Congratulations on your decision to move to Italy! As a woman, there will be many challenges and differences you will face on a daily bases that you may not have ever experienced in the United States. The team here at donnaAdonna.com has over two months of personal experience, detailed observations and academic research in regards to Italian culture. This vital information will provide you with everything you need to ensure a smooth transition into your new life! Our advice is all based off of cultural discourse analysis, an approach that treats communication as a socially situated practice. This practice involves different ways of speaking used in Italy that unites this country as one and presents distinctive speech codes that are not seen in other parts of the world. It is important to understand that communication comes in all forms. With a language barrier it is often hard to comprehend exactly what is going on around you at all times. This is where nonverbal communication comes into play and the most important aspect of our advice column.
Through the study of nonverbal communication, it is apparent that life as a woman in Italy differs from life as a woman in the United States economically, romantically and in terms of public safety. Economically speaking, women may have a harder time finding work in Rome compared to in the United States because of the historical image of ‘a woman’ in nineteenth century Italy and the country’s economic state. We have experienced instances of men dominating the workforce and wish to explain what to expect and what the future may look like for you as an aspiring professional here in Rome. In terms of romantic relationships, we have found Italians to be more open about public displays of affection. We have also spent time observing and learning about the power dynamics of men versus women in romantic relationships and have found that men are generally more dominant in regards to non-verbal communication and gestures. This form of male dominance has also been observed in terms of public safety. We have found that within Italy women are often targeted by men in social settings, on public transportation and in business transactions. By maintaining self awareness at all times, being cautious of the nonverbal cues of those around you and employing precautions for your own safety as you would in the United States, you will maintain a very safe lifestyle in Italy.
We have come to these findings by focusing our nonverbal communication observations on gestures displayed through body language, the physical distance between the communicators, facial expressions and voice pitch. These observations refer to both the explicit meaning of words and implicit messages which can only be expressed through non-verbal behaviors. We hope you find this information and advice helpful as you prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime.
Through the study of nonverbal communication, it is apparent that life as a woman in Italy differs from life as a woman in the United States economically, romantically and in terms of public safety. Economically speaking, women may have a harder time finding work in Rome compared to in the United States because of the historical image of ‘a woman’ in nineteenth century Italy and the country’s economic state. We have experienced instances of men dominating the workforce and wish to explain what to expect and what the future may look like for you as an aspiring professional here in Rome. In terms of romantic relationships, we have found Italians to be more open about public displays of affection. We have also spent time observing and learning about the power dynamics of men versus women in romantic relationships and have found that men are generally more dominant in regards to non-verbal communication and gestures. This form of male dominance has also been observed in terms of public safety. We have found that within Italy women are often targeted by men in social settings, on public transportation and in business transactions. By maintaining self awareness at all times, being cautious of the nonverbal cues of those around you and employing precautions for your own safety as you would in the United States, you will maintain a very safe lifestyle in Italy.
We have come to these findings by focusing our nonverbal communication observations on gestures displayed through body language, the physical distance between the communicators, facial expressions and voice pitch. These observations refer to both the explicit meaning of words and implicit messages which can only be expressed through non-verbal behaviors. We hope you find this information and advice helpful as you prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime.