Davide Contu
Italian and English
Ciao! My name is Davide Contu, and I was born and raised on the magical island of Sardinia — one of the world's Blue Zones, where turquoise waters meet ancient mountains and centenarians share stories over homemade wine.
I grew up bilingual in Sardinian and Italian, with my grandmother's lullabies in one ear and lively family conversations in the other. That love for language led me to classical studies in Greek and Latin, the roots of European culture, and later to adventures across Europe: perfecting my English in London, learning German in Germany, and picking up Spanish through work experiences. Today I live in the United States with my wonderful Polish wife — so I know firsthand both the challenges and joys of adapting to new cultures.
As a translator, teacher, and cultural bridge specialist, I've guided learners across Europe and beyond: from adults in Germany discovering Italian for the first time to international au pairs preparing for life in Italy. What I've learned is that language comes alive not just through grammar, but through gestures, traditions, and the everyday rhythm of life. The moment a student realizes that "mamma mia!" means something completely different than what movies taught them — that's when true understanding happens.
But here's my secret weapon in all this cultural bridging: food. Living abroad, I became passionate about recreating authentic Italian flavors when I couldn't find them in local shops. This culinary journey became part of my teaching: because when you learn why a certain pasta shape pairs with a certain sauce, you're not just learning a recipe — you're stepping into a way of life.
Whether your dream is to order gelato like a local, debate politics in a Roman piazza, or simply carry a piece of Italian soul with you wherever you go, I'd love to be your guide. Together, we'll explore not only grammar and vocabulary, but also the culture, food, and spirit that make Italian truly unique.
Ready to awaken your Italian soul? Avanti!