Italian language beyond borders: Italian conquers Georgia
| Title | Italian language beyond borders: Italian conquers Georgia |
|---|---|
| Author | Antonella Troiano |
| Date | 2025-11-19 |
| Project | 2023-1-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000139142 |
The XXV Week of the Italian Language in the world has just concluded, celebrated this year under the theme “Italofonia: language beyond borders.” As is tradition, every October since 2001, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with the main national partners for linguistic promotion, celebrates the importance and beauty of our language beyond national boundaries.
The spread of Italian is a crucial vehicle for bringing foreigners closer to our rich and historical culture. This year, we had the pleasure of participating in some of the events organized in Tbilisi, Georgia, a country that demonstrates an increasingly solid cultural link with Italy.
Italian language in Georgian schools: an increase in enrolments
In recent years, constructive dialogues between the two countries have intensified in various sectors. The increase in cultural relations is promising, as evidenced by the growing interest in Italian language in Georgian schools.
Our language is no longer an exclusive choice: since 2018, it has entered the Georgian public school system, establishing itself as the second and third most studied foreign language.
Until that year, it was not possible for students to choose Italian as a foreign language, as schools offered curricula exclusively in English, French, and Russian. Today, however, Italian is taught in 63 institutions, 55 of which are public. In the last seven years, approximately 9000 Georgian students have approached the study of the language of our Peninsula. Furthermore, the Italian School of Tbilisi, operational since 1996, offers a five-year program culminating in the issuing of a diploma recognized by the Italian State.
Music as “soft power” and a teaching tool
During the recent international conference hosted by the Italian School of Tbilisi, one topic dominated the debate: the influence of Italian music on foreign students' language learning.
Music is, by its intrinsic nature, one of the most universal forms of expression and a powerful vehicle for cultural dissemination. Its use in teaching helps to make learning vibrant and creative. Melody not only facilitates pronunciation, but the pleasure of listening encourages motivation.
Our musical soft power has enthusiastically engaged students who have approached our language. Learning takes place through a parallel between the author's text and contemporary reality, allowing young people to find an emotional connection. Furthermore, this method stimulates the development of a strong critical sense, prompting students to reflect on social complexity and, if necessary, to denounce its problems.
Melody, therapy for speech
Often, the language itself can be a source of uncertainty and confusion. In contrast, music acts as a true “therapy for speech and eloquence.” An anecdote reported by the Italian teachers in Georgia is particularly significant: the students believe that “when they sing in Italian, they feel like they are in Italy.” A statement that encapsulates the magic of an educational experience that goes beyond the rigid boundaries of grammar, transforming learning into an emotional and cultural journey.