1) Contextual Differences
2) Legal and Ethical Differences
3) Social Differences
4) Nonverbal Differences
5) Age Differences
6) Gender Differences
7) Religious Differences
Ability Differences
Explanation:
1) Contextual Differences– the Italian language is very literal, and in this American’s need to be aware of this difference. As Americans, we need to be sure to use proper pronouns, and also the correct usage of verbs. When translating from English to Italian, and visa versa, there is some grammatical elements lost, so it is key to understanding the loss in translations, and making up for them in pronouns and proper verb usage. Titles are very important, and in non-formal setting first names are okay. Italians rely more on nonverbal communication than verbal.
2) Legal and Ethical Differences– Italians are not like American’s in the sense that we follow laws and rules, and respect the authority. Italians tend to do whatever they feel is right and ethically correct, not worrying about what the government says is right and ethically correct. Racism is an ethical situation that Italy struggles with, along with sexual harassment. Although Italy has a bad reputation, overall they are not too terrible when it comes to crime.
3) Social Differences– Italians take marriage and family extremely serious. Divorce is only granted after 3 years of legal marriage, and most engagements are several years until education is finished, and a job is secured. Parents are very loyal to their children, and help them as much as possible. Families consistently visit each other, and most of the time it is an unexpected visit. Many people in Italy work with agriculture, making a living by farming and working for companies of the sort. Most other people who do not work with agriculture work for the government. Titles are very important, and on formal settings are usually the only want to address someone. When addressing someone older than you or with higher authority, you should never call them their formal name; until they have invited you to do so. If invited to a social setting, one should always bring a small gift of thanks, whether it be flowers or chocolates. When drinking wine at a dinner party, do not take a d
rink until the host has toasted to the occasion. If attending a meeting with an Italian, it is important to arrive early. When speaking on the phone, the person calling should always introduce themselves before starting the conversation.
4) Nonverbal Differences– In Italy, nonverbal communication is very impor
tant. A firm handshake, and good eye contact is highly important and looked upon. Touching each cheek and kissing the air is also a common form of greeting. If a person does not make eye contact, they are considered dishonest and hiding something. Image is everything, and they dress to their role. Also, Italians care little or not at all about personal space, and they consider close contact important. People of the same sex walk arm in arm together.
5) Age Differences– Italians are very respectful of people of all ages. They respect children and their educational success, as they do not have to pay for their education up to a certain age. College students are also thought highly of as they are considered to be furthering their lives by attending school. With such a focus on family, Italians also look highly on each other and elders. Italians respect each other in social, formal, and informal settings, no matter which age they are.
6) Gender Differences– According to a discussion board about US life vs. Italian life, woman are treated much better in Italy than in the US. They are respected more in school settings, and also in the community. They receive retirement pension, even if they are housewives. Students of both sexes are taken seriously, yet according to a professor, seem more reserved and need to be pushed a little more. Women are treated with a higher respect than in the US.
7) Religious Differences– The majority of Italians are Roman Christians, which like Catholics in America, are much grounded around their religious ways. They believe in one eternal God, and also heaven and hell. Their religious views are very much similar to American religious views. There are a few different religions practiced, but the majority is Catholics.
8) Ability Differences – The Italian’s are starting to emerge into the world business scene, however, they are more focused on small and medium businesses rather than large, world corporations. They’ve recently in the past 10 years switched to the Euro currency, which is helping to globalize them. They are becoming more technologically advanced. The government is also encouraging companies to merge together to make more large companies and fewer small companies.
