Ambassador - National Italian American Foundation

L E T T E R E
W W W . N I A F . O R G
4
Reader Feedback
Speaking of Italian
I read Roberto Severino’s article, “Speaking of
Italian,” in the Spring 2012 Ambassador with a great
deal of interest. The reason being that I have been
taking informal Italian language courses for a few
years. His article explains to me why I have so much
difficulty with the language. Idioms are the most difficult.
For example, “Se canto non porto la croce.” The
literal translation is: “If I sing I cannot carry the
cross.” The idiomatic translation is: “I cannot do two
things at once.” It is one of my favorite idioms
because of my last name, and I cannot sing.
My romance with the
standard Italian
language was inspired by
my eldest grandson.
Three of our grandchildren
in the same family
inherited genes from
three grandparents
whose ancestors
emigrated from southern
Italy. I am the exception
and must state this
disclaimer. “Mi dispiace,
ma I miei antenati non
erano italiani.” I presently
happen to be the only
living grandfather of our adult grandchildren.
Our grandson decided to take a course to learn
to speak his ancestral language in high school.
I thought to myself, “Self, he’ll need someone
with whom to talk.” So I started to attend informal
Italian lessons.
I’m still taking informal courses. Italian is a beautiful
language, but difficult to learn for a 75 year-old
person whose mind is not as sharp as it used to be.
Thank you Professor Severino for enlightening
article about dialects.
-- Art Singer
(aka Arturo Cantante)
Chicago
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ambassadormagazine@niaf.org, by fax to 202-387-0800, or by
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Ambassador
Visit to NIAF’s
Headquarters
Dear Editor –
My name is
Walter Borla, a
resident of
Helper, Utah, a
first-generation
Italian American.
I have served as
secretary of our
Italian-American
lodge, Stella D’America, in my hometown for 62
years. Our lodge is affiliated with the Columbian
Federation of Italian-American Societies. I served
as national president of the federation for 16 years,
retiring from the position in 2010.
While in Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2012,
for a postmaster’s conference, I had the opportunity
to visit the NIAF office building where I was
cordially greeted by Elissa Ruffino. I had the privilege
of meeting Ms. Ruffino in a previous visit some
10 years prior. We reminisced over an article I had
printed earlier in the Ambassador Magazine
concerning Italian-Americans in Utah. She introduced
me to the new COO of NIAF, Mr. John Viola
(above), as well as several staff members. As a parting
gift, Ms. Ruffino pinned a NIAF lapel on my suit
coat, presented me with NIAF cuff links and a CD
recording of Luciano Pavarotti’s “ti adoro”.
A very interesting and pleasant afternoon, and
I personally thank Elissa, COO Viola and the other
staff members of NAIF.
-- Walter L. Borla
Helper, Utah
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