In the melting pot we call home, the United States of America is a fabulous example of the incorporation of other languages into our daily vocabulary. There may not be a more significant contribution than that made by the Italian immigrants who have settled on our shores. They’ve made a lasting impact, not only in our culinary world, but also in our vernacular in almost every facet of American culture. To taste the best in authentic Italian cuisine, you cannot afford to miss a visit to the premiere fine dining Orlando experience at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano.
The scope of Italian influence on our language is undeniable and not just noticed on Italian menus. In the worlds of literature, music, art, science, and medicine, Italian words are well represented. Let’s explore a smattering of the impact Italians have had on our language.
Did you take music lessons as a child? Then you were introduced at an early age to the Italian words piano, tempo, solo, forte, and allegro and probably concert, alto, soprano, and diva as well. There are too many to mention, but we must include piccolo, oboe, cello, maestro, and opera.
The fields of science, math, and medicine are generously peppered with Italian words or derivatives of the Italian language such as malaria, scalpel, algebra, lava, rocket, influenza, torso, race, and granite. Medico, volcano, and neutrino are also familiar words in these areas.
There is a copious amount of vocabulary in the English language that is found in dictionaries and are acknowledged as spin-offs from original Italian. Words such as: arcade, model, mask, balcony, gallery, alarm, cash, giraffe, bankrupt, partisan, brave, pun, lottery, umbrella, policy, finale, lotto, magazine, zero, manage, and casino fall into this category.
Pizza, pepperoni, calzone, tiramisu, chianti, lasagna, ziti, spaghetti, linguini, manicotti, ravioli, scampi, antipasto, soda, ciabatta, espresso, cappuccino, biscotti, prosciutto, gelato, provolone, salami, pesto, mozzarella, ricotta…is your mouth watering yet? How about tortoni, amaretto, panini, latte, polenta, or bologna? Pasta, macaroni, calamari, broccoli, and artichoke; the list is almost endless. Our American culinary language and food culture have been substantially shaped by Italian ethnicity. Pasta should be cooked al dente. Dining outside is al fresco dining, or you can visit the local pizzeria or trattoria. Salads can be made with arugula and pistachio; you get the idea.
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano is a wonderful place to explore the culture, language, and cuisine of Italy. As one of Orlando’s fine dining restaurants, we guarantee you will feel as if you’ve been transported straight to the heart of northern Italy. Our staff eagerly awaits your visit! Reservations are suggested.
