Why do Italians speak by gesturing? There is not just one explanation.
The first suggests that the reason was to use gestures to replace speech, according to body language expert Paulo Sergio de Camargo.
During its expansion, the Roman Empire was made up of several peoples, each speaking different languages and dialects.
To make everyone understand each other, people started using gestures, and the custom remained through the centuries.
Another group of experts argues that the hand movements began to be used to imitate important orators from ancient Rome.
"Rome had great orators who used theatrical gestures in their speeches. The people then began to imitate their 'idols'," says Camargo.
The last hypothesis is linked to the extroversion of the Italian people.
According to Camargo, studies have shown that more extroverted people tend to use their hands and body more to communicate.
Gesturing a lot would therefore be a personality characteristic of the Italian people – and of other Latinos, to be fair, right?
And you, are you one of the Italians who speak with gestures?
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