ITALY BY MUHIBBUDDIN MURZAN (230 717 005 ) A. Behaviour When in Rome, You should do as Romans.

The word we usually heard which indicates that every country has its own culture. Sometimes, we can find something considered as a polite attitude could be non-polite in the other country. Italian, like the people in another country, have an unique and interesting behavior. Based on www.thefreedictionary.com, behavior is The manner in which one behaves or The actions or reactions of a person or animal in response to external or internal stimuli.1 In relation with definition above, I would like to explore some common behaviors of Italian. Generally, the third-party of introductions is the most loved by Italian whenever possible. You will always be introduced to older people and women first and it is best to follow this protocol when introducing yourself. It is polite while doing this to say "buon giorno" [in the morning] and "buona sera" [in the late afternoon and evening]. Frequent warm and vigorous handshakes can be common for both business and social occasions.2 To sum up, we can easily guess weather somebody an Italian or not by considering some points below : 1. They stop drinking cappuccino after 10.30 in the morning. 2. Their pride and joy is no longer your kettle, but your Gaggia coffee machine. 3. A flock of goats complete with goatherd appears in theirr garden and they don't think anything of it. 4. they find theirselves downloading the Italian national anthem to theirr i-pod. 5. their bidet has become an essential household item. 6. they walk arm in arm with theirr women friends round the local clothes market - sixteen times. 7. A man wanders through their land armed with a shotgun and accompanied by a large dog, and their offer him an early morning espresso. 8. There is a pasta machine all floury with use on their kitchen work-surface. 9. they go to buy a train ticket in the UK and realize the man is looking at them blankly because they asked for it in Italian. 10. their partner offers to buy them a pair of Jimmy Choo's and they tell him they would rather have a Vespa.3

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B. Relationship

Based on www.thefreedictionary.com, relationship is A particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other.4 I would like to figure out the relationship between Italians family lives. The Italian are often tied to one another by relationships on both sides of the family. The Italian consider family as the basic household unit. Often two or more nuclear families may live together. It is common for newly married couples to live for a time with the bride's parents.5 Traditionally the husband is the master of families, in theory, while the wife taking care of daily operations. But there is evidence that there are some changes in this system as more often both parents work outside the home. Italian families maintain strong ties from generation to generation. The children, after left home to build a new family, maintain a strong relationship with their parents. Usually they live very close to one of the two parents family, make phone calls every day for their parents (especially mothers), and visit them weekly. Their relationship with their parents usually display strong support for reciprocity and exchange, including childcare, care of old and the sick, help with economic problems, loans, and advice. One of The main characteristics of a strong Italian family intergenerational solidarity that allows Italy to overcome difficulties, finding a job, see after the children, and ask for a loan in a situation where the family network provide what, in other Western countries, which is given by the public or private institutions. A sense of connectedness to explain the relevance of the family as an Institution assumes in Italian culture. To become a member of a family is what guarantees the individual against any serious problem in life, more than to be a member of another group.

C.
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Cultural Symbols and ritual

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Every country has specific symbol that describe philosophy, characteristic or perception of each country such as, flag. As widely known, the Italian Flag indicates a tricolor of Red, White and Green. Three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red . According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors ; White represents peace and honesty, Red represents hardiness, bravery, strength & valour, and Green represents hope, joy and love and in many cultures have a sacred significance. 6 Furthemore, there are some symbol we can find in Italy; Arlecchino , a mask full of different colours representing the italian creativity but also maybe the fact that italians were 'servants', that is under foreign dominion, as arlecchino is a servant sometimes of 'two lords'; the boot as the italian peninsula has the shape of a boot and Italy is also called Lo stivale; an important monument like Colosseum in Rome; or other monuments maybe what they prefer like Venere di Botticelli, Mona Lisa by Leonardo, Davide by Michelangelo ; or a gondola of Venice or the tower of Pisa.7 C. Non Verbal Communication Nonverbal communication is some nonverbal stimuli (touch, glance, eye contact (gaze), volume, gesture, intonation, and so on) in a communication setting. Probably, the people use most nonverbal communication in their daily communication. Here some nonverbal communication we can find in Italy: Maintain eye contact while talking. Otherwise Italians might think you are hiding something. Eye contact remains direct and is the way Italians show their interest. Be aware that looking away may be perceived as a sign of boredom or outright rudeness. A romantic interest is usually implied when the eyes of two strangers meet and linger. -

Placing the hand on the stomach signifies dislike, usually for another person. Rubbing the chin with the fingertips, and then propelling them forward, is a gesture of contempt.8

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Barazza, R. 2006. Italian Culture/About Italian symbols.

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Stereotype
Our own perception to somebody/something base on general information or experiences we got about is probably called as stereotype. When hearing the word Italy each of us has our own description and perception. Maybe we are thinking about Spaghetti, mafia, musical accent, gestures, romantic, loud, fashion, or even chaos - these are all words often used to describe Italians. 9

My own perspective of Italy For me, Italy is Inter Milan, one of the greatest football clubs in the world. Italy is Venice, one of the most romantic places in the world. Italy is Rome, one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Italy is Gucci, one of the most popular brands in the world, Italy is Galileo Galilei, one of the most important scientists in the world. Italy is Sisilia Island, one of the largest mafia islands in the world. Italy is Monalisa, one of the most greatest painting in the world. Italy is Romeo and Juliet, one of the most romantic love stories in the world. To sum up, Italy is the evidence of the progression of Europe civilization and even the world, in which many of the artists, scientists, and also footballers were born.

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References
Frank A. Salamone, Countries and Their Culture, 2009 http://www.everyculture.com/GeIt/Italy.html <a href="http://family.jrank.org/pages/981/Italy.html">Italy - Marriage And Children, Education And Gender Roles, Young People Living In The Parental Family</a> http://www.syr.fi.it/img/PDF/Student-Life/Housing/Homestays/3%20Italian%20Family%20& %20Culture.pdf Kwintessential cross cultural solutions http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/globaletiquette/italy-country-profile.html www.thefreedictionary.com www.executiveplanet.com www.Ezine Articles .com www.thefreedictionary.com http://internationalbusiness.wikia.com/wiki/Italian_attitude_toward_family http://www.flags-flags-flags.org.uk Barazza, R. 2006. Italian Culture/About Italian symbols. http://www.executiveplanet.com http://www.justlanded.com