Italian is the fourth most studied language in the world and the eight most used language on Facebook with a total of 250 million people using the Italian language. There are many influential Italian speakers in various countries who contribute to promoting Italian culture, language and tourism. The network to promote Italian culture and language is present in more than 250 cities in the world but making it more effective would require an increased awareness, even among Italians, on the importance of such network.
These topics will be discussed during the States General of the Italian Language in the World to be held next 21st and 22nd October at Palazzo Vecchio and Teatro della Pergola in Florence.
It is an opportunity to take a closer look at the current strategies for dissemination of the Italian language abroad and to take stock of the new challenges, on the occasion of the XIV Italian Language in the World Week, which involves the cultural and diplomatic network of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This initiative forms part of a broader strategic action of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at promoting the country system.
Numerous actors – schools and universities, professors and students, academics, researchers, the entities managing the courses for the Italian communities abroad, Embassies, Consulates, language assistantships and the Italian Culture Institutes – will reflect upon the promotion of the Italian language and culture abroad. Such vigorous interest shows that the Italian language potential is a theme that is deeply felt by the communities of Italians and Italian speakers all over the world.
For more information:
http://www.esteri.it/MAE/IT/Politica_Estera/Cultura/PromozioneLinguaItaliana/Stati_Generali_lingua_italiana.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnXctK_elFg
