It is a well-known fact that Italians have cornered the market on style. How do they do it, and so effortlessly? How do Italians make classics fresh, while creatively spinning out new design ideas that are quickly adopted worldwide?
A little known-secret: For all their warmth and spontaneity, Italians work with a basic set of ground rules that govern almost every aspect of life. Do not be fooled by perceived Italian whimsy. Foreigners who live in Italy are gently but consistently schooled in “the right way to do things.”
Do you know some of these basic rules? Take our quiz to find out.
When should olive oil be incorporated into a recipe?
What is the chief indicator of good olive oil?
What is the most important purpose of wearing a scarf around the neck?
Where do you get your wine?
What is the chief indicator of a good tomato?
How many yolks does your fresh pasta dough contain?
How do you know what kind of seasonal clothing to wear?
When do you take your annual vacation?
How often do you gesture with your hands when you talk?
How do you take your espresso?
How Much Do You Know About Italian Culture?
È vero! Tu sei veramente italiano!
È vero! Tu sei veramente italiano! A true Italian for sure. Alternatively, perhaps you are married to an Italian, and your in-laws have properly schooled you in Italian Right and Wrong. Or you have lived in Italy, or consistently traveled in Italy in ways that brought you closer to Italians and Italian values. You deploy your understanding of Italian culture with respect and sensitivity.
How Much Do You Know About Italian Culture?
Così così.
Così così. So-so. Somewhere along the way, your interest in Italian culture was piqued. Did you major in art history, or take the odd Italian language class in college? Did you work in close proximity to a well-dressed Italian during that one youthful chapter in Manhattan? You may prize your Italian name-brand wardrobe items. Perhaps you treasure your experiences in the presence of Italian cinema. You understand Italian quality and style when you see it, but are open to being gently corrected by Italians in the Right Way To Do Things. It’s high time to expand your spectrum of Italian Appreciation.
How Much Do You Know About Italian Culture?
Ci vuole un po’ di studio.
Ci vuole un po’ di studio. You need to study up a bit. Have you heard of a peninsular country that is shaped like a boot, with a great deal of coastline, filled with good things to eat and drink, and boasting an unparalleled quality of life? Be honest. No? Impossibile! We prescribe a trip to Italy as soon as possible; barring that, try to find the best Italian restaurant in your city, and treat yourself to a bit of the old country.
How Much Do You Know About Italian Culture?
Ahi! O, ahimè!
Ahi! O, ahimè! Your breathtaking lack of familiarity with Italian culture has caused the entire country to sink into wailing grief, incredulous that people walk this planet who are eating bad tomatoes, consuming poor olive oil, and spreading butter on everything. Do you wear clothes, or shoes? Do you eat pasta? Have you heard of Sophia Loren? Sigh. Go find a copy of Life is Beautiful, buy a bottle of Rosso di Montalcino , and settle in one evening to give yourself the most basic of introductions to Italian culture.
Looking to up your score? Start by adding a touch of Italy to your kitchen withthese six tips.
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Monica Sharp is a writer and advocate for the arts who has traveled in more than forty countries. She currently lives in Florence, Italy, with her husband and two young children.
