Italy: Conversation

Welcome topics of conversation

General Guidelines

There is rarely a moment of silence in the course of a conversation in Italy.

Welcome Topics of Conversation

Italian architecture

Italian art and films

sports, especially soccer

Italian food and wine

the Italian landscape

opera

praising the hospitality you're receiving

current events

culture, history and current affairs in your home country

Topics to Avoid

religion/the Vatican and its policies

politics

taxes

the Mafia

World War II

criticizing Italian culture, even if your Italian counterparts are doing so

criticizing Italian inefficiencies, especially if your Italian counterparts are doing so

negative Italian stereotypes

inquiring about the profession or income of someone you've just met

questions about private family concerns

negative comments about the local soccer team

making “off-colour” jokes

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