INTRODUCTION TO THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE A: COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE

The course consists of two modules: one is a
metalinguistic reflection on the Italian language
(General Language module), the second is
dedicated to language practice according to the
students’ language level. The present syllabus is
only for the first module. The objective of this
module is to learn the basic notions of Italian
linguistics and to develop skills in metalinguistic
and metatextual analysis. We will examine both
external and internal linguistic factors, and in
particular, will consider the following areas: cultural
and semiotic aspects of the Italian language;
sociolinguistic and pragmatic characteristics;
spelling and phonology; morphosyntax; the lexicon;
textuality.

At the end of the course, students will be able to
contextualize the main aspects of Italian linguistics:
the history and diffusion of the Italian language and
the primary levels of linguistic analysis, from
pragmatics to phonetics. Knowledge of external
linguistics will increase the level of motivation that
students have towards the study of Italian;
knowledge of internal linguistic factors will facilitate
the development of students'; linguistic and
metalinguistic skills.

No pre-requirements needed.

- Italian in the global space, with reference to its
attractiveness and the processes by which it has
spread in the past and in the present (e.g.
emigration, colonization, cultural diffusion;
- links between language and culture, with attention
to the most representative aspects of Italian culture
and regions (arts, sport, gastronomy) and to the
semiotic system of gestures;
- grammatical foundations of Italian referring to the
contents of the corresponding level of language
practice classes (in particular the notion of inflection and fundamentals of the graphic and phonetic
systems);
- linguistic structures of storytelling;
- notion of register, in relation to linguistic and
semiotic variables typical of the beginner level:
allocutive pronouns, adjunct forms, gestures;
- word acquisition within the common fields of
experience (university, home, restaurant, city, etc.).

The exam will be based on the topics covered
during the course and on the texts provided in
class.

The exam consists of a written test based on the
topics covered during the course; the result of the
test will account for 30% of the final grade (30%
General language module + 70% Language
practice).

Lessons are interactive and are defined by active
participation. The General Language module will
mostly follow the lecture format, during which
explanations relating to the various topics will be
provided. Teaching tools include written and oral
texts, videos, songs and other materials where
relevant. Students will also be asked to carry out
exercises and assignments.

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