What etiquette should be observed when speaking Italian

When speaking Italian, several key etiquette rules and communication manners should be observed to show respect and politeness:

Greeting and Address

• Use formal greetings such as Buongiorno (Good morning) or Buonasera (Good evening) especially when meeting someone for the first time or in professional settings.
• Address people with the appropriate titles like Signore (Mr.), Signora (Mrs.), or Dottore (Doctor), followed by their surname until invited to use first names.

Politeness and Formality

• Use polite forms such as per favore (please) and grazie (thank you) liberally.
• Employ the formal pronoun Lei when speaking to strangers, elders, or in formal situations, switching to informal tu only when invited.

Conversation Style

• Italians enjoy engaging in expressive and warm conversations; use gestures moderately to emphasize points.
• Avoid interrupting when someone else is speaking, showing patience and active listening.
• Topics like family, culture, and food are good starters, while sensitive topics like politics or religion require caution.

Other Tips

• Avoid overly loud or aggressive tones.
• Make eye contact to show engagement.
• It is customary to shake hands upon meeting and departing in formal contexts; closer acquaintances may greet with cheek kisses.

These guidelines reflect Italian cultural emphasis on respect, warmth, and formal courtesy in speech. ^{1, 2}

References

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