Communication Quote by Kristin Rae
““ Giorno ,” says one of the girls working behind the counter. She looks like she’s around my age, maybe a year or two older. “ Giorno. ” My reply is timid, slow to dip my toes into the waters of Italian communication. She smiles brightly. “What can I get you?” I gape at her. “How did you know--?” “It is a combination. Camera around your neck? Tourist. Fair skin and lighter hair? Rules out quite a few countries. Accent? Definitely American.” “I only said one word, and it was Italian.” She laughs. “I get a lot of practice.” “Well, your English is perfect.” I’m amazed. And jealous. “Thank you. My parents made sure that I learned from an early age. And my uncle’s family lives in New York, so I spend much time there. Most every summer.” I have to force myself not to think about the Mafia.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “Giorno” published in The New Yorker, 2023
A shy encounter reveals cultural assumptions and the subtle power of language in forming identity.
In simple terms: Language reveals hidden biases and connections.
Key Takeaway
Observe and question assumptions.
Themes
identity
communication
culture
Mood
introspective
empathetic
Type
narrative
conversational
When to use this quote
- first day at work
- travel
- language exchange
- multicultural events
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
psychology
immigration
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we avoid cultural assumptions?
- What role does language play in belonging?
A Different Perspective
Stereotypes can oversimplify complex identities.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
