ABOUT ME
I am fluent in Italian and everything Italy. Ever since, my first trip to Italy I have kept a foot in each country; spending extended periods of time in both the U.S. and Italy. I find the Italian language and literature a fascinating field of study; with it’s profound history and many contributions to various disciplines such as literature, science, education, fine arts, music, fashion and many more.
I am a New York State Certified Language Professor and freelance translator. I received my MA in Italian Studies from New York University; a Diploma di lingua e cultura italiana from the Università di Bologna; and a BA with Honors in Italian Literature, Langauge and Secondary Education from Hofstra University.
After living in Italy for 10 years, my teaching philosophy centers on my experiences living abroad. I believe that living in a culture that is not one’s own requires empathy for those around us and the continual self-reflection upon the ways in which we engage with the world.
My travels and my love for languages have also played a key role in developing my translation skills. A language is not something that a person learns and then “owns” – it needs to be appreciated, maintained and taken care of. Languages are constantly changing – expressions that were common a decade ago have died out and new words are being developed together with new technologies. Over the last year, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Award-winning poet, translator and professor, Jane Tylus (winner of the Society for the Study of Early Modern Women Translation Award) I have also had the pleasure to work with Professor Jacques Lezra, author of Dictionary of Untranslatables: A Philosophical Lexicon. Both of these professors have helped me acquire the techniques and knowledge to work as a translator.
I am member of New York University Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, The American Association of Teachers of Italian,The Italian American Committee on Education (IACE), New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT), and The American Translators Association.
My teaching and research interests include:
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Italian literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
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Linguistics through Italian culture
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Lo Zibaldone by Giacomo Leopardi
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Photography in South Italy
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Theories of translation
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Cultural anthropology
Send me an e-mail for sample work or a complete Resumé.
"Avrai tu l'universo, Resti l'Italia a me."
"You may have the universe if I may have Italy." — Giuseppe Verdi
E-mail me to find out where I am. In person classes can possibly be set up in the following cities:
Florence, Italy
Calabria, Italy
New York, U.S.
Long Island, U.S.
TESTIMONIALS
Caterina, c'hai veramente un dono! Bravissima!
Dr. Gregory Pell
Associate Professor Of Romance Launguages and Literature
I'm very appreciative. You have so much to offer and I'm delighted youre willing to take this on. You are a gifted translator!
Dr. Jane Tylus
Professor of Italian and Comparative Literature
New York University
Mi complimento con te che scrivi benissimo.
Dr. Gregory Pell
Associate Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures
Hofstra University
You are as thoughtful as you are bright, and you are doing
great things in your career.
Dr. Gregory Pell
Associate Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures
Hofstra University
Our Institute was impressed with Ms Matozzo's professionalism, ability to grasp our curriculum and her commitment to teaching.
Tony De Nonno
Director of Italian Language programs
During the course of the program she presented material with such ease and humor that she set the tone for the entire program. Her creative ideas for presentations and activities were inventive and entertaining; they were also astonishingly effective.
Cav. Josephine A. Maietta
Italian Teacher
Ms. Matozzo symbolizes our vision and mission to serve the children of New York State by providing them with an after school Italian Language program. It is devoted individuals like her who are truly a light unto society and will enhance our future generations.
Tony De Nonno
Director of Italian Language programs
Always, in her work, Caterina was consistent, dedicated, passionate and a pleasure to work with. She was particularly gifted at identifying students' needs, encouraging their contribution, and involving them in the planning process. It is exciting to think of the ways in which Caterina can contribute to our profession as she embarks her dream that of a teacher.
Cav. Josephine A. Maietta
Italian Teacher