PAROLA – Word of the Week: 5- 7th April, it’s time for Parole in Cammino -Festival dell’Italiano , at its III edition in Siena. The event is based on a project, promoted by the association” La parola che non muore” in collaboration with Comune di Siena, and with the participation of Università per Stranieri and the University of Siena. Imagine a journey through the Italian language, an itinerary between past, present and future, keeping in mind the many other “languages” present in the territory.
This week what better word to choose for the occasion if not PAROLA (word)?
Sometimes no words are needed, sometimes they are essential.

Sometimes, a volte, we remain speechless – a volte si rimane senza parole
A volte sono parole al vento (wasted words) – altre volte le parole sono come macigni (as heavy as stones, fig. words that leave a mark)
Un parolaio is someone that doesn’t keep his promises
Sparlare – Talking behind back
Parlottio – Whisperings
Espressioni con PAROLA
How many expressions do you know with the word PAROLA? There are so many! Here are the ones that came to my mind:
Avere la parola facile – To have a ready tongue
Dire due parole a – Have a word with someone
In due parole – In a few words : Ti racconto la storia in due parole
E’ una parola! – It’s easier said than done!
Tutto parole! – It’s all hot air!
In parole povere – In simple words
In poche parole – In a nutshell
Mangiarsi le parole– To mumble
Mantenere la parola – To keep a promise
Non dire mezza parola – Not to say anything
Prendere la parola – To take the floor
Prendere in parola – To trust someone
Rimangiarsi la parola – To eat one’s word
Le Parole di Gianni Rodari
Speaking about Words, Gianni Rodari must certainly be mentioned among the greatest authors of nursery rhymes, rhymes and poems for children.
A primary elementary teacher from Omegna, where he was born in 1920, he was an Italian writer, educator, journalist and poet, specialized in texts for children and young people that have been translated in many languages.
One of my favourite rhymes is Bolle di Sapone (Soap Bubbles): Take your dictionary if you need to. Read the parole aloud, enjoy the sound and rhythm. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do
“Sono bolle di sapone le loro parole,
escono dalla bocca e danzano al sole.
Nelle case, per le strade,
dappertutto in ogni momento
milioni di bolle volano via con il vento.” (Gianni Rodari)