Glossary
City (città)
An urban area characterized by high population density, numerous activities, and extensive infrastructure.
Example:
Living in the città offers endless entertainment options but often comes with higher costs and pollution.
Compact Living
A lifestyle characterized by living in smaller, more efficiently designed homes, common in urban areas.
Example:
Many Italian apartments are designed for compact living, maximizing space in a smaller footprint.
Costoso/a
The Italian term for expensive, referring to something that costs a lot of money.
Example:
Renting an apartment in the center of Milan can be very costoso.
Declining Population
Refers to a decrease in the total number of people living in a country or region, often due to low birth rates and/or high emigration.
Example:
Italy faces a significant challenge with its declining population, which impacts its workforce and social services.
Emigration
The act of leaving one's own country to settle permanently in another, often driven by economic or personal reasons.
Example:
Many young Italians consider emigration to find better job prospects in Germany or the UK.
Essere felice
The Italian phrase meaning 'to be happy,' reflecting a state of contentment or joy.
Example:
Ultimately, the goal is to essere felice with your living situation, wherever it may be.
Extracomunitario/a
Italian term referring to a person from outside the European Union, often used in the context of immigration.
Example:
The new regulations primarily affect extracomunitari seeking long-term residency in Italy.
Foreign Population
The segment of a country's residents who are not citizens of that country, comprising immigrants and temporary residents.
Example:
Approximately 9% of Italy's total population is made up of its foreign population, contributing to its cultural diversity.
Gli elementi irrinunciabile
The Italian term for essential elements or indispensable features, referring to things considered necessary in a home or lifestyle.
Example:
For many, a good internet connection and a comfortable bed are gli elementi irrinunciabile in any home.
Government Efforts (Immigration)
Actions taken by the Italian government to manage and influence immigration patterns, such as encouraging specific types of immigration.
Example:
The Italian government efforts include policies aimed at attracting skilled workers from other European countries.
I doppi servizi
The Italian term for two bathrooms, a common feature in larger Italian homes.
Example:
A family home with i doppi servizi is highly sought after for its convenience.
Il Migrante
The Italian term for a migrant, a person who moves from one place to another, especially in order to find work or better living conditions.
Example:
Il migrante often faces many challenges when adapting to a new culture and language.
Il Rustico
The Italian term for a rustic house or country house, often referring to a traditional, rural dwelling.
Example:
They bought an old rustico in Tuscany, planning to renovate it into a charming holiday home.
Il box
The Italian term for a garage, typically a private parking space or small storage unit.
Example:
Many city apartments don't include il box, making parking a challenge.
Il monolocale
The Italian term for a studio apartment, a small living unit with a single main room that serves as both living and sleeping area.
Example:
For students, il monolocale is often the most budget-friendly option in a city.
Il rapporto
The Italian term for relationship or report, often used to describe connections between people or concepts.
Example:
The rapporto between neighbors is often stronger in smaller communities.
Intrattenimento
The Italian term for entertainment, referring to activities or events that provide amusement or enjoyment.
Example:
Cities offer a wide range of intrattenimento, from theaters to live music venues.
Job Opportunities (Immigration/Emigration)
The availability of employment positions, which acts as a significant 'pull' factor for immigrants and a 'push' factor for emigrants.
Example:
The lack of job opportunities in southern Italy often leads young people to seek work abroad.
L'abitazione
The Italian term for housing or dwelling, referring to a place where someone lives.
Example:
Finding affordable l'abitazione in major Italian cities can be quite difficult.
L'arredamento
The Italian term for furniture, referring to the movable objects used to make a room or building suitable for living or working.
Example:
She spent weeks choosing the perfect l'arredamento to match her new apartment's style.
L'arredo
The Italian term for decor or furnishings, referring to the decorative elements within a home.
Example:
The modern l'arredo gave the apartment a very sleek and minimalist look.
L'emigrazione
The Italian term for emigration, the act of leaving one's own country to settle in another.
Example:
Historically, l'emigrazione from southern Italy was very common, with many moving to the Americas.
L'immigrazione
The Italian term for immigration, the process of people moving into a new country to live permanently.
Example:
L'immigrazione has significantly changed the demographic landscape of many Italian cities.
L'inquinamento
The Italian term for pollution, referring to the presence of harmful substances in the environment.
Example:
L'inquinamento dell'aria è un problema serio nelle grandi città italiane.
La criminalità
The Italian term for crime or criminality, referring to illegal activities.
Example:
Concerns about la criminalità can influence where people choose to live.
La qualità di vita
The Italian term for quality of life, referring to the general well-being of individuals and societies.
Example:
Access to green spaces and fresh air significantly improves la qualità di vita.
La salute
The Italian term for health or well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects.
Example:
Living in a less polluted environment can greatly benefit la salute.
Lo stile di vita
The Italian term for lifestyle, referring to the way a person or group lives.
Example:
Choosing between city and rural living often depends on your preferred stile di vita.
Mercato del lavoro
Italian term for the job market, referring to the supply and demand for labor within an economy.
Example:
The mercato del lavoro in Italy can be challenging for young graduates seeking their first employment.
Multiculturalità
The Italian term for multiculturalism, the presence of, or support for the presence of, several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society.
Example:
Rome is increasingly embracing its multiculturalità, with diverse communities enriching the city's fabric.
Permesso di soggiorno
An Italian residency permit, a crucial document required for non-EU citizens to legally live and work in Italy.
Example:
To stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno.
Popular Regions (Immigration)
Specific areas within a country that attract a higher number of immigrants, typically due to economic or social factors.
Example:
Lombardy is one of the most popular regions for immigrants in Italy, thanks to its thriving financial sector.
Push and Pull Factors
Factors that either compel people to leave their home country (push) or attract them to a new country (pull).
Example:
Economic hardship is a common push factor, while the promise of higher wages acts as a pull factor for migrants.
Rural (campagne)
Areas characterized by open land, natural landscapes, and a low population density, typically focused on agriculture.
Example:
Life in the campagne offers peace and quiet, but access to services can be limited.
Stranieri
Italian term for foreigners or strangers, commonly used to refer to non-citizens residing in Italy.
Example:
In many Italian cities, you'll find a vibrant community of stranieri contributing to local life.
Suburbs (periferia)
Residential areas located on the outskirts of a city, offering a balance between urban amenities and a more relaxed environment.
Example:
The periferia provides more space and a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling city center.
Vivere meglio
The Italian phrase meaning 'to live better,' often associated with an improved quality of life or well-being.
Example:
Many people move to the countryside hoping to vivere meglio, away from the city's stress.