Italian Culture Images of national character cannot be explained by information alone. The values and actions of the citizens help define their national image. Social experiences, social knowledge, and social stereotypes help determine each country's national character. Even though Italy has close ties to other European countries, it still possesses an identity all its own. Culture and tradition, rather than physical characteristics, give Italians their sense of individuality. In a 1987 fieldwork study, Italians were perceived …showed first 75 words of 949 total…

…showed last 75 words of 949 total…fe acceptable. One must grasp this reliance on imitation and presentation in order to understand Italy, its history, manners, civilization, and habits. Works cited: Barzini, Luigi. The Italians. New York: Simon and Schuster. 1964. d' Aquino, Niccolo. "Italians Confound Stereotypes." Europe. Jul/Aug 1993: 40-41. Delzell, Charles F. "Italy." The Encyclopedia Americana. 1999. Powell, Carla. "Brits should be more like Italians." New Statesman. 128.4439 (1999): 14. Warrick, Mary-Margaret W. Personal experience. 17-27 May 1999. Wilterdink, Nico. "Images of National Character." Source. 32.1 (1994): 43-52.