Have you ever heard the Italian language praised as one of the great romance languages in the world? Of course you have! I like to call it La Dolce Lingua. It is both beautiful to hear and even more charming to speak.
There are several ways to expand your Italian language expertise. One, of course, is to attend formal Italian language classes. But if you don’t wish to make a formal commitment, or if you just prefer to occasionally practice what you already know, consider joining an Italian language meetup group in your area.
Simply perform an Internet search for “Italian language meetup groups” and you will likely find one conveniently located nearby including groups in San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, and Concord. These meetups are ideal for those of us whose first language was indeed Italian but who don’t have the opportunity to speak the language very often as adults.
The San Francisco Italian Language Meetup Group is quite active with frequent and diverse gatherings. In the past, the meetups have included free Italian movie nights at U.C. Berkeley as well as one event described as “Celebrating the Diversity of the European Union – World Affairs Council.” Quite impressive wouldn’t you say? For more information about the group, visit their website at www.meetup.com/San-Francisco-Italian-Language-Meetup.
Another favorite group can be found in the East Bay suburb of Walnut Creek. Although still going by the original name, “The Concord Italian Language Meetup Group”, it now meets in nearby Walnut Creek at Caffè La Scala. For more information about this group, explore their website at http://www.meetup. com/italian-354.
Founded in May 2006 by an Italian-American gentleman named John, the Walnut Creek group meets for approximately two hours every Wednesday evening and on alternate Sunday mornings. They call their gatherings “caffè con gli amici” (coffee with friends). The group offers conversation around Italian film, books, travel, restaurants, and, of course, plenty of discussion about the topic of, what else, Italian language.
The organizers of both the San Francisco and Walnut Creek/Concord meetup groups, Kelly (San Francisco) and John (Walnut Creek/Concord) share their thoughts and experiences below.
How long has your Italian Language Meetup Group been meeting?
Kelly: The San Francisco Italian Meetup group was formed in 2003, so the group has been meeting for 12 years.
John: The Concord group was established in May 2006, originally meeting in Concord, but later moving to Walnut Creek for our monthly meetings.
What was the inspiration that prompted you to form the group?
Kelly: The group was formed by other members who, like me, had lived abroad in Italy for a long time and wanted to continue the language and cultural exchange here in the U.S. with Italians and Italian speakers.
John: I grew up speaking Italian, and, as an adult, I think it is very important to meet new people that speak the language so we can continue to practice and keep our vocabulary strong.
What are some of the benefits members share with each other
Kelly: We keep the beauty of the Italian love of life going here in San Francisco, through speaking “la bella lingua,” organizing cultural events related to Italy and Italian, meeting others who share a passion for the Italian language, culture, food, wine and lifestyle.
John: The ability to share experiences whether they be from travelling to Italy, attending an event, watching an Italian film, or reading a book, we can gather to share Italian culture while speaking the language.
Describe the different events/gatherings/meetings in which your members most like to participate?
Kelly: Aperitivi (happy hours), coffee conversation, potluck dinners, barbecues, film screenings, picnics, hikes, lectures, and festivals.
John: We meet six times a month at an established location, Caffè La Scala. Our meetings are every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and alternate Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Some of us bring books, movies or other Italian related items to share. Someone always has a bi-lingual dictionary handy for those of us who sincerely want to spruce up their vocabulary and keep an ongoing list of new, more sophisticated words.
Does your group have specific goals set for future activities/expansion/promotion.
Kelly: Since I’ve been the group’s Principal Organizer, the group has grown from 800 – 1,300+ so we’re continuing to expand. This year I’m really working on getting other members to step up as Event Organizers, so we can continue to offer a variety and big calendar of events. I would love to get some more outdoor activities going throughout SF and the Bay Area, we will just need additional Organizers to make this happen.
As this group seems to be the main Italian-speaking group in San Francisco based around language and culture, and with an on-going calendar of events, for both Italians and Italian speakers, we would love to collaborate with more Italian businesses, business owners and Italian lovers to keep the group growing and active in different ways!
John: Members share with me how much they appreciate the way the group is currently organized and how important it is to practice speaking in an informal setting such as ours.
Our group enjoys having the opportunity to meet frequently at an established meeting location. Members are encouraged to bring friends and neighbors so our group is always growing and evolving in an organic way.
As a member of both an East Bay and West Bay meetup group, I am never more than a week away from the opportunity to mix, mingle and chat with like-minded Italian-speaking amici. Check out the possibilities in your area at http://italian.meetup.com. The website’s search engine allows you to type in your location and find groups locally or worldwide!
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