How would I be viewed by Italians in Italy...

[Squigy]

...if I were to move to my ancestral comune (it's a small town in Calabria of about 2,000 people - my great grandparents came here from there in 1906).

This is something I've been wanting to do for quite a bit, now. And the more I learn about Calabria's culture, the more I want to go. And it's not because I have a romanticized view of what it's like, there - I know, Italy has many problems. But so does every country.

So, how would people treat me? Would they view me as "just American" or "Italoamericano" or an Italian of American birth? Advice from those who have moved back to the "motherland" would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Italysearcher]

I suggest you read my book. Living in Italy is much more complicated than you can imagine for someone from North America. It's not how they will accept you but how you will accept the aggravations of everyday life here.
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-b ... ly/7731505

[Italysearcher]

Don't burn your bridges. Come for an extended visit. I love it here, but then I have a great job doing genealogical research and a wonderful family who have accepted me openly.

[Squigy]

Ann,

Actually, that's my plan. Over the next 4-5 years, I want to save up enough money so I can live there for several months. That way, I can familiarize myself with the culture and language. Then I'll come home and decide if I'd like to make it permanent.

And I do know it won't be easy - in fact, the idea of moving there terrifies me. But I still want to do it. Or at least try it.

I'll check out your book, thanks for linking it.

[MaddalenaNYC]

I didn't move there but I visited my family's ancestral roots in Parma and Soragna back when I was a young girl and I was very much welcomed. In fact, for the first time in my life, I looked like others. I am sort of a hybrid as my dad was from the north of Italy and my mother from the south. I never quite looked exactly like anyone in my US family but in Parma, well, I was mistaken for a native until I spoke my terrible Italian.

Terrible Italian or no, the locals were very kind. And, I was welcomed.

Not sure if I would ever move there permanently as I am a Yank through and through; but if you are thinking of only spending a year or so back in Italy, well, I certainly would go for it.