10 reasons

1. 10 reasons To study Italian.

2. We can all speak some Italian – in fact we probably already know more than we think! Because Italian is so closely related to Latin (the official language for most of Europe, including England, for nearly a thousand years) you will find that Italian has many similarities with English as well as French and Spanish. Italian – a Language for Everybody Also, Italian is remarkably phonetic. Follow simple rules and, by reading what you see written you will be able to pronounce understandable Italian. You will delight the Italians you meet on holiday as well as your Italian business contacts and the staff of your local trattoria. For a native English speaker Italian is easy to learn and speak correctly. As David Ashby (a UK Member of Parliament) once said: ‘Italy is one of the greatest civilisations in Europe. To be able to converse in its musical language is a personal delight.’

3. Art & Architecture Italy has long been gifted with outstanding architects and artists. The architecture of Rome (and the engineering skills required) is still one of the marvels of the world. In modern times, architects such as Renzo Piano have become well-known world over and have attracted commissions for major buildings in many of the world’s leading cities. At the time of the Renaissance, Italy produced outstanding multi-talented artists such as Leonardo da Vinci (1452- 1519) and Michelangelo Buonarroti ( 1475-1564) who was not only a brilliant sculptor and painter but also designed, and supervised the building, of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Every city and town in Italy has its own art treasures not just the major ones such as Rome, Florence and Venice.

4. Fashion & Style Armani, Benetton, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Versace – the names of Italy’s contemporary fashion houses are synonymous with elegance and style. The Milan Fashion Show is one of the highlights of the fashion calendar. But Italian-influences stretch well beyond the fashion world. The design of domestic appliances like Alessi, furniture such as VicoMagistretti, B & B Italia, Zanotta, Citterioshows the excellence of the Italian design.

5. Science, Engineering & Industry Italy has been a place for scientists and engineers for many centuries. Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642) is world-famous for his fundamental astronomic discoveries. More recently Guglielmo Marconi (1874 – 1937), the physicist, is regarded as the father of radio communication. In the 20th century Italian design flair and engineering skills have given us the exclusive cars of Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini which continue to delight the racing circuits. For those on a more modest budget, Alfa Romeo and Fiat produce stylish cars driven in every country of Europe.

6. Italy & Europe Italy was an enthusiastic founder member of the European Economic Community (the EEC) which has now grown into the European Union. It is also a founder-member of the currency union and is part of the euro zone. It could also be argued that the original European Union was modelled on the Roman Empire which gave us the concept of the rule of law, impartially administered. This was brought to most parts of Europe and became the foundations of public administration as we know it today.

7. Opera & Contemporary Music When Franco Zeffirelli was asked ‘Why do you think Italian is important?’, he replied ‘For the Opera, of course!’ Italian is the first language of music and opera worldwide. Italian composers are at the root of modern western orchestral and choral music from Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741) to Giuseppe Verdi (1813 – 1901). Today, Italian singers such as Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Cecilia Bartoliand Roberto Alagnaare well-known to opera lovers around the world. But it doesn’t stop there. Italy has always been a major contributor to contemporary music and now Italian DJs are making a noticeable contribution in all areas of pop music.

8. Cinema & Theatre The roots of Italian cinema lie in Italian representational art, literature and theatre that date back to ancient times and its influence. The Commedia dell’arte is the cornerstone of an Italian theatrical tradition that can still be identified in the works of Luigi Pirandello and Dario Fo. Twentieth century audiences have flocked to see films produced by Federico Fellini, Roberto Benigni, Nanni Morettiand been mesmerised by film stars such as Sofia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni and Claudia Cardinale. After World War II Italian film makers provided audiences with an authentic portrait of everyday Italian life. The ‘Neoreolismo’ movement was created by famous directors such as Vittorio De Sicaand Roberto Rossellini. Nowadays Italian films are hugely popular and reflect modern Italian life.

9. Sand & Sea, Snow & Ski Italy provides tourists with a tremendous variety of experiences. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors are always made to feel welcome and the ability to speak a bit of Italian certainly increases warmth of reception. Italy stretches from the high Alps in the north to the middle of the Mediterranean. The country has thousands of kilometres of coastline with cliffs, beaches and fishing villages which provide a variety of attractions for visitors and holiday makers. Snow covers much of Italy’s northern border during the winter season and there are many well-established ski resorts. At the foot of the Alps are the famous and beautiful Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda.

10. Football & Sport Italy is a world-class football nation. Clubs with names such as Juventus, Roma, Lazio, Inter and Milan are as much a part of British fans’ vocabulary as Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and United. Well-known top Italian footballers have been tranferred to the Premiership and League clubs. Gianfranco Zola plays for Chelsea and Paolo Di Canio for West Ham. Italian football League can be viewed on British TV every week so it is easy to share a mutual passion for this sport.

11. Food & Drink If you want to impress your family and friends start to learn this amazing language. You will be reading the menu in your local Italian restaurant like an expert! Pizza, spaghetti, pasta, polenta, cappuccino, espresso, caffelatte… Italian food and drink are now a very familiar and much enjoyed part of British cuisine. Italy also produces fine wines and many of the leading brands are sold and enjoyed in supermarkets. Asti, Spumante, Lambrusco, Chianti, Frascati are all well known favourites with Britain’s wine drinkers.