The charm of Italian gestures - Il fascino dei gesti italiani
Italy is known throughout the world for its rich culture, art, cuisine... and for its gestures! Anyone who has had the opportunity to interact with an Italian knows how expressive they are when communicating, and gestures are an essential part of this expressiveness. In this article we will explore some of the most common Italian gestures and their meanings, along with some interesting facts about how the same gestures can be interpreted differently in other cultures.
1. The 'What do you want'?
If you happen to see an Italian speaking, you have probably noticed this gesture. By joining all the fingers of the hand with the thumb, a sort of cone is formed that moves up and down. This gesture expresses confusion or frustration and can be translated as 'what do you want' or 'what are you saying'. It is one of the most iconic symbols of being Italian.
2. The hand under the chin - I don't care
By placing the fingers of the hand, excluding the thumb, under the chin and sliding them forward, Italians express contempt or indifference. It's like saying 'I don't care' A bored or disinterested look often accompanies this gesture.
3. The horns - Ward off bad luck or... cornuto!
The gesture of the "fare le corna", made by lifting the index and little fingers while the other fingers remain bent, has two main meanings:
Downward: Used as an amulet to ward off bad luck, especially in the southern regions of Italy, where it is believed to protect against the evil eye.
Upwards: When aimed at a person, it becomes a serious insult, suggesting that the person is 'cuckolded', i.e. a victim of marital infidelity.
4. The 'OK' gesture
Forming a circle with thumb and forefinger is generally interpreted as 'OK' in many cultures. In Italy it can express agreement or perfection, but in some situations it could be misunderstood as a sarcastic or even insulting gesture, so it is important to be aware of the context.
5. The straight hand on the belly -You're a burden
This gesture is performed by holding the hand flat and horizontal, with the side of the thumb and forefinger lightly touching the stomach and moving it back and forth. It is used to express annoyance or disapproval about something or someone, for example, to say 'I can't take it' or 'You're a burden'. It is a gesture that clearly communicates discomfort and the difficulty of tolerating a situation.
6. The rotating hand on the belly - Feeling hungry or full
Rotating the hand over the stomach in a circular motion can indicate two things, depending on the context and the facial expression:
Appetite or satisfaction: If accompanied by a positive expression, it indicates that you are hungry or that something is particularly tasty.
Feeling full: If done with an expression of discomfort or tiredness, it can mean that you are full or that you have eaten too much.
7. Raising and lowering the hand - Calm down
Moving your hand up and down with the palm facing down is a gesture that invites calm. It is used to say 'be calm' or 'relax' and is often used to defuse a situation or to calm an upset person.
8. The two palms together - "What are you talking about?" gesture
Bringing the palms of the hands together as if in prayer and moving them up and down expresses disbelief or disapproval, e.g. 'What are you talking about?' or 'How is that possible? This gesture is often used when something is particularly absurd or hard to believe.
9. The head up - Nope!
A quick upward movement of the head, often accompanied by a neutral or slightly serious expression, is an informal way of saying 'no'. Typical of southern Italy, this gesture is a silent but firm refusal.
10. Opening and closing hand gesture - "You afraid, aren't you?" gesture
This gesture consists of repeatedly opening the hand and closing it touching the fingers (similar to "what do you want" gesture) with the palm facing the person being addressed. It is often used to provoke or challenge someone, e.g. by sarcastically asking "Are you afraid?" or by suggesting that the person is hesitating or showing fear. In this context, the gesture may also be accompanied by a facial expression that emphasises defiance or contempt.
11. Thumb over face gesture
This gesture consists of running the thumb vertically along the cheek, from top to bottom, in a firm motion. This gesture is used to indicate that a person is usually 'cunning' or 'sly' in a negative sense, suggesting that he or she may have obtained something in a devious or dishonest manner. The facial expression accompanying the gesture often conveys a mixture of suspicion and disapproval. It is a way of emphasising that someone is 'cut out' for doing things in a deceitful way, taking advantage of situations in a shady way: una persona 'tagliata' (furba).
12. Index finger and thumbs up
Another common gesture in Italy is to join the index finger and thumb to form a circle, while the other fingers remain extended. This gesture is used to say that something is 'perfect' or 'excellent'. It is a positive gesture, often accompanied by an expression of satisfaction or appreciation.
To conclude
Body language is a fascinating and complex part of human communication, and in Italy it plays a major role in the way people express themselves. However, cultural gestures and habits can vary greatly from one country to another. Being aware of these differences is crucial for effective intercultural communication.
Non-verbal communication, and gestures in particular, are an essential and sensitive aspect of intercultural communication. Awareness of one's own gestural habits and openness to understanding the cultural norms of others can help to promote more harmonious and respectful relations between different cultures.
If you have any other curiosities about Italian culture or would like to explore these topics further, feel free to share them in the comments!
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Learning Italian on your own requires commitment and dedication, but with the right strategies and resources, you can achieve your goal. Remember to have fun during the process and celebrate every little bit of progress. Enjoy your journey towards learning Italian!
If you would like to expand on any of the concepts or would like to speak to a native speaker teacher qualified in teaching Italian to foreigners, please contact me at info@appylanguage.com. I will be happy to meet you and guide you in a one-to-one online session. Happy learning!
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