Ciaoji, Parlami con le Mani

Have you ever noticed how Italians use hand gestures when they talk? What do they mean? And how do they convey gestures in text messaging?

The Italian culture and history are amazing. Coffee, food and wine are just as important to the country as are its history, landscapes and monuments. But globalization is infringing on Italian culture. Family businesses can't compete with international corporate establishments. Artisans are undermined by slack manufacturing regulations and cheap foreign labor. Ancient recipes for homemade lasagna are being handed down less and less with each generation. Young adults are expatriating in search of better opportunities.

What if we can adapt Italian culture to modern times, rather than get lost to it? What if we can export Italian culture to the world, instead of letting it become overshadowed and diluted by emigration and immigration? What if we can diffuse and share Italian culture through modern, digital means so that it extends Italy's identity into future times?

Our mission: To enable Italian culture to adapt to the digital, globalized world; to make sure Italian culture remains steadfast in Italy; and to export Italian culture to the world, all to maintain the differentiation of Italian culture in the face of threatened homogeneity.

Objective: To develop a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that delivers brand new emoji-like stickers with Italian hand gestures, and to enable non-Italians to learn how to use them just like the Italians do.

Learn more: Want to learn more about the Ciaoji emoji coming your way? Want to learn more about how to use Italian hand gestures? Explore the gallery above for photos, videos and explanations (Coming soon!).



Call to action: We also need your help! Donate today or spread the word! Either way helps! Visit our Kickstarter page (Coming soon!) to donate, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to use these hashtags: #Ciaoji and #ParlamiConLeMani