Perceptions of Italians of Foreign Descent: A Heartwarming Encounter
Have you ever encountered someone with an Italian name who speaks with a unique accent, different from what you might typically expect? It happened to me one day in Rome, where I work in a hotel agency. This meeting not only left me with an unforgettable story but also deepened my understanding of the Italian diaspora and their deep-rooted cultural connections.
The Encounter
It was a beautiful day in Rome, and I was working in a hotel management agency. As I sat at my desk, a gentleman walked into the office, looking very elderly. He spoke in English and mentioned he had a reservation for himself and his family. My colleague and I asked for his passport, which revealed a Canadian passport with an Italian name. His words, “Sono emigrato in Canada nel lontano 1962 non avevo niente con me ma tranquille fanciulle non ho dimenticato come si parla italiano,” immediately intrigued us. He had emigrated to Canada in 1962 with nothing but the eloquent language of his youth ingrained in his heart.
Overwhelmed with curiosity, we bombarded him with questions. He told us how he had always maintained a connection to his Italian roots, switching from Italian to Calabrese with his family. My young colleague, who is also from Calabria, was quite astonished to discover such strong familial ties to the region. Their conversation shifted to a mix of languages, with some difficulty for me as I’m from Rome and find Calabrese challenging. As the family arrived, consisting of a Canadian wife and four grandchildren, they entered using the familiar endearment "Nonno" (Grandpa).
A Celebration of Cultural Heritage
The family spent time with us sharing stories of their journey back to Italy. The wife, who remarkably understood everything, communicated in English but conversed in Italian with her family. She wanted them to learn about their roots and speak Italian. This visit was a beautiful blend of cultures, an innocent yet profound act of preserving their ancestral heritage.
One particularly moving moment was when the gentleman said to my colleague, “Tu sei come me ovunque andrai non dimenticare mai mai e poi mai di portare la Calabria nel tuo cuore.” His sentiment encapsulated the deep, unyielding bond that many emigrants maintain with their place of origin, no matter how far they journey.
The Impact on Our Lives
After seeing the family off, my colleague returned to the office with a mix of emotions. She shared that the elderly gentleman had uttered those poignant words before leaving, emphasizing the importance of holding onto one’s cultural heritage. The experience left us all reflecting on the enduring impact of culture on individuals and families.
Reflections on the Italian Diaspora and Cultural Identity
This encounter provided more than just a personal anecdote; it was a reminder that Italian heritage is not lost in the journey to new lands but instead carried from generation to generation. The story of this elderly Canadian with Italian roots is a testament to the strong bonds of culture and the need to embrace one’s roots while adapting to new environments.
As we continue to work in the world of tourism, our understanding of the Italian diaspora becomes richer. Every story, every conversation, is a thread in the vast tapestry of Italian identity and diaspora. If you ever find yourself in Rome or any Italian city, keep an ear open for the many stories that are waiting to be shared.