Topic: Being Polite

Topic: Being Polite

Understanding Politeness in Italian Society

Basic Expressions of Politeness

  • Familiarise with the common greetings in Italian, such as “Ciao” (Hello), “Buon Giorno” (Good Morning), “Buona Sera” (Good Evening), and “Buona Notte” (Good Night).
  • Learn expressions of gratitude, like “Grazie” (Thank you) and “Prego” (You’re welcome).
  • Understand the usage of expressions of apology such as “Scusa” (Excuse me) or “Mi dispiace” (I’m sorry), and when to utilise them effectively.

Levels of Formality

  • Comprehend the importance of the formal and informal “you” in Italian, referred to as “‘Tu’ and ‘Lei’” respectively.
  • Understand when to use the informal “Tu” (with family, friends, and peers) versus the formal “Lei” (with strangers, elders, or in professional settings).
  • Familiarise with verbs in the context of ‘tu’ and ‘lei’ to ensure the correct level of politeness is conveyed during interactions.

Social Etiquettes

  • Learn about the “right of the way” etiquette in Italy, such as letting elders or women go first, and how this is reflected in language usage.
  • Understand dining etiquettes like saying “Buon appetito” before a meal, wishing everyone a good appetite.
  • Recognise the cultural custom of saying “Salute” or “Alla tua salute” when toasting in Italy.

Politeness in Written Forms

  • Understand conventions for written etiquette, such as beginning and ending letters or emails correctly.
  • Learn how to write formal or informal invitations, expressing the right language tone.
  • Keep in mind the etiquette behind messaging, especially on social media or in a professional environment.

Politeness in Italian Literature and Films

  • Identify instances of politeness in recognised Italian literature and films.
  • Understand how politeness varies depending on the context and cultural period.
  • Deepen your grammatical understanding and cultural knowledge by examining polite phrases and their usage in literary or film sources.

Being polite in Italy isn’t merely about knowing phrases; it’s about understanding the cultural and social norms, and adapting your language according to context.