Maddie lamb
1) Why did you choose Italian as a language in the first place?
I’d wanted to study Italian for years but never had the chance to do so at school.
I got so frustrated whenever I was on holiday in Italy – there was all this incredible
culture and architecture and food around but I couldn’t talk to Italians about it!
When I realised I wanted to study French at university, it seemed like the perfect time
to pick up Italian.
2) How would describe your experience of studying the language in three (Italian) words?
Divertente, gioioso, intenso
3) What is the most memorable experience you have had in connection to your studies of Italian?
Watching the Palio in Siena with my Italian housemates and cheering our contrada’s horse to victory: magical.
4) What are currently doing?
Studying for an MSc in International Relations at Bristol.
5) What role has your degree in Italian played in this, if any?
I love interacting with people from different countries and backgrounds: I was hopeless on the year abroad, all I wanted to do was talk to everyone! Studying Italian made me realise just how much this is important to me. Now that I can now speak three languages, I thought I’d try and learn a bit more about the way the international system works. Hopefully, this will help me prepare for the world of work!
6) Do you miss Bristol?
I haven’t managed to leave, yet!
7) If so, how?
There are far too many interesting people here. And societies. And new cocktail bars to try out. And Clifton in the sunshine is so beautiful...all my friends who have already graduated keep finding excuses to come back and visit.
8) What is your favourite Italian word?
Disinvoltura. One day, it will apply to me!
We would hate to be putting words into Zaki's mouth, but on finding out what "disinivoltura" means, we found it to have two possible meanings: either "a calmness or ease" or "arrogance or impertinence"!
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