March 20th is the spring equinox in Italy and the northern hemisphere, marking the start of longer days, warmer weather and the appearance of new life. If you’re learning Italian, you may want to increase your spring vocabulary so that you can talk to your friends and family about this time of year. In addition …
Wine is a pleasure when you don’t abuse it – a fact that Italians know all too well! Whether they be dining out, in the company of friends, or at an aperitivo, Italians never miss the opportunity to enjoy a glass of God’s nectar. It goes without saying that wine is profoundly rooted in Italian …
Chi ha paura del congiuntivo? Who is afraid of the subjunctive mood? Many, it seems, judging by the rivers of ink spilt on the subject. The debate ‘subjunctive or no subjunctive’ also found its way into television programmes, and for years now the refrain ‘the subjunctive is dead’ has been heard at conferences and in …
Alla ricerca di una nuova normalità: il mio trasferimento a Firenze At the ripe, old age of 25, I realized that something significant was missing from my life. (Yes, I am fully aware that 25 years old is not old, but I certainly didn’t feel young either.) I was born and raised in the suburban …
Mmm, Italian cookies! These scrumptious treats are as diverse as the regions of Italy, plus each has a unique story to tell. From crunchy Cantucci to the melt-in-your-mouth Baci di Dama, cookies are a true representation of the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re savouring them with a cup of coffee or enjoying them as …
When we are offered a choice between two alternatives, we use the sweet and simple conjunction “or” in English. In the Italian language, there are two possible translations for “or” – o and oppure. But what is the difference between them? While both present a choice between two alternatives, we find it helpful to think …