By Daniela Gross
The word of the week, “cittadini”, indicates the citizens and is usually opposed to the word “suddito”, which means subject. As in English, “cittadino” (to be pronounced chit-ta-dee-no) has a more political than geographical meaning.
The word …
By Daniela Gross
As we have learned since childhood, denial is a terrific way to escape from reality. When we tell our fantastic stories, all our misfits and mistakes seem to magically vanish. But when it comes to history, to …
By Daniela Gross
The Italian word “archivio” derives from Greek and Latin – “archium” or “archivium”. Except for the pronunciation, which is completely different (in Italian it sounds “ar-kee-vee-o), the word of the week is so similar to the English …
By Daniela Gross
“Commerciale” is the Italian version of the English “commercial, mercantile”. It is a word deriving from the Latin “commercium”, that indicates the action of trading goods or money. In European history, for many reasons, Jews were often …
By Daniela Gross
If you followed the news last week about the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and its victims, maybe you encountered these two Italian words: “Bella Ciao”. It’s the title of a popular Italian partisan hymn played during …
By Daniela Gross
The word of this week is so beloved to the Italian way of life and thinking. “Cucina” – to be pronounced “kutchìna”- comes from the Latin. The “cucina” is the kitchen, and at the same time it …
By Daniela Gross
“Tradurre è tradire”. It sounds like a tongue twister, and it is one of the best known Italian proverbs. It reminds us that “To translate is to betray”, and that any translation, even the most accurate one, …
By Daniela Gross
This is a difficult season for gardeners. When you look out the window and see only bare trees, dry lawns and no flowers for miles, it’s inevitable to feel a bit gloomy. However we can find comfort …
By Daniela Gross
“Luci”, the word of the week, is strictly related to Hanukkah. Admittedly, Hanukkah is Hanukkah in Italy as all it is around the world. The only difference is that sometimes Italians transliterate this Hebrew word as “Chanukkah”, …
“Ponte” is the Italian word meaning “bridge”. It is a term that comes directly from Latin, and is very common in our country. We have bridges on rivers, and many of them are famous all over the world, such as …