Podcast Summary

Beginner Italian Podcast | Ep. 38 – Cose che facevamo da bambini 🪄

Hosts: Teacher Stefano (A) & Prof. Mascia (B)
Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Teacher Stefano and Prof. Mascia reminisce about their experiences in the Italian school system. They discuss the structure of schooling in Italy, share personal anecdotes about their favorite subjects, compare different types of high schools, and highlight unique aspects of the Italian educational experience—especially the famous "interrogazione" (oral exams). The conversation is rich with relatable memories and playful banter, making it both a language lesson and a cultural journey.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Structure of the Italian School System

[01:32 – 03:30]

• Stefano outlines the three main levels:
  • Scuola elementare (elementary school): 5 years, starting at age 6.
  • Scuola media (middle school): 3 years.
  • Scuola superiore (high school): 5 years, ending around ages 18-19.
    (“In Italia la scuola si divide in tre livelli… è molto comune che i ragazzi italiani finiscano la scuola a diciotto, anche diciannove anni.” — Stefano, 01:32)
• High School Choices:
  • Liceo linguistico (Mascia): focuses on languages (English, French, German).
  • Liceo classico (Stefano): focuses on humanities (Italian, Latin, Ancient Greek).
  • Other options include liceo scientifico (focusing on sciences) and liceo artistico (focusing on arts).
  • Istituti professionali: more practical, job-oriented education.

2. Favorite School Subjects

[03:47 – 06:03]

• Mascia’s Journey:
  • Loved English in elementary, French in middle school, Italian literature and philosophy in high school.
  • Remarkable influence from inspiring teachers.
    • “Avevo una professoressa bravissima… mi piaceva tantissimo la letteratura italiana.” — Mascia, 04:23
• Stefano’s Experience:
  • Always enjoyed Italian, especially grammar, thanks to support from his grandparents (both former elementary school teachers).
  • Fondness for science, appreciating variety across years (geology, biology, chemistry).
  • Philosophy stood out in high school.
    • “Mi piaceva tantissimo studiare la grammatica italiana… imparare a scrivere, fare l’analisi grammaticale, dividere in sillabe…” — Stefano, 05:03

3. The Importance of Grammar in Italian Education

[06:03 – 06:27]

• Mascia notes the Italian system’s focus on in-depth grammar, sentence analysis, and logic.
  • “Noi in Italia… per tanti anni studiamo la grammatica italiana, facciamo… l’analisi della grammatica, l’analisi della frase, l’analisi logica… ed è una cosa che non si fa in tutti i paesi.” — Mascia, 06:03
• Stefano points out this foundation aids Italians learning other languages.
  • “È molto più facile imparare una lingua straniera se già conosci la grammatica della tua lingua… una fortuna per noi italiani.” — Stefano, 06:27

4. The 'Interrogazione': Italy’s Oral Exam Tradition

[06:27 – 09:01]

• Definition:
  • “Interrogazione” = oral exam at teacher’s desk; different from “interrogatorio” (police interrogation).
  • Can be stressful, akin to public speaking or a performance.
• Personal Perspectives:
  • Mascia: Found them intimidating due to shyness.
    • “Per me erano un inferno… molto agitazione, sì sì.” — Mascia, 07:41
  • Stefano: Preferred oral exams, leveraging charisma to get better grades.
    • “Durante le interrogazioni orali potevo mettermi un bel sorriso sulla faccia… sfruttare la mia simpatia per prendere il mio carisma, per prendere un voto alto.” — Stefano, 08:07
  • Mascia: Favored written exams for the chance to think calmly.

5. Personal Growth and Closing Thoughts

[09:01 – 09:18]

• Mascia reflects on overcoming her shyness over time.
• Stefano agrees people change and grow.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “L’agitazione è la stessa!” — Stefano (on oral exams vs. police interrogations, 06:57)
• “Per me erano un inferno.” — Mascia (on oral exams, 07:41)
• “Mi piaceva tantissimo studiare la grammatica italiana… imparare, imparare a scrivere, l’analisi grammaticale…” — Stefano, 05:03
• “Tu come vivevi le interrogazioni orali? Ti piacevano?” — Stefano, 07:33
• “Ho lavorato sulla mia timidezza.” — Mascia, 09:09

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:32: Structure of Italian school system explained
• 02:38: Mascia’s choice: liceo linguistico & languages studied
• 03:00: Stefano’s choice: liceo classico & overview of other licei
• 03:47: Mascia and Stefano share their favorite school subjects
• 06:03: Discussion on grammar’s centrality in Italian education
• 06:27: The oral exam (“interrogazione”) and cultural differences
• 07:41: Personal stories: oral vs. written exams
• 09:01: Mascia on overcoming shyness
• 09:18: Episode wrap-up and call for listener stories

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a vivid, friendly window into Italian school life, with heartfelt personal stories and useful vocabulary. Stefano and Mascia’s exchange is not only a resource for Italian learners but also a charming celebration of shared school memories.

For further learning, listeners are encouraged to download the episode transcript and vocabulary activities via the provided link.