Time to parli Italiano with U3A

Janice Creenaune meets Rob Dal Mas, who worked as a financial accountant in the transport industry before moving to Thirroul. In retirement, he finds time to join others and practise his language skills in the Thirroul U3A group.

The belief that learning a foreign language is easiest for the young may indeed hold true, but that does not stop Rob Dal Mas and others like him from meeting each week to practise their Italian language skills, learn about Italian culture and travel experiences, and simply enjoy each other's company.

Rob is 65, but he is among the youngest, but age is not about to stop any of them. The group is part of the U3A (University of the 3rd Age) network in Thirroul. 

Rob was first attracted to the Illawarra in 2022 and moved mainly because of work.

“I love to draw and the surrounding area is so beautiful with the escarpment and the beaches and I couldn’t believe how friendly everybody was,” he says.

"So when I retired, my wife, Di and I moved to Thirroul and joined U3A. I found a drawing group just right for me, a film group and this wonderful Italian group, all within the U3A network and in Thirroul.

“Pina McPherson is our wonderful teacher/mentor, but we all help each other and converse each week in Italian on anything really.” 

Rob was surprised by the diverse backgrounds of the group. “I am from an Italian immigrant family, so many in my family still converse in Italian, but others in the group have German backgrounds, English or  Scottish or even multi-generational early Australian backgrounds. We all have a love for Italy and Italian though.”

Rob says his Italian language skills came easily to him. 

“Not all of my siblings enjoy speaking the family language and our parents, concerned more with fitting in and assimilating into the Australian community as immigrants, never really encouraged us to continue. I did however, have the opportunity when I was about 10 years old to have some lessons. But times have changed and the value of learning another language is indisputable. So I am glad I found the U3A group.” 

Rob says that as his parents, grandparents and others age, speaking in their native tongue can often be an advantage. “I do speak now to my aged mum in Italian and it is very comfortable for us both.”

“There are about 18-25 people in the U3A Italian group and we meet each Friday. It is all very relaxed, but Pina McPherson is there to assist us and gives us the correct way to say things. Sometimes we are set little research tasks to talk about and exercises out of language books and writing exercises.

"For example, one day we wrote a postcard from Italy. Another day it was an essay, often on cultural significant spots in Italy, such as buildings or artists. We all learn great deal.

“I was accepted straight away by the group which was especially refreshing when new to the area. I will admit it is a group for those with some experience already because many in the group have been meeting for over a decade so I am a ‘newbie’ in comparison.” 

The U3A Italian group also talk about food and Italian recipes and each term they visit The Fraternity Club for a group meal to celebrate.

“Food, for Italians, is always about celebrations. It is why we enjoy it so much. The food, the taste, the celebration. All seems to come together and one inspires the other.” 

Rob admits he was apprehensive about life after retirement. “I should not have worried at all, with drawing classes, weekly talks, film group in Thirroul Library on Wednesdays and the Italian group, all associated with U3A in Thirroul, my week is full and I have met so many interesting people in the process.

"Work seems a world away.” 

Visit the U3A website for more information.

Janice Creenaune is a volunteer for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation Australia. Email janicecreenaune@gmail.com for further information.