ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!

Little Italian girl talks to her Bisnonna

“With her Hands”

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Even for Italian children talking with their hands is as much a part of life as breathing. 

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According to some, the origin of the habit can be traced back to the Greek colonization of southern Italy. In those times, Poggi explains, cities were extremely crowded and body language was particularly important to catch each other’s attention at all levels. Other experts think Italians develop a special language made of gestures and signs between the 14th and 19th century, when large sections of the peninsula were occupied by foreign powers.

 

Whichever its historical origin, the habit of communicating with one’s hands has become synonym of “being Italian”. A habit often not entirely understood by foreigners and, in fairness, at times associated with unnecessary theatricality and lack of linguistic expressiveness by Italian themselves.

People in the North, for instance, tend to dislike the exagerated campness of some of Southerners’ hand gestures and vocal expressions. They fail to realize that, to foreign eyes, they result just as emphatic. I am from the North of Italy and, during my many years living abroad, it was often pointed out to me how flamboyant I became when discussing something I particularly cared about. (Or while watching soccer matches, which as we all know is a whole other story).

This is to say that “speaking with our hands” belongs to all Italians. In the end, without distinction some areas may just be a bit more into it than others. It is hard to pinpoint scientifically a reason to explain it and, if there is one, it is probably a complex affair made of learning processes and how they influence our own cognition. Guaranteed it is too long and tedious to explain it here.

For the sake of our little world of love for Italy, let us just cherish the beauty and essence of the habit that, possibly, characterizes us the most among all the other citizens of this earth.

 

From You Tube & Life in Italy

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