ABSTRACT
The importance of the family of origin as the primary context within which cultural norms and values, as well as the native language, are passed down, has been explored extensively in the wider migration literature. This chapter examines the contribution of families in transferring Italian culture and language to the second and third generations of immigrants in South Africa. The chapter looks at family rituals related to religious/cultural norms, the significance of food, as well as the prominent place of grandparents in passing down a sense of cultural identity, and, closely interlinked with this, the Italian language. The intriguing findings regarding the importance ascribed to the Italian language by participants, even if they were not fluent in the language, are discussed in depth. All these issues underscore how crucial family is in shaping a person's identity.
