Publications and Research
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 3-1-2020
Abstract
Bella figura—beautiful figure—is an idiomatic expression used to reflect every part of Italian life. The phrase appears in travel books and in transnational business guides to describe Italian customs, in sociological research to describe the national characteristics of Italians, and in popular culture to depict thematic constructs and stereotypes, such as the Mafia, romance, and la dolce vita. Scholarly research on bella figura indicates its significance in Italian civilization, yet it remains one of the most elusive concepts to translate. Among the various interpretations and references from foreigners and Italians there is not a single definition that captures the complexity of bella figura as a cultural phenomenon. There is also little explanation of the term, its usage, or its effects on Italians who have migrated to other countries. Gadamerian hermeneutics offers an explanation for how bella figura functions as a frame of reference for understanding Italian culture and identity, which does not disappear or fuse when Italians interact with people from different countries but instead takes on an interpretive dimension that is continually integrating new information into the subconscious structures of the mind.
In sum, bella figura is a sense-making process, and requires a pragmatic know-how of Italian communication (verbal and nonverbal). From this perspective, bella figura is prestructure by which Italians and some Italian migrants understand and interpret their linguistically mediated and historical world. This distinction changes the concept bella figura from a simple facade to a dynamic interplay among ever-changing interpretations and symbolic interactions. The exploration of bella figura is relevant to understanding Italian communication on both local and transnational levels.
Comments
This work was originally published in Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication, available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.013.929
As a seasoned expert in the field of cultural studies and communication, my extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the intricacies of concepts such as bella figura, as highlighted in the provided article authored by Denise Scannell Guida from CUNY New York City College of Technology.
The term "bella figura" stands as an idiomatic expression deeply rooted in Italian culture, reflecting various facets of life in the country. Its usage extends across travel literature, transnational business guides, sociological research, and popular culture, encompassing thematic constructs and stereotypes like the Mafia, romance, and la dolce vita. Scholarly research recognizes the significance of bella figura in Italian civilization, yet its translation proves elusive due to its multifaceted nature.
The article delves into the challenge of defining bella figura, noting the absence of a single definition that captures its complexity. This complexity is underscored by the various interpretations and references from both foreigners and Italians. One crucial aspect that the article addresses is the lack of explanation regarding the term's usage and its effects on Italians who have migrated to other countries.
The application of Gadamerian hermeneutics provides a theoretical framework to understand how bella figura functions as a frame of reference for comprehending Italian culture and identity. The article argues that bella figura doesn't dissipate or fuse when Italians interact with individuals from different countries; instead, it takes on an interpretive dimension, continually integrating new information into the subconscious structures of the mind.
In essence, bella figura is presented as a sense-making process, requiring a pragmatic understanding of Italian communication, both verbal and nonverbal. The article asserts that bella figura serves as a prestructure through which Italians and some Italian migrants interpret their linguistically mediated and historical world. This transforms the concept from a simple facade to a dynamic interplay among ever-changing interpretations and symbolic interactions.
The exploration of bella figura, as discussed in the article, proves relevant to understanding Italian communication on both local and transnational levels. The work, originally published in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication, contributes valuable insights to the International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures Commons. The provided link allows interested readers to access the full publication for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
