What is your Mother Tongue?
Compositio omnium verborum et locutonum
A composition of everything language and expression
Giovanni Zora
Listening to a new language is intriguing, however learning one is intimidating. This [zeen] focuses on languages, but not necessarily the literal term used for conversing. Ways of communication, such as English or Italian are innately thought of when hearing the word, language, and rightly so. The purpose of this [zeen] is to create thought provoking dialogue and stimulate the minds of individuals, urging them to not see language merely as a method of speaking, rather the essence of communication through diction, inanimate objects, and noise.
LAN GUAGE .
pronunciation: /lang-gwij/
noun 1. 2. see also: diction, lingo, vernacular, tongue, parlance, expression, jargon
a system of communication which consists of a set of sounds and written symbols which are used by the people of a particular country or region for talking or writing a way of expression through any means
M
A r G b R t D Q z F a V w B s f nA c U L o E S T id eg h H I J j k K M m N O p P q v w X x y Z Y e A r t Q F a V B s f n U L T d i c h H I J j K M m O P w X x Z Y e
Language of Architecture
Architecture isn’t simply defined, nor is it simply explained. The artistic complexities within architecture are what make it so fascinating. Differing styles, philosophies, and techniques shape this profession to be as imaginative as one’s mind can be. The textbook definition of an architect is one who designs buildings and prepares the drawings and instructions about how to build them.
However, this rudimentary definition, doesn’t encompass the essence of what architecture truly is. Architects create architecture for the dwellers of a dwelling. Although it’s a creative expression to conceive your designs and have them erected, an architect must balance the aspect of a client and their thoughts. The language of architecture is entirely non-verbal. Having said that, architecture still carries human characteristics. Buildings inherently have emotions and feelings. These feelings can be shown on the face of a facade or in the interior of the walls. The feelings evoke a range of emotions from the warmth of a home to the emptiness of an abandoned building. An architecture student living in Volterra for a semester, Sidny Hessem, shares her personal account on how architecture can be alive in this medieval city of Volterra as she expresses, “Italian walls take after their architect’s accent. They speak differently. They move differently. Yet there is still a sense of familiarity. We understand the concept of a door and a window no matter where we are in world. The walls of Volterra, they tell their maker’s story. Old arches remain
above their newer siblings. The buildings themselves are a family. They experience growth and changes, even additions. However they are and always have been Volterran. They share secrets from one side of the city to the other. And at the end of the day they embrace each other with a hug.”
The personification of architecture throughout Volterra is evident. Her analogy of architecture, specifically here is evident and not ridiculous to compare the two. Italian architects who have built the country range all the way from Renzo Piano and Aldo Rossi to Andrea Palladio and Filippo Brunelleschi. Their architecture has value, rarely is a building ever built and demolished years
later compared to its U.S. counterpart. The respect for architecture is much more apparent and seen as a privilege instead of a right. Examples of restoration and “patchwork” in Volterran architecture is visible. Architecture speaks and this is most transparent in a city like Volterra Instead of completely redoing a facade because of missing blocks, one will notice pieces of bricks or stone being shoved in sideways to fit the aesthetic of the structure. This concept of filling in holes of buildings is much more sustainable and efficient than spending time, money, and effort to design a whole new facade. These efforts speaks the history of Volterra and allow us to depict this specific style of architecture from the rest. When
reading the title “Language of Architecture” one may be confused or even hesitant to comprehend this concept. The quintessential explanation of this phrase is to prove that architecture does and should not serve a sole purpose. In Martin Donougho’s rendition of The Language of Architecture he states, “A building should also mean, or at least we should be able to take it as a meaning something or other. Only thus, it is said, can architecture
be considered an art rather than a merely practical matter; or only thus can we do justice to the multifarious cultural aspects of buildings and townscapes. But just how do buildings “mean”?” Donougho’s theoretical response to how the language of architecture “means” is seen as more of a metaphorical sense. Similar to a
language, architecture needs interpretation and context. For example, in Italy the intonation or pitch of your voice can have different meanings and people then have different interpretations or understanding of what you are trying to say. Since architecture is subjective most is left up to interpretation, however, with context, like words next to specific words in a sentence, that interpretation is taken out and the explanation is laid out for the observer. The language of architecture is not written in a poem or depicted like in frescoes, yet intentions are embodied and ideas are communicated by buildings, which speak to each other through and across the divide of time. With architecture, a city develops. The buildings are like paint on a canvas. An architect as the artist, expressing his designs through his unique medium. Mies Van Der Rohe was also an advocate that architecture is its own language, he explains, “Architecture is a language, and I think you have to have a grammar in order to have a language. If you are good at that, you speak a wonderful prose, if you are really good, you can be a poet.” Living in Volterra for three months this theory is eminent in the architecture here. I believe what makes good architecture great is how it makes an individual feel. Originally not knowing if I would be able to call this place home, I think after experiencing the qualities here, it is safe to say Volterra feels like home due to its poets.
The poets of Volterra have constructed this city for centuries laying brick by brick, stone after stone, perfecting their craft and establishing a beautiful dwelling space. The layers of Volterra are what make it special. From the excavation of the Teatro Romano to individual homes lumped together by various brick sizes and shapes. Another important architectural piece that is notorious to Volterra is the Etruscan wall that I will speak on for my critical review. A wall speaks volumes. A wall is built to A. keep people out or B. protect the people in. Many Italian cities are fortified and have a wall surrounding their city, however, Volterra is distinctly unique in that this fortified city is protected by a 2.6km Etruscan wall built in the 4th century. Once enclaved by a 7km Etruscan wall, the construction methods and design showed a great
feat of architecture, combined with brilliant engineering. The significance of a wall was immensely required due to repeated attacks and needing a way to defend themselves. The Etrurians primarily used a rock called, “Panchino” to construct the wall, which is typical from West Tuscany. The fact the defiant walls and impressive gates still stand today are an achievement in and of itself. A gate conjoined with the wall is Porta all’Arco, which I walk through most days of the week. The scale of the arch leaves me in awe every time and the mysterious three heads on the top of the arch leaves me questioning the reasoning behind the placement of them each time. Overall, Volterra has many architectural phenomenons that speak to individuals. Essentially, it is up to us to understand their language.
In Piazza dei Priori one will overhear a plethora of different languages and notice different cultures within this place.
Un panino, per favore.
Fa troppo caldo!
Questo vino e molto buono! ‘ ‘
Languages heard during Student Travels
English
Italian
Spanish
Catalan
Dutch
Polish
German
Arabic
French
Albanian
Greek
Serbian
Croatian
Having conversations for many people is easy. These people tend to be outgoing, funny, and friendly individuals with extroverted personality types. What also helps, is the ability to speak multiple languages, but this is quite rare. Only 44% of the Earth’s population is bilingual. While only 14% are trilingual. Lastly, an astonishing 1% of the world’s population are considered polyglots; people who can speak several languages with high proficiency. Talking for them must be real easy. Then there are situations sometimes where we have to talk. Have you ever been in a situation where the other person won’t shut up and you just have to listen to them speak until they are done?
To Speak Or
Not To Speak
There are two types of people-those that speak and those that don’t. Some people don’t have a choice and can’t speak due to disabilities, like mutism. However, they may communicate with their hands using sign language. Speaking is a privilege, but some people still don’t exercise this gift. Shy people or introverted individuals choose to stay quiet and let others do the speaking. There are various reasons why one would choose to stay quiet, but nonetheless an interesting choice to do so. Lastly, there are those to use gestures or expressions to communicate. Facial expressions and hand movements are some of the best non-verbal communication methods that tell a whole story without words.
‘MA CHE VUOI?’
Around 250 gestures are used daily via Italians, according to Isabella Poggi, a professor of psychology at Roma Tre University The hand signs comprise a lexicon of gestures that is comparable in size and sophistication to the lexicon of sign language for the deaf.
Among the myriad of Italian gestures, one stands out: pinching your fingers against the thumb and moving your hand back and forth against your chest. The phrase “Ma che vuoi?” is meant to express disbelief at what the other person is saying or doing, or to ridicule their opinions.
With this gesture you will have communicated to your interlocutor an often sarcastic interrogation that may be grossly translated as: “what do you want?” The intensity of your inquisitive attitude can be communicated by the velocity of that movement. Coordinate both hands, and you will express an overwhelming sense of disbelief to your interlocutor.
Italians have a unique way when comes to displaying affection, their voiceless acts consist of lots of touching, a means to communicate without words
Touchy Italians
Non-verbal communication comes in various forms. An individual can use gestures, eye contact, expressions, body posture, and personal space. A prominent example in Italian culture is that of personal space, also known as physical touch. The stereotype that Italians are touchy is no lie. In the United States the concept of physical touch while speaking to anyone other than your significant other is seen as taboo. In Italy, the kisses on the cheek, hands placed on the shoulders, and public display of affection in general is common and considered normal. Even though this may not be the norm for much of the western world, this is just another of form communication. I have seen a prime example of this type of non-verbal communication with our alabaster teacher, Cristiano Sabelli. On one occasion he pinched my neck in a friendly manner to greet me in class. Another time he has rubbed my bicep to acknowledge my correct answer to a question he asked. Personal space in Italy. There is none, but it’s simply second nature to them and just another way to talk.
Statue in Volterra
Interview with Toyo Toyonurmi
“I
What would you say your profession is, what do you call yourself?
Technically I am a designer. Originally I worked as a professor at an art school and taught designer. I call myself an artisan, rather than artists, but am still an artist in my own right. I don’t necessarily have a direct job or description. Like I used to even design cutlery. My work is motived by my wish to create and construct.
How would you describe the term, art?
It’s a continual research, since art has many forms of language. Today the language in art has become very subjective, due to all the expressions. We are so much inside art, we no longer know what it is. It is very difficult to categorize what art is and what isn’t because it can be so many things at once.
Do you think there is ever a language barrier in art?
No I don’t, language barriers in art are non-existant. However, if they do exist it’s a personal barrier and it’s a challenge to break these barriers. In my opinion, art is no longer at the service of peoples. It’s essentially useless now, due to the flooding of art in the economic market. Art now is in control of the banks and major art collectors alike. Art has been dispersed through design. But still it is art at the end of the day
“Nowadays people even
always wanted to make work that was moving”
How important is art to a society?
It gets our mind off of things and allows us to express ourselves. It attracts attention. Art is a symbol, whether a person wears it or displays it however they choose. For example, when it comes to tattoos most of the time you won’t see an abstract piece instead it is more symbolic and a reproduction of another art piece. We are so much inside art, we no longer know what it is.
Why do you think people interpret the same art work differently?
This is a long discussion, it is very difficult to be brief because
“Nowadays anything is art people work with light and even their bodies”
it is practically going into the philosophy of art. To put it simple it is a natural way of defending your own personality. At the beginning of the 1900s there were specific schools of art with styles like surrealism or expressionism. Now who approaches art today, it is a mess. Today art is very much individual and anyone can be considered an artist, such as graffiti artists and this allows people to interpret art differently.
What are you trying to communicate through your art?
The art you see in my shop is not entirely my art, my style is more sophisticated. I have taken over my daughters shop and style inherently. I am taking her art and playing with it. What I enjoy is just creating a form. I take souvenir elements and adding provocative elements all while using the landscape and environment around. What I am currently creating at the moment is in defense of personal freedom. I am creating domestic monuments.
How does Volterra inspire your art?
The free form of the landscape allows me to see movement. I always wanted to make work that was moving. As you’ve seen the heads
on my artwork are mobile and free just like Volterra, where I have lived all my life. The only way to not be inspired by your environment is to be a hermit and isolate yourself from the realities of the world. But even then inspiration can come from the smartphone and off of Facebook which I even use here and there.
Do you believe different mediums communicate different meanings?
Yes of course different mediums speak differently. For example my art is very mobile and free thinking. The
reason being is because I believe a head that moves is looking for information and curious. When people come into my workshop I must talk about it to have them see it in a different light.
Chiesa di San Pietro in Selci
How do churches have language?
Quattro Quattro
Giovanni, Cesare, Pietro, e Lapo
1:20 -3:16
ITALIA
Quattro Quattro
Giovanni, Cesare, Pietro, e Lapo
Lapo, how many languages do you speak?
I speak two languages. Italian, my home language and English which I learned later.
Where did you learn English?
I started to learn English in school, but I learned more from rap songs.
How useful is it being bilingual?
It is very useful to be bilingual because you can speak with a lot more people and make and understand jokes in their language. What music do you listen to?
I listen to a lot of rap. English rap and Italian rap, of course.
Who are your favorite artists?
My favorite artists from Italy are Baby Gang, Capo Plaza, Sfera Ebbasta, and Rhove. But my favorite ones from America and England are Drake, 21 Savage, Chief Keef, YNW Melly, and Central Cee.
How was it listening to English rap at first when you didn’t understand it?
It is ok because I am trying to learn it, so I didn’t really care if I didn’t understand it.
1:20 -3:16
The Beautiful Game
It’s called the beautiful game for a reason. Unifying people of all cultures, races, genders, and ages for 90 minutes. Other than nonverbal signaling during games, soccer similar to language, is just another form of communication that unites people. After randomly playing with teenage, Italian boys I’ve never met before, who barely speak English, I’ve realized soccer can connect people through its passion and love for the game. Even though our communication is limited due to a language barrier, still, when I say “gol di Ciro Immobile” (an Italian striker) after one of them scores, their faces light up with joy... and a little confusion, wondering how someone from the U.S. knows him. Or when they call me Crisitian Pulisic because I am American, we can all laugh about it.
La Cicceria - Circolo CSI Volterra
Language of the body: planting my left foot, swinging my arms back to generate power, eye contact on the ball, and kicking with my right leg to score a goal.
Adjacent to the Teatro Romano are the Roman Baths, built in the 4th century, C.E. when the theater was no longer in use. At the peak of its existence, the capacity of the theater was around 3,500 spectators making it one of the largest in the Roman Empire. Regarded as one of the best preserved Roman remains, the objective of the Roman pool proposal was to revive the entertainment aspect the theater once provided, while not imposing on the historical importance of the ruins. The first goal of the project was to incorporate a leisure activity for people of all ages in Volterra, along with the relaxation and refreshment aspect that water offers in the hot Italian summers. Also a design idea of a diving board off a Corinthian column was added. The spiral staircase that wraps around the column is the focal point in the redesign, giving locals and tourists a reason to take a dip into the water. The cultural significance played a major role in designing the new Roman pool. The aspects of language and culture are correlative in this sense that people over 1,600 years ago communicated and amalgamated with each other, similar to what will happen at this newly proposed site. People from all walks of life can assimilate for a short period of time while also hearing a plethora of new languages.
Teatro Romano’s former Roman Bath transformed into a community pool for the people of Volterra.
Roman Bath Re-Imagined
Swimming pool integrated with a diving board off of an ancient Corinthian column.
Tune In
We speak with our tongue,
Listen with our ears.
Raised by our mamas since we were young,
Growing through the years
Muttering our first word
A mother’s face gleams with happiness.
Quarter of life gone, almost a third
Wanting a sense of completeness, Like a letter standing alone,
Needing the other twenty-five characters.
Hearing your mother tongue, feeling at home.
No language barriers
Engaged with the eyes
Gestures with hands are the replies.
Collection of signage throughout Volterra depicting different languages, fonts, text sizing, and expressions for information and advertisements
Coming to Italy not knowing any of the native language was a nervy situation to be in. Hearing Italian being spoken to me as soon as I got to the customs gate in the Milan airport, not knowing how to respond was an intimidating situation. However, since I’ve been in Italy and specifically Volterra, I have grown not only my language skills, but have also grown as a person. Learning a language can teach you more than how to communicate with people from a variety of cultures. It improves cognitive functions, discipline, and you gain perspective.