I grew up in an Italian-American family, so I understand a few choice Italian words and phrases. But if I’m being honest, I don’t really speak Italian.
I speak Italian Sign Language fluently.
I know the gesture that means, “Pay attention!”
The one that means, “I’m full. No more food!”
The one that means, “You are a fool!”
And of course, the famous gesture that means, “That’s his girlfriend…” or “Those two are lovers.” You know the one—usually accompanied by a little smile, a raised eyebrow, and every aunt in the room suddenly becoming an FBI investigator.
I also know the finger point that could stop you in your tracks and the hand wave that meant, “Come here… we need to talk.”
The amazing thing is that every Italian kid learns this language without ever taking a lesson. It just gets passed down from generation to generation.
How did it impact my life?
It taught me to pay attention, respect my elders, read people, and understand that an entire conversation can happen without saying a single word.
And even today, if I see an older Italian woman talking with her hands, I instinctively stop, listen, and assume she’s either giving great advice… or discussing somebody’s love life. 🇮🇹😂🍝
Discover more from Beebop's
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Beebop's 