Language

First Reader: Marilyn
It's amazing how little you can know about something you use every single day. Reading chapter six really opened my eyes to what I've been missing about languages and how vital and meaningful they really are.

First off, there are 3 main beliefs about perception when it comes to language. The nominalist perspective believes that language has no influence on how we perceive and understand the world. The relativist perspective believes that language and the structure of language play a vital role in determining our thought patterns and perceptions. And finally, the qualified relativist perspective believes that language influences our perception, but does not completely determine it. Hearing all 3 of those beliefs really forced me to start thinking about how I feel about language and its affect on perception.

Another thing I found really interesting was what the book said about slang and humor. Slang and humor are those things that every generation has their "own" of. You know someone is from the 70s or 80s when they exclaim "far out!" when something exciting happened. You may be a 90s kid if you oftentimes describe something as "bangin'!" or your response to "would you lip-lock that guy?" is "ugh! as if!" Having a form of slang for your generation is imperative. So much so that it should be invented by your generation and unintelligible to parents and adults of the previous generation. Slang is always changing and is hard to keep up with if you're not part of that culture. So, the reason your mom has no idea who you mean by "bae" is because she is literally not supposed to understand it.

Language is a very isolated thing and is very hard to accommodate cross culturally and involves a very difficult transition phase. Language is necessary for politics, policies, and globalization and is something that will always be changing, decreasing, and growing. It is international and local, open and closed, right and wrong, and much more.

Respondent: Kendall

I have been thinking a lot through this chapter about contact cultures. As I compare my culture to that of Italians I am curious, does the average Italian believe they are a contact culture? We have learned that Italians are extremely blunt in verbal communication, but what about the nonverbal communications? A contact culture is cultural groups in which people tend to stand close together and touch frequently when they interact. I personally believe their culture would be consider a contact culture verbal or nonverbal. In the language alone, Italian is the root and base of most languages. This being said, Italians are known for their love of being near family and friends while socializing. Because this culture loves to be with their loved ones, does that make it a contact culture? Personal space seems to be no issue for Italians from what I have learned which leads me to believe that they are a contact culture.

This week in lecture we were told to find a YouTube video that describes our co-cultures. My group found this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fBFm4OD2W0. A little summary of the commercial from Fiat is that when you buy a Fiat 4-Door, you get an Italian family along with it. Throughout the commercial the Italian family continues to bicker and argue while discussing love lives, yet the couple that bought the Fiat has begun to warm up to them and molds their actions. One thing that really stuck out to me during the commercial was how vivid their facial and hand motions were. The commercial also shows what it is like to celebrate a sporting event as an Italian. Going back to contact cultures, when the Italian’s scored, the American man and Italian man jumped in excitement and continued to hug.

After some further research, I found that Italians have nearly zero cares about personal space and actually encourage using nonverbal communication to express how they are feeling. An example of this, is how Italian’s greet one another, they grab shoulders and kiss each cheek on the face. Compared to Americans how might smile, give a handshake, or hug at most. Showing me that American’s and Italian’s are complete opposites in contact cultures. At the beginning of this blog, I did not take into account that although a culture could be very verbal, it can also be very nonverbal. And with that, I think Italian’s take the cake… or maybe the gelato!

Researcher: Daniel
Talking about language this week has given me much more of an understanding to just how much of a part it plays in our day-to-day interactions with one another and how if affects intercultural communication. Language and how cultures use languages varies throughout the world, and specifically in the Italian culture it plays a huge part in gaining a better understanding of the culture.

While Italians are very expressive with language both verbally and nonverbally, they also have many different types of slang, or jargon that most people would not know of unless they were to immerse themselves into the culture. The Italian culture, like many other cultures, is split generationally with there being different ways of communication within different ages. An article written by Marcel Danesi titled "Investigating Italian Adolescent Talk: Are There Any Implications for the Teaching of Italian as a Second Language?" delves deeper into the idea that the older generation (Italian teachers) have to stay up to date on how teenagers talk in order to teach the language in way that is "reflective of the current social mindset". The article goes on to discuss the fact that the rate of change of slang within the country is increasing rapidly, similarly as in the United States. It is becoming more and more difficult for the older generation to keep up with the new slang, but it is crucial when teaching Italian as a second language to know what the "kids" are currently saying to keep your teaching material relevant.

There are so many others ways in which a culture can be classified according to their language and communication styles, but for purposes of research I found it necessary and more informative to focus on this specific topic. It becomes very imperative to understand that slang words are always appearing and changing in language for when you visit a new culture and you think you know their language pretty well, but all of a sudden natives are speaking words you have never heard before making it harder for you to communicate within that culture.

Works Cited

Danesi, Marcel. "Investigating Italian Adolescent Talk: Are There Any Implications for the Teaching of Italian as a Second Language?" Italica74.4 (1997): 455. Web.

Investigator: Katherine
As an example for this week’s blog theme, I got the pleasure of interviewing an Italian student named Francesco, who is currently on a study abroad program from Italy at Texas A&M University. It was such a pleasure to have this opportunity because I learned a lot about the Italian co-culture, primarily the way they comprehend language – e.g. the differences in gestures between Italians and other co-culture groups.

I found it pertinent to approach him by asking him what differences he has realized with respect to language between Italians and Americans. He, insisted that there are not too many with respect to verbal language. He exemplified me that one difference is that it is more common to listen to curse words in Italy than here in the United States. Perhaps, it is due to the fact that they do not make too many stereotypes based on verbal language in comparison to Americans. Furthermore, he affirmed that there is a huge difference with respect to body language. For instance, Italians like to move a lot their hands while they are talking. In the United States that is not so normal, and it may be seen as a symbol of insecurity or anxiety.  In addition, over there it is normal to point to people while in the United States not. Secondly, he told me that there are similarities as well; for example, in Italy and in the United States it is essential to look someone in the eyes while we are communicating.  Thusly, we conclude that language is a character that strongly varies among cultures, and sometimes can act as a limitation for the interaction of members of different co-culture groups. 

As we can see, language strongly affect cultures, even the way we perceive gestures can be interpreted as rude, friendly, insecure, anxious and so on. Throughout all the situations in life, language is a key factor that plays a vital role. Consequently, it is important to know that language varies among cultures, and if we can know a little bit of these differences, we are going to be able to become better intercultural communicators. Grazie Francesco for this amazing opportunity to get to know the Italian co-culture better, I will pay for the pizza.  

Pop Culture

First Reader: Kendall 

Movies, TV shows, and social media shape popular culture today. The Italian culture is always portrayed in films as a fun-lovingly, happy-go-lucky, pasta-eating society. I was surprised to learn that popular culture is not just the idea of how cultures can be shaped through media industries, yet has defining differences such as high cultures and low cultures. I would consider the Italian culture as a high culture, because it is shaped by great literature, fine art, and the appreciation of audiences from abroad.

I imagined the Italian culture to be filled with citizens sitting at street side bistros sipping on red wine, because of the way that Italy is portrayed in movies and television. I got the opportunity to travel to Italy a few years back and witnessed the culture for myself. As my family traveled the streets, I took in the sites and atmosphere. I realized that the idea I had of Italy really wasn’t too far off from what I had perceived. However, the part that the cultural industries did not enhance about Italy is the way in which the culture is physically laid out. Just roaming around various towns, I found myself gazing in amazement at the structures of the buildings, churches, and streets. When I walk the streets of College Station, I have never found myself to say, “Wow, someone wanted to make this town beautiful”. But, as I walked through Rome, I realized that even the street pavings were beautiful. In that essence alone, I realized the Italian culture portrayed in the media left out the key ingredient: Italian’s puts their pride and effort into every single thing aspect of what they build to what they eat.

Overall, I believe pop culture plays a huge role in how people perceive other cultures and stereotypes. The ideas that people formulate can create intercultural conflicts when abroad, because the perception of what they believe the culture is like could be completely wrong. Such as if foreigner’s were to watch American TV shows like Desperate Housewives, they could form the assumption that all families in the United States live in suburbs and the only thing that women are capable of is gossiping and drinking alcohol with friends. Thus, when the foreigners travel to the United States they could offend a woman who values her career by assuming she has no goals and thus, a conflict is created. Pop culture allows people to form ideas of what other cultures could be like, but I believe that people need to immerse themselves in other cultures in order to form accurate stereotypes and perceptions.

Respondent: Daniel

Growing up, I used to believe in stereotypes, of course, what kid wouldn’t? But then, you’d think that as you grow and mature, such beliefs get dissipated by our expanding knowledge. But no, it’s not as simple as that, people only learn by what they see.

Certainly, that was the case. When I was fifteen I got the opportunity to travel to Italy, and realized how wrong my perception of the Italian culture was. My mind wondered with one unanswered question; how would I have not think such an absurdity, if that was what I saw in the Godfather? Or what I’ve heard of Al Capone? Let’s be honest, what about the thousands of millions of movies and series that describe Italians in such a way? Yesterday, pondering in my seat, I felt delighted after my Intercultural Communications class. My amazing professor explained me and my fellows for an hour or so, how popular culture (i.e. shows, series, ordinary events, and usual day-by-day interactions) have the power to enormously influence the way we perceive cultures, events, and co-cultures identities.

After uncountable experiences, I truly understand that Italians are a mix of low and high cultures (i.e. low-medium and aristocratic class) with a huge variety of preferences with respect to values, traditions and such. However, in general, I also recognize Italians (as well as Europeans) as mostly a high-culture society, since they enjoy and share the likes of those that belong to the upper-class stream here in the US - e.g. theater, ballet shows, art, among others. It is fundamental to mention that my perception of who they are, is completely different to the one the media embedded on me as a youngster. Consequently, I considered fundamental this week’s reading to my understanding of how co-cultures Identities can be altered by popular culture. Finally, it thrilled me to realize that many of my perceptions of different co-cultures groups, are mostly defined by popular cultural stereotypes, because now I know I can change it.  I’m looking forward to research about different ethnicities, hence, being able to comprehend how they truly are, thusly, becoming a better intercultural communicator.

Researcher: Katherine

Popular culture has a huge influence in how people perceive culture, but often times popular culture portrays stereotypes of a certain culture thus leading to conflict and misconceptions. In American popular culture Italian-Americans are often portrayed as "mobsters, thugs and peasants hawking spaghetti sauce". While these are very outdated stereotypes and Italian-Americans have made greats strides in society, this portrayal seems to remain consistent among film and television. In an article from "About News" it states that, "fewer than .0025 percent of Italian Americans are involved in organized crime", yet in most all American pop culture Italians are portrayed as having mob ties. Several shows and films such as "Goodfellas", "The Godfather", and "The Sopranos" reinforce the idea that Italians and crime go hand-in-hand. Another way pop culture stereotypes the Italian American is as a "food making peasant" and often shows the Italian woman in the kitchen cooking for the family. Many commercials for popular americanized Italian food, such as Ragu, display this reoccurring theme. This portrayal suggests to someone who has never experienced the Italian culture that all they do is cook food, when in actuality Italy is full of men and women who are teachers, shop owners, businessmen and women, artists and much more while food just occupies a portion of their days. Another pop culture display of Italian-Americans that was wildly popular was the reality TV show "Jersey Shore", which displayed a group of young adult Italian-Americans partying, going to the gym, tanning, and doing laundry every day. Many Italians were outraged when this show aired saying it presents the Italian culture in a negative light and discredits all of the work and progress Italians have made in society in the United States and in Italy.

As someone who spent a semester studying abroad in Italy, I was familiar with many of the stereotypes of Italians but was able to see for myself that they misrepresent the Italian culture in many ways. The fact that the media and entertainment is so monopolized by the United States results in the portrayal of Italians in popular culture being created by Americans thus misrepresenting and often offending Italians.

Online Resource

Investigator: Marilyn

I’ll be honest; this weeks post was a more difficult one to get information on. Being the investigator, I had to find an Italian to talk to. Funny thing is, the only Italian I know is my boyfriends old roommate at the Air Force Academy. So, I got Matt Correa’s contact info from him and asked him some questions about Italians and pop culture.

To give you a brief overview of Matt, he was born and raised in Long Island, NY and is currently at the United States Air Force Academy studying management. He is a glider instructor pilot, and a glider aerobatics team member.

Aside from asking him to give me an introduction, I asked him four questions.

1.     What are some misconceptions in popular culture about Italians? Has this affected you personally?

a.     Some common misconceptions and stereotypes of Italians portrayed in the media include hair slicked back with a ton of gel and some heavy Italian accents. We are also, apparently, all catholic and we are all members of the mafia, which I was not aware of.

2.     Do you think Italians are becoming more relevant in popular culture?

a.     Not really. We are portrayed in some movies and as different characters here and there but there isn’t a general “Italian’s in pop culture” idea out right now, at least not that I know a lot about.

3.     How do you feel represented in popular culture as an Italian? How do you feel about that?

a.     I generally feel unrepresented, but that doesn’t bother me much. Like I said there is a very specific idea of what an “Italian” is portrayed as in the media, but it doesn’t affect me much.

4.     What pop culture media do you like?

a.     I’m a big fan of music. I believe music is a great way to convey a message to a mass group of people.

Overall, we don’t see a lot of Italians in popular culture, unless you’ve seen “The Godfather” or you’re very familiar with Joey Tribiani on “Friends.” It was very interesting hearing from an Italian who was born and raised New York. Special thanks to Matt for talking to me! 

Identity

First Reader: Daniel

Identity is the core issue most people in this generation struggle with, especially at this age and period in life. We have been discussing in class different stereotypes and prejudices through the eyes of Drew Tarvin. His travels throughout the world have opened his eyes to stereotypes that existed within cultures, yet broke the stereotypes he held on his own. One example being that New Yorkers were mean. He found that they aren’t mean, they just are so busy they do not have time to show they care (I have always thought that, but his experience showed me a different view of New Yorkers). However, listening to his multiple experiences throughout his trip, made me double think the stereotypes and prejudices that I held myself. Communication plays a huge role in the formulation of our identities and with that forms stereotypes and prejudices.

I found it interesting that during the Chapter Five reading, there were many different types of identities, yet I didn’t fit only one identity. This is where I found that the Social Science Approach was untrue in some aspects. It defines identity as static, meaning it doesn’t change. If this were true then how could I relate to gender identity, religious identity, age identity, and others? Thus the Interpretive and Critical Approaches were formed both allowing individuals to relate to multiple identities, yet still each had their flaws. Overall, the Dialectic Approach proved most relatable to me. I can have one constant identity, yet still have the ability to identify with other identities.

After reading about each of the approaches, it showed me one overall theme. All individuals deal with identity management; which is how people choose to present themselves and how they guide the impression others form of them. All humans want to fit in, yet be able to be an individual. Identity management is how all of these static and dynamic approaches blend together to allow an individual to present/identify themselves to others.

Respondent: Katherine

After getting a good understanding of this chapter I immediately began relating it to how it goes along with the Italian co-culture. The concept of identity is so broad and it is important to break it down into the many ways in which one can form their identity or the aspects that make up your identity. When we take a social science approach to looking at the Italian identity we can understand the Italian identity by looking at how they self identify, which is often Catholic, family-oriented, and in Italy's case people often identify themselves with which region of the country they come from (i.e. Tuscan, Sicilian, Ligurian, etc...). When we take an interpretive approach we focus more on how an Italian would form their identity through communication with others, so in one instance you may identify as a student while in another instance you may identify as an athlete, depending on if you are communicating with your professors in school or your teammates on your soccer team. For example, if someone had immigrated to the United States from Italy others may see this person and immediately attribute in their mind the stereotypical traits of an Italian to them, but after speaking with this person and learning about them they find out personal traits of them therefore reshaping their identity. Lastly we have the critical perspective that focuses on identity as a site of struggle and how identity is formed through social and historical forces. In order to understand this perspective we must look at the history of the Italian co-culture, as discussed last week, and take notice to how one's identity could be formed by their family history, which is often the case for most Italians. Over time many Italians have immigrated to the United States, typically residing in the East Coast and so often the family members of these immigrants learn about their identity by stories of their heritage from their ancestors. While identity can be described from these perspectives, the best way to understand it is to take on a dialectical perspective and focus how all of these things come together to form one's identity.


Researcher: Marilyn

We’ve all seen, or at least know enough about “The Godfather” to be familiar with some sort of Italian stereotype. They’re all mafia members and super catholic and they only eat spaghetti right? While a lot of stereotypes of Italian identity may align with some facts about the culture, it was interesting to discover what was true and what the out-group has dramatized over time.

I did some general Google research and came across one article titled “10 Common Italian Stereotypes That Are Actually True.” There were 5 in particular that I was very intrigued to learn were very commonplace in Italian culture:

1-    Italians can’t live without pasta: Italians consume the most pasta in the world. They value fresh food and home cooking and are known to make their greatly valued pasta from scratch.

2-    Italians are all about “La Famiglia”- Italians value family time and being close to their loved ones. So much so that it is common for them to live close to their family or even in the same house.

3-    Italians are Habitually Late- Italian culture is very present oriented and they focus on living in the moment and doing what they want to do when they want to do it.

4-    Italians are die-hard football fans- Of course by “football” we mean soccer in United States terms. Italians take soccer very seriously because it is an opportunity for them to connect to their local team and express regional pride.

5-    Italians love a good cappuccino- Breakfast in Italy is taken very seriously and always includes a cup of coffee mixed with milk and foam.

So after learning what stereotypes were true, as a whole its easy to claim that Italians are very present oriented and care greatly about those around them and experiencing the here and now to the very fullest. It’s very interesting to realize how much you can gather about a persons identity when looking at the stereotypes associated with their culture. I think the United States could benefit greatly from taking some of that “stop and smell the roses” mindset.

http://takelessons.com/blog/italian-stereotypes-z09

Investigator: Kendall

I hope you are all as excited to meet Lorenzo as I was! As an example for this week’s blog theme, I got the honor of interviewing someone who came straight from Italy. Prior to my introduction, I want to say that I feel pleasured for this opportunity because I learned a lot from the Italian co-culture, specifically how they identify themselves. I found it pertinent to first tell him how I perceived Italian identity, so we could then compare Italians’ are perceived and how they are perceived. Thus, I approached him by affirming that they are unique people, who love their cuisine. I actually told him that I consider Italians as white, catholic, family-oriented people, with emphasized focus on soccer. Amazingly, I ended up feeling proud of myself because he agreed with most of my assumptions. However, he explained how it is to be a member of the Italian co-culture and how it has influenced his perception of the world.

He began by saying that Italians are really family-oriented. His family values shaped his perceptions of other cultures, assuming they were all like his. Being family-oriented for him means that no matter what, family will always be above everything. He was shocked because he eluded that US citizens are way different than him, in terms of values, where he stated that US citizens are always thinking as an individual and not as common group. In addition, he argued that for him that his main identity and everything else would be secondary in the United States culture. His argument was simple, Italians’ love food because it is a way of sharing experiences with their families. They are Catholic because that is an activity that can shape the values of their families. They love women because they build families where women are the essence of the family.

In this scenario, identity strongly affects the way they perceive everything because they are tremendously family oriented. Throughout all the situations in life, family has always been present. Meanwhile, their main priority is to keep a solid family bond. In a nutshell, I was able to realize while interviewing him that the way he identify himself has shaped him in terms of traditions and values. Those traditions and values define his identity as Italian co-culture members. Grazie Lorenzo for this amazing opportunity to get to know Italian co-culture better.