Study in Italy: Language & Culture

Language in Italy

Due its strong history of regional patriotism, while Italian is the official language in Italy there remains a strong presence of regional dialects peppered throughout the country, especially in the Southern parts of the country. Furthermore, minority languages like German, French, Slovene, and Ladino are also spoken in Italy's northern border regions.

Part of your study abroad experience in Italy could be to study the Italian language, which is a great way to understand the local customs, meet new people and explore the culture in Italy in the most authentic and immersive way possible. There are significant and important benefits to learning a new language, and according to some studies it can even lessen your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease!

Contacts at your university’s International Office, and many younger students in Italy are fluent in English but be aware that English is not necessarily widely spoken in Italy, especially amongst older people. Learning the local language is the best way to gain new insights into the Italian language first-hand, and Italians will appreciate you making the effort to pick up even some basics of their language. If you’re studying in or travelling to parts of Italy outside of the main urban centers in Italy, be prepared to flex your linguistic Italian muscles!

Culture in Italy

In general, Italian culture is as brightly flavored as the country’s world-renowned cuisine.

Given Italy’s rich and complex history, Italian culture is made up of a massive and diverse array of art, architecture, religion, fashion, family and of course, food!

From Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo, Thomas Aquinas, and many more Italians has played a central role in the various waves of philosophy, fine arts and literature emanating from Central and Southern Europe. Some of Italy’s most famous landmarks like the Colosseum, the leaning tower of Pisa, and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City represent Italy’s intertwined history with the Catholic Church. Also, some people trace opera’s roots to Italy, and famous operas like Aida, and La Traviata are still performed today around the world!

Family has traditionally been at the center of the Italian social structure, and extended family gatherings are a common occurrence in cities and rural areas alike. Recurrent gatherings to eat, catch-up, and spend time with family means that Italian families tend to be very close-knit well after children have left the nest.  Italians’ food-obsession doesn’t hold for every Italian, but the rumors are true, and living it Italy will mean gaining a whole new understanding of what authentic Italian food really means.

Many of the fashion world’s most famous brands like Gucci, Prada and Versace can be found in Italy. Whether you’re looking to pursue fashion studies in Milan, or just an aficionado for finding the right look, Italy’s fashion heritage will surely be an inspiration for your closet.

Once you’ve picked up some basic Italian, you’ll learn that when it comes to communicating in Italy gesticulation is the name of the game! Effusive communication is how many Italians drive their point home, and as you pick up the Italian language you’ll learn the language of Italian hand gestures simultaneously!