Fitting In

 

What's that supposed to mean you ask? Just a list of helpful hints that will have you going native in no time.

 

1.      You must learn that only three things are really important in life: la mama, la pasta, e il calcio. Barring those you’ll find that women, Formula 1, and Valentino Rossi come up as frequent topics of conversation. 

 

2.      Pick your favorite football team that you will be willing to follow to hell and back.  Buy a scarf and learn the appropriate song. For example if you were follower of Fiorentina you would most likely chant

"E' lunedì che umiliazione
andare in fabbrica al servizio del padrone
Oh Juventino, succhiapiselli
di tutta quanta la famiglia Agnelli
E Juve merda, Juve Juve merda”

In any case, just as you do not stick forks into electrical outlets, you do not cheer for Modena in the environs of Bologna. 
  3.      Learn some of the folk music so you too can participate in the sing-a-longs. Click to learn Romagna Mia, and the ever popular Osterie.  As far as popular music goes Vasco Rossi is currently the most popular Italian artist.  Think rock ala William Shatner.  Italian hip-hop has also made some inroads with groups like Articolo 31 and Gemelli Diversi.  For some reason punk rock is also on the comeback.  Who knows why that is.  For softer music you might try Bologna's own Gianni Morandi, or Samuele Bersani who actually lived down the street from me.  If you happen to be cruising on your Vespa through the Colli Bolognesi, then 50 Special by the now defunct Bologna group Lunapop is a good one to know.   If it's karaoke you're into, then you can never go wrong with my personal favorite Tu Vuo' fa L'Americano.

 

4.  Watch television and learn film references so that you can can be party to all the jokes.  Zelig, Le Iene, and Mai Dire Domenica are all heavily watched variety shows. Also be sure to watch Italy's version of reality TV Grande Fratello . Click for the Sordi classic  Un Americano a Roma which you're sure to hear about.   

 
5.  A little advice for the ladies: Don’t be surprised to find that Italian men are a little more aggressive than here in the States. It’s nothing a swift kick to the nuts won’t solve.  Besides they’re just trying to be friendly.

 
6.  Who is Valentino Rossi you ask? Well then you just haven't lived have you.

 

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