words, food and music

While I'm abroad, one of my goals is to become as enmeshed in Italian culture as possible. I will be the first to admit that I do not pick up foreign languages very quickly... but... given time, patience, and good-humor I'm trying my hardest speak Italian as much as possible. I'm happy to say that I'm interacting with Italians on a fairly regular basis! I've muddled my way through the language barrier with broken Italian and lots of hand gestures. During my first week I purposely explored the city by myself. I figured that I would have a better chance of interacting with people from different cultures if I wasn't traveling in a large, intimidating group. During the first week, I met three Italian students studying at the University of Bologna and they invited me to their apartment for a home-cooked dinner! We talked about pop culture, American and Italian politics and joked around about different stereotypes people have about Italians.

For many students who study abroad with other English-speaking students in non-English speaking countries, it's very tempting to stay within a certain comfort zone and not venture away from people who speak the same language. However, you can't really immerse yourself in another culture if you don't make an attempt to speak that language. There is an untranslatable feeling, culture, history and beauty that lives within the words people use and I don't want to overlook such an important element!

Not too long ago I joined a local Italian chorus with two other girls from Dickinson College. I always need to be involved with music in some way so I decided to sing since I couldn't exactly bring my instruments with me to Italy. There are two different singing groups to choose from: the University of Bologna chorus or Coro Stelutis. The University chorus is much more rigorous and musically serious but I wanted something more light-hearted so I chose Coro Stelutis. I love the group because we sing traditional peasant-Italian folk songs. The director, Giorgio Vacchi, traveled around to different Italian villages collecting melodies and lyrics that were simply passed down orally from generation to generation. He then arranged the songs for Coro Stelutis. The group consists of about 40 members who range in age from 20 to 80 years-old. I go to practice twice a week and have a wonderful time learning the songs and talking with the other choral members. At the end of each practice they provide traditional Bolognese desserts and wine. What better way to learn more about a specific culture than through words, music and food! If you want to check out the website for Coro Stelutis, click here.

I've now successfully put off doing homework for long enough, time to crack open the books! If you want to know more about the chorus let me know! Also, if you look through the website you can listen to some of their recordings. Enjoy!