The Stati Generali of the Italian Language in the World were held in Florence, at Palazzo Vecchio and at the Teatro della Pergola.

The initiative was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with MIUR and MIBACT.

The topics dealt with concerned the new challenges and innovative tools of linguistic communication, the strategies of linguistic promotion for the various geographical areas and for the priority countries, the role of universities with particular attention to the chairs of Italian studies, the role of Italian speakers and Italian communities abroad and the tools and strategies for promoting the Italian language.

On Tuesday 21 October 2014 Italian in Italy took part in the work of Working Group no. 2 on the topics: LANGUAGE PROMOTION STRATEGIES FOR THE DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS AND FOR PRIORITY COUNTRIES (Mediterranean, China, USA, Latin America)

Coordinator:

Isabella Camera d'Afflitto (University of Rome La Sapienza)

Farnesina contacts:

Davide Scalmani, Manager for Cultural Promotion

Elena Macarra, Lecturer

Components:

UNINETTUNO – Maria Garito, Rector

Ca' Foscari University (ITALS) - Paolo Balboni, Fabio Caon

University of Foreigners PERUGIA – Roberto Dolci

Foreign University SIENA – Massimo Vedovelli

UNITALIA – Alberto Ortolani, President

ICoN – Silvana Mangione, Coordinator of activities in the United States

University of Milan – Danilo Manera

Italian in Italy Association – Pina Foti, President

Food for thought:

1) In consideration of the diversified approach towards the different linguistic matrices, how does the cultural comparison affect the diffusion of the Italian language?

2) The language offer must be adapted to the interests of the local students. How can it allow outlets in the world of work? What is the role of companies?

3) How does the Italian action fit into local policies for the dissemination of foreign languages? What space can it reasonably occupy?

4) Scholarships and youth exchanges: how to adapt the offer to the new challenges