Excellent article Bill,
It is so interesting to watch the daily differences in society between Italy and the America I've become so accustomed to. The author makes some great points, however, one thing that strikes me about "how Europe can become a stronger partner", is in the way it culturally manages businesses.
For instance, there seems to be very few mid-sized companies in Italy. Companies are either small 0-100 employee family owned enterprises, or huge monopolies owned or operated by the government. Where are the 3000 thousand employee companies innovating and coming public? Tough to find....
Trust seems to be lacking outside of ones immediate family circle. This creates the environment where small companies only grow so far. They are limited by what talent the family can hire. Since birth rates are so low now, the problem will only get worse unless a cultural shift takes place.
In America, and in Japan, there is far less reluctance to hire professional managers, give them real power, and grow the company.
In regard to language, I believe the author is referring to what is general known around here as "cave man" English.
Here is how a typical conversation goes...
Do you speak English?
Yes, but only a little.
Great, have you seen my child, she was near the piazza a little while ago?
Oh, pleas seniore, slow down.
Mia Dispiaci- Piazza, bambina, have seen?
You can get by pretty well with cave-man English in most of Europe I believe. :) |
