Roots of Italy

Running Head: Italy

Roots of Italy

Kenneth Peluso

Robert Morris University

Tracy Gorrell

Intercultural Communication

October 19, 2004

Abstract

The Italian culture is extremely family oriented. They are always helping each other out whenever someone is in need. They treat family members with the utmost respect, especially women and the elders. They also treat visitors with unbelievable hospitality when someone comes to their homes. Even in business, the Italian culture embellishes these same types of characteristics whenever they are making business acquaintances with foreigners. As the family becomes a two income family, the importance of family has begun to diminish. This has made it more difficult for the Italian culture to maintain the traditions and customs that carve out their unique distinctions compared to many other cultures of the world.

Roots of Italy

Having such celebrated artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Italy has established itself as a vital proponent to world culture during its long history. Italian culture has many influences that are still prevalent even in today’s modern world. By being many generations removed from their ancestors, especially in places such as the United States, Italian culture has framed the way people live throughout the world. This includes how celebrations are enjoyed, what types of food they eat or how everyone socializes. Therefore, it is understandable why the family is central to the important traditions that are passed on from generation to generation.

The family is the focus of the Italian culture. Its importance helps to identify why most Italian families had such a large immediate family. These may include many brothers and sisters, as well as many aunts and uncles. Family members in the Italian culture are very loyal to one another. It was not unusual for Italian children to live with their families until they were well into...