Which Italian Are We Speaking? Language, Identity, and Gender Today
This is a conversation course that expands on the skills acquired in the Italian language sequence and offers a transition to upper-division literature courses. By introducing students to contemporary culture and society through key themes such as evolving political and regional identities, feminism and the patriarchal system, new fascism and populism, migration and racism, violence and corruption (mafia), queer family and right-wing government, the course will examine the linguistic history of Italy. What we call the Italian language today is only one variant among many languages spoken within the peninsula, including dialects that continue to have a significant cultural role in artistic production. Moreover, because of the recent increase in immigration, there is a large number of speakers of other languages living in Italy today. An awareness of this linguistic diversity is essential to communicate effectively. This course is intended to expand active use of Italian (which Italian?) and to refine communication, reading, and writing strategies.
This is a conversation course that expands on the skills acquired in the Italian language sequence and offers a transition to upper-division literature courses. By introducing students to contemporary culture and society through key themes such as evolving political and regional identities, feminism and the patriarchal system, new fascism and populism, migration and racism, violence and corruption (mafia), queer family and right-wing government, the course will examine the linguistic history of Italy. What we call the Italian language today is only one variant among many languages spoken within the peninsula, including dialects that continue to have a significant cultural role in artistic production. Moreover, because of the recent increase in immigration, there is a large number of speakers of other languages living in Italy today. An awareness of this linguistic diversity is essential to communicate effectively. This course is intended to expand active use of Italian (which Italian?) and to refine communication, reading, and writing strategies.
- Instructor of record: Roberta Ricci