Archive for October, 2009
Tavolo or Tavola? Posted by Serena on Oct 31, 2009
Following my article about new trends in Italian kitchens, a reader asked me whether the words tavolo (table) and tavola (table) are interchangeable, and if there is any difference between the two. Well, I’m afraid that this is yet another idiosyncratic use of the Italian language, so let’s see if I can clarify it for you…
Colloquial Italian – 1. Ecco Posted by Serena on Oct 28, 2009
As many students of the Italian language have discovered, there is a big difference between the Italian learnt in a language class and everyday colloquial Italian. In fact many students suffer a serious blow to their confidence when, having diligently studied in their language class, they first set foot in Italia and come face to…
Domina L’Angolo Cucina Posted by Serena on Oct 25, 2009
It seems that the good old Italian kitchen, quel locale per antonomasia (that quintessential room) which was once the traditional focal point of the home, is slowly but surely being ousted by l’angolo cucina (the corner kitchen). In Italy the kitchen once represented il focolare e il cuore della casa (the hearth, and the heart of the house)…
Il Congiuntivo Part 5 – Trapassato Posted by Serena on Oct 22, 2009
This article, which deals with il congiuntivo trapassato (the pluperfect subjunctive), concludes my series about the use of the subjunctive form. In order to construct the pluperfect subjunctive you simply use the imperfect subjunctive of the auxiliary verbs essere and avere (see Part – 4 of this series: Congiuntivo Imperfetto), followed by the past participle…
Firmato Diaz Posted by Serena on Oct 19, 2009
Here in Italy, as in many other parts of the world, it has long been fashionable to name one’s offspring after famous, or inspirational people. Once upon a time we Italians didn’t really have much choice about our first name, because the church decreed that it should be a ‘Christian name’ in the most literal sense. For females…
Il Congiuntivo Part 4 – Imperfetto Posted by Serena on Oct 16, 2009
Continuing my series of articles on the subjunctive form, today I’m going to write about il congiuntivo imperfetto (imperfect subjunctive). To make the congiuntivo imperfetto of regular verbs, remove the ending from the infinitive form of the verb, i.e. -are, -ere, or -ire, and add the following: for verbs ending in –are add –assi –assi…
Una Gita a Zeri Posted by Serena on Oct 13, 2009
Lunigiana, in the very north of Toscana, is a nature lovers paradise, and we are lucky enough to live there! You could spend a lifetime exploring the spider’s web of sentieri (footpaths) and ancient strade comunali (communal roads) that connect the many little towns and villages tucked away in its green hills. You can also learn…