These days, when I make reservations in Italy I give my wife’s maiden name.  A table for four at 7:30, for Canducci. Same thing when I call the heating repair man (it’s cold in the apartment or there’s no hot water). I say, “This is Canducci on Via Olivella in Serravalle.  Can you come and check out our boiler?” Always last name, Canducci. I never say Bailey. Ever. Names are essential.  And they can be complicated. How hard do we […]

Categories: Essay, Life in Italy • Tags: language, names