unearthitaly

[unearthitaly]

A must-read for the Holocaust Remembrance Day: If This Is a Man by Primo Levi

What���s the amount of humanity left in a man who fights for a crust of bread and who dies by a yes or no in an extermination camp? “Tell me if this is a man”, asks Primo Levi, an Italian who was imprisoned in Auschwitz, at the beginning of his book If This Is a Man.

The entire book revolves around this question and that’s why the choice of the editor that opted for Survival in Auschwitz as a title for the American version of the book is some sort of “fraud”. This is not just a reportage of an Auschwitz’ survivor, this is a philosophical work, a teaching about Life. A diary of a man who has seen “the Gorgon in the face” and yet has been capable of leaving us an unforgettable lesson concerning happiness. Or maybe it’s exactly because of that, it’s when you touch the endless bottom and manage to survive that you can have such extraordinary intuitions about Life.

“Sooner or later in life everyone discovers that perfect happiness is unrealizable, but there are few who pause to consider the antithesis: that perfect unhappiness is equally unattainable. The obstacles preventing the realization of both these extreme states are of the same nature: they derive from our human condition which is opposed to everything infinite”

If This Is a Man is an earthquake, an upheaval able to change one’s perception forever: once you’ll read it, you won’t be the same person anymore.

Read the full article about If This Is a Man on My Dear Italia.

[unearthitaly]

Masterpost about Italian Culture

[I have already posted it on the SayItaliano Community, but I am publishing it in my account as well.]

I took advantage of a pause from work to go through all my past entries here on the platform and I've decided to make 2/3 masterposts that might be useful if you're looking into Italian culture/language/tourism.

Here you are a masterpost about ITALIAN CULTURE, broken into different topics. Enjoy!

ITALIAN HISTORY

Italian Republic Day ;

Italian "Day of the Faith" ;

Pompeii and Herculaneum: How they ended up buried by the Vesuvius [+ Resources for studying and visiting];

The Holy Shroud of Turin;

The executioner;

The history of Vespa;

Dubbing in Italy;

Italian Iconic Pictures.

ITALIAN MUSIC

Spotify Playlist with 30 tunes Italians consider great classics;

Lyrics of “La Guerra di Piero”, the Italian “Blowin’ in the Wind” ( + Translation )

EATING IN ITALY

Are Italians food-nazis? [WordPress];

Etiquette in Restaurants in Italy;

Is the “11 am Rule” Concerning Italian Cappuccino Real?

Pizza Margherita;

Italian Bread;

Rice in Italy;

Chocolate in Italy;

Neapolitan Street Food: 6 Snacks you should try;

Desserts from the Campania region;

Biscuits from the Liguria region;

Desserts from South Tyrol, Italy;

Italian Amaretti Cookies;

Mussels in Italian language and culture;

Pumpkin in Italian Culture and Language.

ITALIAN MENTALITY

Understanding the Italians: traits and peculiarities [wordpress];

4 Popular Stereotypes that Annoy Italians;

Love-hate relationship Italians have with Italy;

Italian Culture: Sacred and Profane;

What's campanilismo?

Doors in Italy.

ITALIAN CUSTOMS AND LIFESTYLE

How to dress like an Italian [wordpress];

Most Common Carnival "Pranks" in Italy.

If you have questions about these topics or also concerning other things, my ask box is open :)

Hi! I’m Sara, unearthitaly on tumblr! I have a formal education in cultural and linguistic mediation and I work in the hotels in one of Italy's most developed tourist destinations, Alto Adige/South Tyrol. I embody some sort of "bridge" between Italian and other cultures professionally but also vocationally. I like to help Italophiles discover Italy beyond the obvious and I share tips on travel, culture, lifestyle and language.

You can also find me on my blog, Instagram and Threads. A presto!

[unearthitaly]

Be still, my heart 😭♥️

[unearthitaly]

I put two alarms on a Sunday off touristic season. All for you, Jannik, c'mooonn 😭💪

prayer circle for jannik sinner to win the australian open 2025

[unearthitaly]

[unearthitaly]

More on the series, an interview to Joe Wright.

Mussolini: Son Of The Century | Official Trailer | Sky

There's a lot of talk around this series in Italy. It will probably be broadcasted worldwide. It's really good, definitely recommended. Luca Marinelli's performance is stellar.

It also reminds us that Italy, among other "inventions" that are often proudly listed here or there on the Internet, also brought to this world its dark side, fascism. Yep, it's an Italian "invention".

[unearthitaly]

Mussolini: Son Of The Century | Official Trailer | Sky

There's a lot of talk around this series in Italy. It will probably be broadcasted worldwide. It's really good, definitely recommended. Luca Marinelli's performance is stellar.

It also reminds us that Italy, among other "inventions" that are often proudly listed here or there on the Internet, also brought to this world its dark side, fascism. Yep, it's an Italian "invention".

[unearthitaly]

If you're an Italophile, join the SayItaliano Community!

[unearthitaly]

It's still VERY new (no post yet lol) but yeah, if you already want to join the sayitaliano community, click here

I considered the results of the poll (ty) and thought that actually that's what I wanted this blog to be like since day 1 (a place where everyone can join and share something/be active in a way or another), so I may even try now that it's possible lol. The success is all in your hands, friendos... no pressure hehe ;)

[unearthitaly]

Doors in Italy

You might know the old saying "when a door closes, another door opens". In Italy we have a slightly different take on it, which more or less states:

"When a door closes, a front door opens"

"Quando si chiude una porta, si apre un portone

We don't often realize that, but when something ends, it is for the best and another better opportunity might arise. You never know 🤷

[unearthitaly]

Linguistics and Language Podcasts

Looking for podcasts about language and linguistics? Here’s a comprehensive list with descriptions! I’ve also mentioned if shows have transcripts. If there are any I missed, let me know!

Linguistics

Lingthusiasm A podcast that’s enthusiastic about linguistics by Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne (that’s me!). Main episodes every third Thursday of every month, with a second bonus episode on Patreon. (Transcripts for all episodes)

Because Language Every week Daniel, Ben, and Hedvig cover the news in linguistics and tackle a particular topic. (previously Talk the Talk) (Transcripts for all episodes after release)

The Vocal Fries Every episode Carrie Gillon & Megan Figueroa tackle linguistic discrimination in relation to a particular group. (Transcripts for some episodes)

En Clair A podcast about forensic linguistics from Dr Claire Hardaker at Lancaster University. Episodes released monthly, with a range of topics from criminal cases to literary fraud. (Transcripts for all episodes)

Language on the Move Conversations about linguistic diversity in social life. (Transcripts for some episodes)

Said & Done A podcast about languages and the people who speak them, from the Columbia LRC

Accentricity From Sadie Durkacz Ryan, a lecturer in sociolinguistics at Glasgow University. Season one has six episodes.

All About Accents A podcast all about accents with linguist and accent coach Dani Morse-Kopp in conversation with her partner Lucas Morse. 

Tomayto Tomahto Led by Talia Sherman, a Brown University undergrad, this interview-based podcast explores language.

Field Notes Martha Tsutsui Billins interviews linguists about their linguistic fieldwork. (Transcripts for all episodes)

History and Philosophy of the Language Sciences sub-30 minute episodes about the history of linguistics from James McElvenny, with the occasional interviews.

Lingua Brutalica Jess Kruk and Wes Robertson take on the world of extreme metal.

Say It Like You Play It A podcast about games, language and culture.

The Language Revolution Changing UK attitudes to languages.

The Secret Life of Language An interview podcast from the University of Melbourne’s School of Languages and Linguistics.

JSLX Conversations Podcast A podcast produced by the Journal of Sociolinguistics. (Transcripts for all episodes)

Lexis A conversation about linguistics with a topical UK focus, from Matthew Butler, Lisa Casey, Dan Clayton and Jacky Glancey.

Kletshead A podcast about bilingual children for parents, teachers and speech language therapists from Dr. Sharon Unsworth. Also in Dutch.

Linguistics Lounge A podcast about language and discourse with Tony Fisher and Julia de Bres. Transcripts for all episodes.

CorpusCast from Dr Robbie Love, available alongside other shows in the Aston University podcast feed or in video format.

Life and Language Michaela Mahlberg chats with her guests about life and why language matters.

Toksave – Culture Talks A podcast from the PARADISEC Archive, where the archived records of the past have life breathed back into them once again.

Theory Neutral Covering typology and descriptive grammars with Logan R Kearsley.

PhonPod Podcast Interview-based podcast about phonetics and phonology.

Linguistics Careercast A podcast devoted to exploring careers for linguists outside academia.

Language

The Allusionist Stories about language and the people who use it, from Helen Zaltzman (Transcripts for all episodes) (my review).

Grammar Girl Episodes are rarely longer than 15 minutes, but they’re full of tips about English grammar and style for professional writing, and more! (Transcripts for all episodes).

A Language I Love Is… A show about language, linguistics and people who love both. An interview-based podcast hosted by Danny Bate.

Word of Mouth BBC Radio 4 show exploring the world of words with Michael Rosen.

America the Bilingual Dedicated to the pursuit of bilingualism in the USA.

Words & Actions A podcast about how language matters in business, politics and beyond.

Subtitle A podcast about languages and the people who speak them, from Patrick Cox and Kavita Pillay. For those who miss Patrick’s old podcast, The World in Words.

The Parlé Podcast from Canadian Speech-Language Pathologist Chantal Mayer-Crittenden.

Slavstvuyte! A podcast for everyone who is fascinated by Slavic languages from Dina Stankovic.

Subtext A podcast about the linguistics of online dating.

Conlangs

Conlangery Particularly for those with an interest in constructed  languages, they also have episodes that focus on specific natural  languages, or linguistic phenomena. Newer episodes have transcripts.

Linguitect Matt, Rowan and Liam explain linguistic topics and talk about how to build them into your conlang.

Dictionaries

Word For Word From Macquarie dictionary, with a focus on Australian English.

Fiat Lex A podcast about making dictionaries from Kory Stamper & Steve Kleinedler. One season.

Word Matters From the editors at Merriam-Webster, hosted by Emily Brewster, Neil Serven, Ammon Shea, and Peter Sokolowski. 

English

Unstandardized English Interview-based podcast. Disrupting the language of racism and white supremacy in English Language Teaching.

History of English Meticulously researched, professionally produced and engaging content on the history of English. (My reviews: episodes 1-4, episodes 5-79, bonus episodes).

Lexicon Valley Hosted by John McWhorter.

That’s What They Say Every week linguist Anne Curzan joins Rebecca Kruth on Michigan public radio for a five minute piece on a quirk of English language.

A Way With Words A talk-back format show on the history of English words, cryptic crosswords and slang.

Words/etymology

Something Rhymes With Purple Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth uncover the hidden origins of language and share their love of words.

Telling our Twisted Histories Kaniehti:io Horn brings us together to decolonize our minds– one word, one concept, one story at a time.

Word Bomb Hosts Pippa Johnstone and Karina Palmitesta explore one word per week, using particular words for a deep dive into linguistic and social issues. (Transcripts for all episodes)

Words for Granted In each episode Ray Belli explores the history of a common English word in around fifteen minutes.

Lexitecture Ryan, a Canadian, and Amy, a Scot share their chosen word each episode.

Bunny Trails Shauna and Dan discuss idioms and other turns of phrase.

Translation & Interpreting

Brand the Interpreter Interviews about the profession, from Mireya Pérez.

The Translation Chat Podcast a podcast on Japanese to English media with Jennifer O’Donnell, and translators and editors in the Japanese to English localization.

In Languages other than English

Parler Comme Jamais A French language podcast from Binge Audio.Monthly episodes from Laélia Véron.

Sozusagen A German language podcast of weekly 10 minute episodes.

Talking Bodies A German language podcast about speech, gesture and communication.

Registergeknister A German language linguistics podcast of the Collaborative Research Center 1412 at the Humboldt University of Berlin.

Språket A Swedish language podcast from Sveriges Radio about language use and change.

Språktalk A Norwegian language podcast with Helene Uri and Kristin Storrusten from Aftenposten.

Klog på sprog A Danish language podcast that playfully explores the Danish language.

Kletshead A Dutch language podcast about bilingual children for parents, teachers and speech language therapists from Dr. Sharon Unsworth. Also in English.

Over taal gesproken A Dutch language podcast from the Institute for the Dutch language and the Dutch Language Society.

BabelPodcast A Portuguese language podcast from Brazil, hosted by Cecilia Farias and Gruno.

El Racionalista Omnívoro a Portuguese language podcast about linguistics, history, cinema, literature and more, hosted by Antonio Fábregas.

War of Words A Spanish language podcast about linguistics from Juana de los Santos, Ángela Rodríguez, Néstor Bermúdez and Antonella Moschetti.

Con la lengua fuera A Spanish language podcast from Macarena Gil y Nerea Fernández de Gobeo.

Hablando mal y pronto A Spanish language conversational podcast from Santiago, Juan and Magui.

Rhapsody in Lingo Cantonese podcast on language and linguistics.

Back Catalogue

These are podcasts that had a good run of episodes and are no longer being produced.

Spectacular Vernacular A podcast that explores language … and plays with it Hosted by Nicole Holliday and Ben Zimmer for Slate. Transcripts available. 19 episodes from 2021 and 2022.

Science Diction a podcast about words—and the science stories behind them. Hosted by Johanna Mayer, this is a production from WNYC Science Friday. 42 episodes from 2020-2022.

Troublesome Terps The podcast about the things that keep interpreters up at night. 70 episodes from 2016-2022.

The World in Words From PRI, episodes from 2008-2019.

How Brands are Build (season 1 of this show focuses on brand naming)

Very Bad Words A  podcast about swearing and our cultural relationship to it. 42 episodes from 2017 and 2018.

The Endless Knot is not strictly a language podcast, but they often include word histories, linguistics podcast fans episode may find their colour series particularly interesting.

Given Names (four part radio series from 2015, all about names. My review)

Odds & Ends

There are also a number of podcasts that have only a few episodes, are no longer being made, or are very academic in their focus:

The Black Language Podcast Anansa Benbow brings you a podcast dedicated to talking about Black people and their languages. Five episodes from 2020.

Speculative Grammarian Podcast (from the magazine of the same name, about 50 episodes from Dec 2009-Jan 2017)

Linguistics Podcast (on YouTube, around 20 episodes in 2013 introducing basic linguistic concepts)

Evolving English: Linguistics at the Library (8 episodes 2018), from the British Library.

Language Creation Society Podcast (8 episodes, 2009-2011)

LingLab (very occasionally updated podcast from graduate students in the Sociolinguistics program at NC State University)

Hooked on Phonetics five episodes from Maxwell Hope from 2019 and 2020.

Glossonomia Each episode is about a different vowel or consonant sound in English. 44 episodes from 2010-2014.

Distributed Morphs An interview-based podcast about morphology, from Jeffrey Punske. Eight episodes in 2020.

Word to the Whys a podcast where linguists talk about why they do linguistics. Created by TILCoP Canada (Teaching Intro Linguistics Community of Practice). 10 episodes in 2020 and 2021.

The Weekly Linguist An  interview podcast about the languages of the world and the linguists who study them from Jarrette Allen and Lisa Sprowls. 21 episodes in 2021.

Silly Linguistics (ad hoc episode posting, but episode 7 is an interview with Kevin Stroud for History of English fans)

Linguistics After Dark Eli, Sarah and Jenny answer your linguistics questions in hour-ish long episodes.

WACC Podcast (guest lectures at Warwick Applied Linguistics)

Sage Language and Linguistics

Let’s Talk Talk

Queer Linguistics has a couple of episodes, with a bit of classroom vibe

GradLings An occasionally-updated podcast for linguistics students at any stage of study, to share their stories and experiences.

Canguro English A podcast about language for people learning languages. 103 episodes from 2018-2021.

Why is English? A podcast about how the English language got to be the way it is, from Laura Brandt. Seven episodes from 2020 and 2021. 

Animology Vegan blogger Colleen Patrick Goudreau uses her love of animals as a starting point for exploring animal-related etymologies. 27 episodes from 2017-2020.

Wordy Wordpecker Short weekly episodes from Rachel Lopez, charting the stories of English words. 14 episodes from 2018.

Speaking of Translation A monthly podcast from Eve Bodeux & Corinne McKay. 10 episodes from 2020-2021.

Se Ve Se Escucha (Seen and Heard) Language justice and what it means to be an interpreter, an organizer and bilingual in the US South, from the Center for Participatory Change. Episodes from 2020.

This is an updated listing from December 2024. I’m always excited to be able to add more podcasts to the list, so if you know of any linguistics/language podcasts not here, please let me know! I wait until a show has at least 5 episodes before I add it to the list, and I like to let people know when transcripts are available.

[unearthitaly]

Italy is a story that always starts with “In the beginning there was already something before you think is the beginning.”

WALLIS WILDE-MEOZZI - THE OTHER SIDE OF TIBER -

[unearthitaly]

Doors in Italy

You might know the old saying "when a door closes, another door opens". In Italy we have a slightly different take on it, which more or less states:

"When a door closes, a front door opens"

"Quando si chiude una porta, si apre un portone

We don't often realize that, but when something ends, it is for the best and another better opportunity might arise. You never know 🤷

[unearthitaly]

I very much agree with these suggestions. Forcing myself to write was the way I could finally start to become an active rather than a passive user of the target language.

[unearthitaly]

I've been working in the tourism sector for quite a few years now, and it's shocking to see how certain tourists keep thinking it's a good idea to move furniture around to accomodate their needs, not necessarily only in small unpretentious restaurants, but also in luxury hotels/resorts...kinda painful to watch 👀

Also the thing about the bill...in Italy it is like the number one rule in hospitality: do not rush the customers!

Etiquette in Restaurants in Italy

Customs and circumstances are different according to the country and culture and it’s good to be aware of them in order not to offend nor misjudge people. Here following you can find a couple of "unwritten rules" on how to behave in restaurants while in Italy.

DON'T SIT AT A TABLE WITHOUT ASKING IF IT’S FREE

Unlike, for example, some areas of Germany, in Italy it’s common practice to ask the waiter where you can sit, even if there are plenty of free tables.

The best way to act is to ask: “ C'è posto per noi? Siamo in X persone” or “C’è posto per X persone?” (Is there place for X people?) and to let the waiter guide you to a suitable table. In this way you won’t sit at a reserved table nor occupy one which is set for more people. It’s a way to make the work easier for the restaurant. Obviously, if the place the waiter suggests doesn’t suit you, you can ask for an alternative.

DON'T MOVE TABLES AROUND

I’ve learned that in some countries it’s quite normal to move tables according to one’s preference or to put different tables together to accommodate a large party of people.

Just as stated in the previous point, ask the waiters before taking such initiatives. They might have different plans and, please, consider it might be deemed rude as you’re basically moving someone else’s furniture, after all.

DON'T EXPECT TO BE GIVEN THE BILL WITHOUT HAVING TO ASK FOR IT

This is a trap several Americans fall into by thinking waiters are unattentive. In Italy waiters are taught never to hand the bill before the customer is finished, as it’s considered extremely rude. You don’t want to give the customers the impression you want to rush them whatsoever.

Restaurants are not supposed to just amass as many people as possible, they are also supposed to provide an environment where patrons can relax and enjoy themselves. Waiters will give customers a time limit only if the table they’re sitting at is reserved afterwards.

Just enjoy your meal and ask for “Il conto perfavore” when you want to leave the restaurant.

Want to learn about more unwritten rules on how to behave in restaurants in Italy? Check the complete article here.

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Sara - Unearth Italy. Find me on WordPress, Instagram and X.

[unearthitaly]

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr

[unearthitaly]

Non vedo errori.