Italy🕣
State in southern Europe. Official name – Italian Republic. Population – 60.3 million (as of April 2021). Capital – Rome. Official language – Italian. Government type – parliamentary republic. Main religion – Catholicism.
Italy
Greeting
The exchange of greetings in Italian culture seems quite emotional and even warm, but at the same time somewhat formal. While introducing each other, the parties exchange a handshake accompanied by a welcoming smile. It is important to maintain eye contact with your partner.
Italians shake hands both before and at the end of a meeting. This is a customary greeting ritual not only in official but also in informal situations and even if they have known each other for a long time.
When greeting a woman, a man should wait until she extends her hand to greet him.
Hugs and kisses (on each cheek, starting with the left) are accepted between close friends. There is no real kissing involved. The interlocutors just lightly touch each other's cheek.
Kissing is more common as a greeting between women, although it is also possible between women and men who, for example, have known each other for a long time because they are long-time partners or have worked together in the same company for many years.
As one gets to know the Italian partner more closely, the relationship may become warmer and more emotional. In this case, greetings between men may include a hug and a pat on the shoulder in addition to a handshake. However, wait for your Italian counterpart to take the initiative.
The rules of politeness in Italian culture tell you that you should always greet the person older than you in age or position first. And only then proceed to greet other people.
If you are sitting and an older person enters the room, you should stand up and greet them standing.
The usual forms of greeting are: "Buongiorno!" (Good morning! or Good afternoon!) is used in the morning; "Buonasera!" (Good evening!) is used in the afternoon or evening.
A less formal greeting is "Ciao!" (Hello!).
Introduction
When communicating with Italian colleagues, it is important to remember their hierarchical position in the company, as well as the requirements of proper protocol. When addressing them, use polite forms such as Signore (Mr), Signora (Mrs) or Signorina (Miss) followed by the surname (not the person's first name).
Over time, your Italian partner may suggest that you call him or her by ...
Exchange of Business Cards
In Italian business practice, it is customary to exchange business cards during the introduction in the first meeting.
Show respect for your partner and before putting it on the table in front of you (e.g. in a business meeting or negotiation situation) read it paying attention to the name of the holder and his/her position, possible titles and ranks.
Business cards are exchange...
Small Talk: Overview
Italians tend to build personal relationship in business. For this conversing with partners is very important. They easily get engaged in lively small talking.
It is very important to maintain eye contact with your interlocutor during the conversation. By doing so, you demonstrate interest in the topic being discussed. Lack of eye contact (for example, when you look away) can be inter...
Preferred Topics
Sport, and football in particular, is an important topic that will be well received in Italian society. If you know your partner's favourite team, keep up to date with its news. Another favourite sport is cycling.
Culture and art of Italy, as well as landmarks, historical monuments and nature of the country.
Family and topics related to family life.
Hobbies, such as tr...
Taboo Topics
All religious issues are taboo topics.
Avoid criticising culture, people, life in general in Italy. Italians are very proud of their country and especially of their cultural heritage.
Topics related to politics or the actions of authorities are viewed as unpleasant. However, even if Italians themselves openly complain about local politicians, this does not mean that foreigners a...
Personal Space
When talking, Italians stand quite close to each other - closer than other Europeans or North Americans. At the same time, they gesture actively and often touch each other, for example, by patting each other on the shoulder or arm, hugging each other or holding hands while walking.
Body language is an important feature of Italian communication style. For them, it is not only another way...
Communication Specifics
In the early stages of a business relationship, etiquette and protocol should be observed. This means using the formal titles and ranks of your partner when communicating with them. It is important to be particularly courteous and polite when talking to an older person.
This kind of respect is also shown towards new business partners or individuals who hold a high position in the compan...
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