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Each region of Italy has its own dialect, some of which are so distinct from standard Italian that they are mutually unintelligible. Today the Tuscan dialect is known as Italian (Italiano). It is the main language of literature and the media in modern Italy. The Sicilian dialect is sometimes regarded as a separate language and is older than Italy itself. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in Italy's regional languages as part of the cultural heritage of all Italians, after many decades of Italians loosing their regional dialects, especially the difference in language between Northern and Southern Italy. Today, there are probably more speakers of Sicilian than any other Italic language except standard Italian.
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In the 1980s, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's New York office had to enlist the help of agents fluent in Sicilian to translate the recorded discussions of Sicilian Mafiosi working in the United States. The American-born translators were the children of working-class immigrants. It was lucky for the FBI that they existed, the children of university-educated professionals might never have learned to speak Sicilian at home, and probably would not have understood enough of the language to translate long conversations.
Italians prefer third-party introductions whenever possible. They like to get to know you before discussing business. This is natural in Italy. It's considered rude to refuse a cocktail or cup of coffee, and meetings over lunch are normal. Most stores and businesses are closed from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. Around 5, activity increases in the main piazzas and streets as people take a passeggiata (stroll) to shop, enjoy a pastry, or just meet friends. As they take their evening walk you will observe men with women, men with men, and women with women, walking arm in arm or holding hands in public.
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Sunday afternoons are usually dedicated to the same kind of activities, though most shops are closed.
