INTRODUCTION TO ITALIAN LANGUAGE

The course consists of two modules: one related to Italian linguistics and the other consisting of language practice. In this syllabus, the part related to Italian linguistics is described. The aim of the first module is to learn the basic notions of Italian linguistics and to develop a metalinguistic and metatextual competence. Both the external and the internal linguistic factors will be considered. As for the external factors, basic elements of the history of Italian language and its current diffusion will be taken into account; as for the internal factors, attention will be focused on pragmatic, semantic, syntactic, morphological, phonetic and lexical levels.

At the end of the course, students will be able to contextualize the main aspects of Italian linguistics: diffusion, history, main linguistic levels, from pragmatics to phonetics. Knowledge of external linguistics will increase the degree of motivation towards the study of Italian; knowledge of internal linguistic factors will facilitate the development of the linguistic and metalinguistic competence of the students.

No previous knowledge is required. During the first lesson students will be asked to fill out a questionnaire in order to assess any previous knowledge in the field of linguistics.

MAIN TOPICS OF THE COURSE:
- Italian language inside and outside Italy;
- Italian language across time and space;
- Levels of linguistic analysis;
- Propositional content: syntax and semantics of the verb;
- The sentence and the text;
- Phonology;
- Lexicon.

As far as the Italian linguistics is concerned, the examination will be based on the topics discussed and the texts provided during the course. To review some morphology-related notions (e.g the parts of the speech), the following reference grammar of Italian is recommended: M. MAIDEN, C. ROBUSTELLI, A reference grammar of modern Italian, London, Arnold, 2007 (NOTE that this is not a mandatory text).

As far as the Italian linguistics is concerned, the examination consists of a written test based on the topics discussed during the course; the result of the test will account for the 30% of the final mark.

Lessons are characterized by an interactive and participatory modality. As far as the Italian linguistics is concerned, part of the lesson will be structured as a frontal lesson, during which relevant explanations related to the different topics will be provided. Written and oral texts, videos and songs where appropriate, will be used as didactic tools. In addition, students will be asked to carry out exercises and tasks assigned by the teacher.

written and oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development