Italian Language, Life, and Culture

by Derek Aust, Mike Zollo

Both Teach Yourself Portuguese Language, Life, and Culture and Teach Yourself Russian Language, Life, and Culture delve into the customs and ways of their featured countries and their inhabitants, taking a respectful yet lively point of view. Topics include government, arts, language, work, leisure, education, festivals and celebrations, and food. By asking questions such as "What kind of music is native to Russia?" and "What is modern Portuguese art and architecture like?" this series invites readers to examine fascinating aspects of another culture. Each title:
-- Explains the role language plays in shaping culture and society
-- Provides practical information for travelers and students alike
-- Includes glossaries of essential vocabulary and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2000

Reviews

[Jennie]

A good, readable introduction to the basics of various aspects of Italian culture (including one chapter devoted to the history of the language). It doesn't go too deeply into anything, but there are lists of further readings in each chapter if your curiosity is piqued. The historical information is probably more useful than the descriptions of more recent events and concerns, though, because it was originally published in 2000 and many of the supposed modern stuff is pretty out of date by now.

[Judith]

This is a great book. If you love a subject the way I love Italian it's great to find other books and things about Italian.