The Touch System by Alejandra Costamagna

Author:Alejandra Costamagna [Costamagna, Alejandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Transit Books
Published: 2021-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

THE ITALIAN IMMIGRANT’S MANUAL (1913)

On the habits of those residing in Argentina:

1. When a musical band plays the National Anthem, all present take off their hats as a sign of respect.

2. All women, whether ladies or washerwomen, are typically addressed as “señora.” Calling a donna in town “mujer” does not sound nice, as this equates to female.

3. To call on someone at their home’s front door, even when the door is open, do not bang or shout but clap your palms together three times.

4. To call a carriage or signal to a tram conductor from afar that he should stop, do not say “pss, pss, pss,” which is not particularly sonorous, but “psciiiio, psciiiio.”

5. In cafés or sweets shops there is always a special area reserved for señoras. The only men permitted are those accompanying them.

6. In a café or restaurant, call the waiter by clapping your palms twice and immediately saying “server!” which is what they say for waiter. Do not bang the table or your glass.

7. In theaters and cinemas, audience members are not permitted to wear hats, not even women, as this obstructs others from viewing the stage.

8. Do not smoke on trams or on the platform. The sign SPITTING PROHIBITED means vietato sputare.

9. To request the assistance of a police officer (watchman), who is also a civil guard (during emergencies such as fire, robbery, injury, violence, etc.), people use iron whistles, which many are in the habit of carrying in a pocket.

10. When out on the street, do not walk off the pavement: if you do, you will be called “atorrante” or tramp, which equates to beggar.

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