, but no matter where you’re going, Italy or otherwise, check if your destination requires a VISA.

Book Everything, Then Confirm Everything

If you’re not joining me on a planned tour and are DIY’ing your trip, ensure you have everything that needs pre-booking booked, then confirm everything. Get your accommodations in order, book your dinner reservations to those exceptional restaurants, purchase your “skip the line” museum tickets, and get all your transfers in order, too. Purchase your train tickets well ahead of time. Confirm your airport transfers well in advance, too. There is nothing like arriving at the airport after a long flight and realizing your driver isn’t there.

Call Your Credit Card Company

You will undoubtedly use your credit card while you’re in Italy. Put a travel notification on your cards so you can safely use the cards in Italy without any interruptions. Take pictures of your cards on your phone camera, and print paper copies of the front and back of your cards as well. In the event of loss, you’ll have the card number and company phone numbers handy, making replacement much more straightforward. Also, if you have a payment due while you’re away, schedule that payment beforehand.

Alert Your Bank

Like the above, alert the bank of your travels so you can use your debit card without any issues. Most banks have international fees for using your cards in Italy, so something to be aware of.

Grab Some Euros

Using ATMs and banks has become very costly in Italy! I used to tell folks to grab their Euros while in Italy, but I have recently changed my strategy and will buy them in the US from now on. Doing so is more cost-effective. Of course, most US-issued cards will work at any ATM in Italy if needed. It just won’t be the cheapest option. You can buy Euros at many banks and AAA offices. Call ahead, as some will require a few days’ notice to get them. The airport in the US or Italy is probably the worst (most expensive) place to get your Euros.

Call Your Cell Phone Provider

I like using my phone in Italy, just like in the US, so I do not buy a new SIM card. A new SIM card means I will have a new phone number while I am in Italy. What if the bank or credit card, needs to reach me? So I keep the same number while in Italy, but I add an International Travel Plan on my phone that allows me to make and receive calls just as if I were in the US. You may be thinking: What if I have to call someone in Italy? Like the hotel, my driver, a restaurant? Won’t that be expensive? No, because I call them via WhatsApp, an app you can use freely in Italy even to make video calls!

Make Copies of Important Documents

Print copies of all essential documents such as passports, credit and bank cards, plane tickets, and your trip itinerary. Also, take pictures of the same documents as a backup. God forbid you drop your phone in the ocean while enjoying a boat ride, forget it on a table at some café, or sadly, it gets stolen. You will have paper copies of all your essential leaflets.

Obtain Your International Driver’s License

Do you plan on driving during your vacation? Don’t forget you must visit your local AAA office and obtain an International Driver’s Permit. I admit, I have rented cars in Italy many times without one, and I have never been asked for one, but more and more car rental agencies are now requesting this, even though it’s always been the law, so do get one. I know I will from now on.

Write Down All Important Names, Numbers, and Email Addresses

Doesn’t it feel like everything is saved on our phones these days? I don’t remember any phone numbers anymore! But that’s a significant disadvantage if I don’t have access to my phone for some reason! I’m old school. I have a small address book with important names, phone numbers, and email addresses in my pocketbook. If my phone battery dies unexpectedly, and I urgently need to reach someone, I can at least borrow a travel companion’s phone or use the hotel phone.

FOR YOUR WELL-BEING and PEACE of MIND

Visit Your Primary Care Doctor

No matter your age or current health status, I always advise all travelers to make a quick appointment with their primary care physician. If you’re in good health, no doubt a quick appointment will do. Have them check your heart, lungs, and the like. Vaccine boosters might also be a good idea. Better be safe than sorry!

Get Your Prescriptions in Order

If you’re on any prescription meds, ensure you have enough for your trip, plus a week from your return. If your return home gets delayed by a few days, you’ll at least have enough meds left. Never remove your meds from the prescription bottles. Having them outside their original containers can get confusing if you’re on many meds. Plus, it might raise suspicion from airport personnel. Never pack your meds in checked luggage.

Send Your Itinerary to a Trusted Friend or Family Member

Let someone know your whereabouts with travel details, flight information, hotel names, and numbers. You’ll both feel better knowing someone knows your whereabouts while traveling. Check-in with each other often.

Tell Trusted Neighbors Your Travel Schedule

Let your neighbors know you will be away and that you are not expecting any visitors or service calls in your absence. They can keep an eye on your property while you’re away.

Clean Out Your Wallet

I’ve been doing this for years, and when I tell people, they think it’s crazy, but then take my advise! Clear out your wallet of all clutter that you will have zero use for while traveling. Remove gift cards, receipts, membership cards, store-specific credit cards, and credit cards you know you will not use on your travels. Even health insurance cards that are not accepted outside the US are useless while in Italy.

Grocery Shopping – Schedule a Delivery for your Return

I now set up a grocery delivery for the evening of my return home. Who wants to go grocery shopping the day you arrive home from an international trip? Not me! I don’t order much, just enough to get me started for a few days. But at the very least, I need my milk for my coffee!

Fill Up Your Car’s Gas Tank

You’ll have plenty to do once you return home; don’t make having to get gas one of them. Fill up before your trip!

PREPARING YOUR HOME

Call Your Alarm Company

If you have a house alarm, call the company and tell them you will be traveling, and give them the dates you will be away. They will contact you in case of any alarm activity while traveling.

While on this subject, head to the basement and remove any visible cobwebs. Why? Several years ago, I received a call from the alarm company while I was in Italy. The basement motion detector was going off. Knowing we were away, the company sent the police to the house. Nothing was suspicious, so they left. It’s not the call you want to receive when you’re thousands of miles away. The next night, it happened again. And again. And again. To the point where I deactivated the alarm while I was away. So what was it? You may have guessed it: The motion detector is so sensitive it picked up a few cobwebs.

Put a Hold on Your Mail

Nothing screams, “Hey, I’m on vacation!” like a pile of mail adding up in your mailbox. Put a stop on your mail, or have a trusted neighbor or family member pick it up. Also, put a hold on all newspapers.

Fill Up the Plant Watering Globes

I love having a few plants around the house, but with all the travels, they were dying quickly! Que in the watering globes! I have about a dozen of these globes in various sizes, and they work amazingly well! Amazon has a few options. Click here to see!

Clean Up Your House Before Departure

Isn’t it amazing how quickly the dust accumulates? Deep clean your house (or, better yet, hire someone else to do it) before your trip! I always change my bed sheets the day I fly out because I like the feeling of clean sheets after a long, tiring flight. Vacuum, empty the dishwasher, clear out all laundry, sweep, remove all trash, and do “all the things,” so coming home will be pleasant and not a drag to think you have to clean up!

Unplug Minor Appliances

Go around the house and unplug all minor appliances like toasters, hairdryers, coffee makers, and extra chargers.

Clear Out Your Fridge and Pantry

The week before your trip, plan your meals accordingly to avoid waste. Cook up and freeze anything you will not have time to enjoy before your trip. As a bonus, you’ll have something ready to enjoy when you get back! Trash or donate any food you can’t use up that will expire while you’re away. There is no sense in returning to expired milk, rotten fruit, or smelly and rotten onions!

Set Up a Few Automatic Lights

It doesn’t hurt to set up some automatic lights at home to give the illusion that someone is there.

Keep in Mind Lawn Furniture

Consider securing your lawn furniture, grills, toys, lawn mowers and the like inside a shed. Especially if you are traveling in the summer and you’re in a zone that is prone to summer storms. You don’t want to come back to damage, or realize things have flown off during a storm!

In Conclusion

Looking at this list, you might think, “Is this trip even worth it?!” Perhaps I am biased, but I think Italy is always worth it!

Francesca Montillo is the founder of Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures. Francesca is a native Italian and loves helping others see, taste, and experience all the flavors of Italy.

Pasqua and Pasquetta in Italy: A Tapestry of Traditions and Treasured Memories

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / March 21, 2024 / Blog /

As spring blossoms in Italy, it brings with it the joyous celebration of Pasqua (Easter) and Pasquetta (Easter Monday or Little Easter).
These two consecutive days hold a special place in the hearts of us Italians, marked by a tapestry of traditions that weave together the religious and the convivial.

Pasqua (celebrated on a Sunday) kicks off with a profound religious significance.
Families gather for the traditional Easter Mass, followed by a festive Easter lunch, a culinary masterpiece featuring a special menu that varies from region to region reflecting local traditions and flavors.

But the absolute protagonist of the day, no matter the region, is the lamb – the quintessential Easter dish, symbolizing sacrifice, and resurrection.

To sweeten this already rich experience, the finale arrives with the delightful treats of Uova di Pasqua and Colomba.

Uova di Pasqua are not just edible treats but intricately designed and often made of chocolate. One iconic tradition is the exchange of them as gifts. Some are elaborately decorated, some even feature characters from popular cartoons or religious motifs, and sometimes filled with surprises or small toys.

Like the Christmas panettone for Christmas, the Colomba is a staple on Italian Easter tables, and its dove-shaped form (hence the name “Colomba” in Italian) reinforces the religious significance of Easter as a time of peace and new beginnings. It is a sweet and soft leavened bread, often studded with candied fruits and topped with a sugar glaze and almonds.

This meal is more than just sustenance; it’s a time-honored communion, a moment to savor flavors and the company of loved ones.

What I love the most about spending Easter in Italy, apart from the food of course, are the families coming together to celebrate the religious significance of the day and the joyous atmosphere you can feel all around.

And Pasquetta, or “Little Easter,” is the perfect day to take the festivities outdoors.
Memories flood back of childhood Pasquetta picnics in the Italian countryside. Blankets are spread under the shade of olive trees, laden with an array of delectable treats. Salami, cheese, and colorful Easter eggs become the centerpiece of these al fresco feasts, surrounded by laughter and the warmth of shared stories.

One cherished Pasquetta memory stands out – an impromptu game of bocce ball played with family and friends. The soft thud of the bocce balls, the friendly banter, and the Mediterranean breeze create a symphony of joy. These moments encapsulate the essence of Pasquetta – a day to revel in simple pleasures and the beauty of nature.

The charm of Pasqua and Pasquetta lies not only in the traditions but also in the unity they foster. As generations gather to celebrate, a sense of continuity emerges, creating memories that will be passed down through the years. These are the memories that I will forever cherish.

Passionate linguist and seasoned professional, Benedetta Mannella brings a wealth of language expertise to her role as a blogger. As a proud Italian, her cultural heritage adds a unique perspective to her insights, allowing her to share not only language expertise but also a genuine connection to Italy. With fluency in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, Benedetta’s diverse linguistic background enriches her exploration of language-related topics, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and nuances of Italian. Excited to contribute and share her insights about Italy, alongside her true passion for writing, with language enthusiasts and learners alike.

The Mud Angels: How Students Saved the City of Florence

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / March 18, 2024 / Blog /

By Karen M. Greenwald

Award-winning author Karen M. Greenwald’s books include The Mud Angels: How Students Saved the City of Florence, and the Kansas 2022 Notable Book, A Vote for Susanna, The First Woman Mayor.

Imagine studying Italian in a college program in Firenze! One week it’s gelato, the Uffizi, and San Lorenzo Market. The next? “La Bella” is covered in tons of oily, stinky, debris-filled mud. Danger surrounds the city. What do you do?

In 1966, when the Arno flood’s aftermath put Florence in peril, international students studying there ignored barriers to help. Thousands followed. These unexpected heroes became known as, “Angeli del Fango” or “Mud Angels.” After lengthy interviews with 16 Florida State University alumni who were among the first in the mud, I now call them “friends.”

Many examples of Mud Angel selflessness exist, but what happened at the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze (BNCF) captivated me. Centuries-old treasures waded close to destruction in the library’s stench-ridden, water and mud filled basement. Students submerged themselves for endless hours each day—initially without protective gear—searching. Many female students only had skirts, thanks to 1960’s dress codes.

Why would foreigners endure these unpleasant, unsafe challenges for a heritage not necessarily their own? Most American Mud Angels I interviewed participated at the BNCF. Their answer? Losing any Italian antiquity felt personal, because “[o]nce in the mud, we were all Italian!”

After two years of researching and writing my picture book, THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE, I feel a closeness to Firenze and passion for my Italian language course. I’m honored to share this surprising story of young people from around the world working side-by-side to preserve Italian cultural treasures!