ADELAIDE - The funding is for a three-year period and will support all Italian-related initiatives deemed to have a “positive impact and value for South Australia, its universities and students,” read a government statement.
The investment hopes to entice more students to select Italian in Year 11 and 12 by guaranteeing that they will have the opportunity to continue studying it at university.
While Italian is the third most spoken language in South Australia after English and Mandarin, the number of students choosing it is not particularly high.
Significant emphasis will be placed on funding study trips to Italy, as well as the development of joint initiatives between the two universities to increase enrolment.
Currently, Italian language and culture courses are offered at Flinders University and UniSA, while The University of Adelaide students can take courses at Flinders.
“Studying Italian at university in South Australia provides a multifaceted educational experience that enriches students’ lives personally, academically and professionally,” said Deputy Premier Susan Close.
“Learning the language, as well as Italian culture and immersing oneself in the Italian way of life through a study trip, will generate a deep cultural understanding [and] friendships.
“[It will also] enhance the state’s already strong economic ties with Italy.”
Stefano Bona, Italian lecturer at Flinders University, responded positively to the funding announcement.
“Although the details of the projects are yet to be finalised, what we can say is that the explicit recognition of the importance of our language at the political level and the financial support for its teaching is a very encouraging sign for the future of Italian,” he said.
“[It] also holds promise for other languages, not only in South Australia but nationally.
“This outcome would not have been possible without the involvement of communities and institutions, particularly Com.It.Es, the Italian Consulate and the Italian Embassy, over the past three years.”
Com.It.Es President Antonio Gabriele Dottore said the government’s announced support provides a reassurance for the Italian community, which has always been concerned about losing its language and, therefore, its identity.
“The initiative announced by [Premier] Malinauskas is the result of lobbying efforts with the government,” said Dottore.
“Universities are important. [But] now, we must work to strengthen [the status of the Italian language] in schools.
“Com.It.Es is in dialogue with the Minister for Education, his advisors and the opposition.
“We also encourage individuals and associations within the Italian community to discuss this with our representatives in Parliament. Together, we can continue to make progress.”
“The new funds are a positive step that encourages the various Italian institutions in South Australia to continue their essential work with the Department of Education and the state government,” said Edmondo Palombo, President of the Dante Alighieri Society of South Australia.
Palombo says the funds are “a breath of fresh air” following previous challenges Italian language courses, which were at risk of closure at Flinders University, have faced.
“[These new funds are] certainly a reason to continue promoting increased [Italian] language study hours in all primary and secondary school classes,” he concluded.
