At John Cabot University, we have students from all over the world. When you choose to study at JCU, you choose to study in a multicultural environment. But, although you are surrounded daily by global nomads, you are still living in Italy. This means that your host culture will play a large role in shaping your college experience. You will earn an American degree, and make international friends, all while adapting to Italian cultural norms.
Here are 3 Italian cultural norms you will encounter in Rome:
1. Slow Pace of Life
It is pretty well-known that Italians enjoy a slower pace of life. They appreciate the small things, take their time, and find beauty in the everyday aspects of life. A family meal, a coffee with friends, or a leisurely passeggiata(stroll) are all to be cherished in the Italian culture. But this pace of life definitely takes some getting used to. New JCU students should keep in mind that some errands can take much longer in Italy than in America. Grocery shopping, paying bills, or mailing a letter at the post office might be longer tasks, since most people are not in a hurry.
Another thing to keep in mind is the daily riposo, or siesta. The riposo is like an extended lunch break every day from around 1 to 4 in the afternoon. During this time, many of your local businesses and shops will be closed. It's important to plan ahead if you need to pick up something from the grocery store or run any other errands. In the same way, it is important to respect the quiet hours during this time, as it is customary for locals to rest, take an afternoon nap, or enjoy some quality family time.
Why rush through life when you can enjoy the beauty in your surroundings? When you study abroad in Italy, you will definitely learn to slow down.
2. Meals
The importance of food culture in Italy seems to go hand in hand with the importance of slowing down and enjoying life. A meal in Italy is never just food. It is an experience. When you move to Rome, don't expect to head to a local restaurant for an early dinner, or a quick bite to eat. Dinner customarily starts around 8pm or later, and can go on for hours. Don't expect to be done before 9pm! Also, Italians love taking their time to enjoy the flavors of every dish, and often enjoy multi-course meals. To them, the freshness and quality of each ingredient is important. You will even notice different specialties and dishes depending on the season, and on the region. Pairing the perfect wine to the main course, or the perfect sauce to a particular type of pasta is very serious business.
3. Emotion
Along with the importance of food and rest comes the famous Italian "emotion". Italians are known to express their emotions openly, and that covers all aspects of life throughout the country. This can be seen in something as simple as a friendly greeting. When you encounter a friend, relative, or acquaintance, you always greet one another with two kisses on the cheek. Just saying hi to someone you know with a wave or handshake is not the norm and may be seen as a little "cold".
Another example is how Italians tend to express themselves, verbally or non-verbally. The stereotype you have heard about Italians talking with their hands is definitely true. Every hand gesture means something specific, and they are never used halfheartedly. In terms of verbal expression, what Italians consider a calm conversation may sound to an outsider like a heated argument with raised voices, talking over one another!
Why just read about Italian cultural norms when you can come experience Italian culture for yourself in the Eternal City? Apply to study abroad at John Cabot University today!
FAQs
A way to understand Rome, Italy's communication style is through the terms high-context and low-context. High-context cultures are less direct with words, placing emphasis on physical cues, while being more sensitive to non-verbals and the feelings of others.
What are the communication norms in Rome? ›
A way to understand Rome, Italy's communication style is through the terms high-context and low-context. High-context cultures are less direct with words, placing emphasis on physical cues, while being more sensitive to non-verbals and the feelings of others.
What are some culture traits of Rome Italy? ›
Rome culture is an eclectic mix of high culture, the arts, fashion and historic architecture. Daily life centers around enduring Rome traditions rich in religion and food. It is this contrast of historic and modern culture and traditions that defines Rome as the Eternal City.
What is typical for Italian culture? ›
In the culture of Italy, families are generally quite close and they are the focal point for life. Even though daily life is always a rush, Italians always find a way to spend quality time together by eating all around the table. At the dinner table, nobody is in a rush.
What are 3 cultural norms? ›
There are four types of cultural norms. They are laws, folkways, mores, and, taboos. Laws are rules that govern groups of people and the behavior that is allowed for that group. If someone breaks the law, there is a consequence.
What are the 4 cultural norms? ›
Norms can be internalized, making an individual conform without external rewards or punishments. There are four types of social norms that can help inform people about behavior that is considered acceptable: folkways, mores, taboos, and law.
What 3 values did Rome emphasize? ›
Dignitas--"Dignity": A sense of self-worth, personal pride. Firmitas--"Tenacity": Strength of mind, the ability to stick to one's purpose. Frugalitas--"Frugalness": Economy and simplicity of style, without being miserly.
What were the cultural values in Rome? ›
Values for the Romans were: bravery, loyalty, piety, seriousness, respect and authority. Bravery was defined by the term virtus and initially, it had a male designation (the word comes from the word vir, meaning “husband”).
How do Italians greet each other? ›
The most common Italian greeting is Ciao (pronounced CHOW). Ciao is a simple, snappy way of saying hello and goodbye in Italian. It comes from the Venetian word sciavo—literally meaning servant or slave.
What are 5 cultural characteristics of Italy? ›
The main elements of Italian culture are its art, music, cinema, style, and food. Italy was the birthplace of opera, and for generations the language of opera was Italian, irrespective of the nationality of the composer.
Their way of life was a mix of many cultures, influences, and religions. Starting in the 2nd century BC, Greek influence became very important. Architecture, painting, sculpture, laws, and literature grew to a high level. Slaves, and Christians were treated differently by different rulers.
What kind of culture is Rome? ›
Much like the rest of Italy, Rome is predominantly Roman Catholic. Although Rome is home to the Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica, Rome's cathedral is the Basilica of St.
What are the family norms in Italy? ›
In the Italian setting the family is stationary with a strong sense of group stability. Everyone who is able works for the family. In fact, along these traditional lines, the unmarried sons usually give their paychecks to their mother who in turn gives them an allowance.
What are the local traditions of Rome? ›
Local Traditions
Rome is world of traditions that have crossed the centuries. Most of them comes from the old pagan rituals and some others by the catholic traditions. Events such as Festival of the Grapes, Carnival, Corpus Domini and Rome's birthday are just few of the characteristic popular event in Rome.
What are stereotypical Italian habits? ›
The most common Italian stereotypes include a love of pasta, expressive hand gestures, love of family, passion for football, that Italians have a passion for coffee, the opera, and Dante's Divine Comedy.
What are the 5 norms of culture? ›
Cultural norms like individualism, equality, respect for personal space, time consciousness, and informality aren't just abstract ideas. They are lived experiences that shape the everyday lives of Americans. They color how people interact at work, socialize at parties, and even how they behave on the open road.
What are the social norms in Italy business? ›
Hierarchy is important in Italian business culture. Status is often based on age and position. Everyone – including those who hold lower statuses – is usually given the opportunity to speak during meetings; however, credit for decisions is almost always given to the person of the highest status.
