Different cultures, religions, languages have their own range of vocal normalcy. In Israel for example, it's common practice to order falafel with the same intonation that an American might reserve to ward off a rapist.
What sounds like screaming to a Mexican, can be whispering to a Russian. What sounds like sweet talk to a Hungarian can be fighting words for a Canadian. It's important to remember this bit of cultural sensitivity when questioning "Why does my Italian boyfriend yell all the time."
Now, decibel volume is one thing, but it's quite critical to assess what is in the content of the "yelling": If he is yelling, "Sarah you are so incredible, and mesmerizing. I am continually amazed at the way you handle yourself -- both in your professional life and with your friends and family. I am so lucky to be with you; you're the greatest thing that's happened to me," his yelling might just be his particular cultural style.
Would you rather him yell that to you or whisper "You are dumber than a rat and you make me sick, you spoiled American witch."
Bottom line: content is usually more important than volume. Explore his cultural take on it and ask others if his "yelling" typifies Italian speech/behavior patterns. If all else fails, check his ears. Perhaps this entire issue could be solved by a Q-tip.
Am I allowed to ask questions in the comments for other commenters to answer?
I am going to go ahead and do so.
So I have been with my bf for about 8 months. We have had our ebbs and flows, but overall a very stable relationship. Last week for the first time, he told me he loved me, and he clearly meant it. He has been joking for the last few months about marriage and babies with me. ("If we get married...we are going to have a crazy honeymoon.") And maybe not so much of a joke, late at night, "what would our babies look like?" So yesterday we got in our first fight. He had a ton of work to do, I was feeling needy since I was sick and stressed. I should not have bugged him, but I did. And he got annoyed. And we calmly talked it out. He said, "I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend the rest of my life with you." and "When you go to college, you'll probably get swept off your feet by some guy and forget about me." But then we had make up sex. And he called me this morning like nothing had happened. Why the sudden change in attitude?
Just wants to have sex.
Us Italians are born loud regardless if we grew up in Italy or not... It's how we're wired :)
The entire Italian side of my family yells all the time, including my father. He yells his orders at fancy restaurants, yells at my mother about his day, yells "Are you feeling better?" when I have a headache.
I'd say this is pretty normal.