Archive by Author
La Signora Delle Stelle Posted by Serena on Mar 8, 2017
Every year for the occasion of La Festa Della Donna (International Women’s Day) I like to write about an Italian woman whose life has been an inspiration to others. This year I’ve chosen renowned astronomer and physicist Margherita Hack. Born in Firenze in 1922 of a Swiss father and Italian mother, Margherita Hack was an…
Have You Noticed? Posted by Serena on Mar 1, 2017
Last week I published an article about the use of rendersi conto (to realise/be aware). Today we’re going to look at the very similar verb accorgersi (to notice/to become aware). Let’s begin with the two main tenses: presente and passato prossimo. Although you will hear accorgersi used in the present tense, especially in formal written…
Vietato Morire Posted by Serena on Feb 27, 2017
Every year since 1951 the Festival di Sanremo or Festival della Canzone Italiana showcases the ‘best’ of Italian pop music. The festival is used as a vehicle for choosing Italy’s entry into the Eurovision Song Contest, and has launched the careers of artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Giorgia, Laura Pausini, and many other top Italian…
Be Aware! Posted by Serena on Feb 24, 2017
Rendere conto or rendersi conto? This verb changes meaning depending on whether it’s used in its active form: rendere conto (to report to), or its reflexive form: rendersi conto (to realize, to be aware). The reflexive form is the most commonly used in everyday language, so today we’re going to have look at its conjugation…
Sandokan Posted by Serena on Feb 23, 2017
A childhood friend recently rediscovered a photo from our 1976 Carnival in Benghazi, Libya. In the photo several of my school mates are dressed up as our Italian TV heroes, Lady Marianna and Sandokan. They look so sweet and ridiculous in their home made outfits complete with plastic pearls and swords. But in their minds…
Getting Stressed About Pronouns? Posted by Serena on Feb 17, 2017
Ti piace la lingua italiana? Ti interessa la nostra cultura? A me sono sempre piaciute le lingue straniere, e mi fa piacere spiegare a voi come funziona la grammatica italiana. Do you like the Italian language? Are you interested in our culture? I have always liked foreign languages, and I enjoy explaining to you how…
Ah, l’Amore! Posted by Serena on Feb 13, 2017
San Valentino, protettore degli innamorati … tomorrow is his special day. It’s also that one day a year when we are officially expected to be all soppy and romantic … yuk! So many ways to celebrate that special day with your beloved: Cioccolatini a forma di cuore, un mazzo di rose rosse, bigliettini pieni di…