KELOWNA CANADIAN ITALIAN CLUB
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the grapevine

Our KCIC Newsletter

How's Your Italian? Learn or Rediscover Your Italian Language Skills

10/13/2021

2 Comments

 
Submitted by Elvia Picco - Oct 13, 2021

What’s romantic, dynamic and culturally important? The Italian language! To speak Italian brings a lifetime of opportunities to investigate Italy’s culture, landscape and history. You can explore Italy's past and present with interest and enthusiasm.
​
I moved to British Columbia 14 years ago and experienced a wonderful opportunity to revitalize my second language of Italian by belonging to a vivacious informal Italian speaking group. We reconvened in Autunno (in the Fall) to cominciare (begin) our Italian language lessons. We shared cibo (food) and parlato (spoke) Italian.

I first studied Italian over 43 years ago in high school. Our Italian teacher drilled the class in conjugating verbs and learning vocabulary. He encouraged us to speak and write in Italian. We were immersed completely into the Italian culture and geography. I recall my teacher as energetic, creative and made learning Italian fun. He would enjoy sharing his Italian music records in class.  

My parents immigrated to Canada (Niagara Falls, ON) in 1957 from the Friuli–Venezia-Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Growing up they spoke to family in their regional dialect of Friulano which was not the standard Italian that I aspired to speak.

We were encouraged to stay connected with our cultural roots and be proud of our family’s Italian heritage. I realized how much of the language I forgot after years of not speaking Italian.  When I worked in the restaurant industry near Gemona, Italy in my early 20s, I grappled and struggled with the Italian language.

Currently I am an online student of La Scuola Italiana (The Italian Language School) program provided by the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club. In my second enrolment of an eight week session I continue to imparare (learn) from the other students. The instructor provides correction and clarifies the grammar in a friendly, impactful and encouraging way. “To learn Italian at any level takes courage and commitment. If you continue to practice and put the effort in, you will make a difference in speaking Italian confidently” says Marianna Pezzoli, La Scuola Italiana online instructor.    

I am determined, motivated and up to the challenge in learning Italian. I dug out my Italian grammar books, sourced some Italian language podcasts and purchased travel books. It’s fun to also listen to Italian internet radio stations. I make phone calls to elder relatives to practice my Italian. Sometimes our conversations flip between Friulano, Italian and English.  

My goal is to become proficient and fluent in speaking and writing in Italian. I have made a personal commitment to study Italian daily to improve my Italian language skills.  I want to learn about my heritage and the diverse culture and history of all the regions of Italy.  

The Italian language exudes passion and expression. I love listening to it. When I hear people speaking Italian, it makes me feel like I am a casa (at home) with my family again.

2 Comments
Diane Story
10/15/2021 05:00:04 pm

I could feel the love Elvia feels toward her nationality and the Italian language. Very well written. Keep up the good work.

Reply
Adua Zampese
12/3/2021 04:29:01 pm

Brava, Elvia! Quanto hai scritto fa onore ai tuoi genitori e nonni tutti.

Continua le lezioni se non altro perche' ti piace la lingua italiana e per come ti fa sentire quando l'ascolti.

Buona fortuna.
Mandi,
Adua

Reply



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The Kelowna Canadian Italian Club acknowledges that our clubhouse is situated on the beautiful unceded traditional territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people. Who, for thousands of years, have lived in harmony with nature and continue to this day to offer us so much culture and understanding.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • About KCIC and Our History
    • President's Message
    • Vice President's Message
    • Executive and Directors
    • Membership
    • Volunteers
  • NEWS & ARTICLES
    • The Grapevine Newsletter
    • THE ITALIAN GARDENER
    • Kelowna's First Families
    • Pietro's Spazio Sport
    • Book Reviews
    • Mangia Mangia Recipes
  • WHAT'S HAPPENING AT KCIC
    • 2023 Calendar
    • Club Happenings >
      • KCIC Dinners & Special Events
      • La Nostra Famiglia Italiana >
        • Upcoming NFI Events >
          • NFI - L'Acqua
          • NFI - Bisnonno
          • NFI - Spaghetti
        • Past NFI Events >
          • NFI - Terrazzo
          • NFI - Guerra
          • NFI - Lilia
          • Coming to Pier 21
          • Dalla Terra
          • Dialetti!
          • Sveva Caetani
          • Emilio Picariello
        • Family Tree Workshops
        • Between Neighbours
      • Giuseppe's Cafe
      • La Bella Tavola - Cooking Classes
      • La Scuola Italiana - Italian Language
      • KCIC Library
    • Il Nostro Lascito Legacy Project
    • Our 55th Birthday!
  • More From Us
    • CONTACT US
    • Clubhouse Rentals
    • 50th ANNIVERSARY >
      • 50th Anniversary
      • Mercato
      • Dinner & Dance Gala
    • Miss Kelowna Cdn. Italian Club
    • PHOTOS >
      • Photos
    • Calendar Page
  • Take Out Dinners
  • New Page