Sample Chapter from Italian Pride: 101 Reasons to be Proud You're Italian
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13. La Lingua Italiana (Cont.)
It is a dance. The rhythm is too strong, the melody too sweet. The head must move with the syllables, and the body cannot help but follow. The hand cups at the fingertips; the wrist becomes limp. It rocks back and forth in gentle cadence with the meter. (See chapter 85 "Hand Gestures") It is a wine. The language has gracefully aged through the centuries into a full-bodied form of expression. It has a bouquet. The patter of phrases often tickles the nose. It is smooth and robust. It often leaves you light-headed, intoxicated with terminology.
Of course, it's romantic. It's a Romance language. Examine the root and you have Roma. Like a rose, it, too, has its thorn. Cross an Italian and all the food, wine, song, and dance come hurling at you. The meal turns, the song screeches, the fists rise, the wine brings nausea. There is simply no defense.
All the magic of Italy is contained within its wonderful language. One sentence can send you to heaven or hell. Purgatory is reserved for those who do not understand it.
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