Have you ever wondered how the Italian language evolved from the various Italian dialects (which were themselves derived from Latin and Greek)? This course will discuss the various languages that existed prior to the creation of standard Italian. The various dialects that are still in existence to this day will be discussed including the particular dialect that was chosen as the official Italian language. We will also discuss the various cultures that prevailed at the time and the separate (but related) unification of the Italian state from the various dukedoms and kingdoms that existed in the 1800s.
Your Tutor is Tony Iammarrone
Tony Iammarrone BFin, MBus (Acc), DipCA has been teaching at WEA since 2024.
Tony started his career as a Chartered Accountant working for various public practice firms, which led to forming his own Chartered Accounting Practice. Eventually he moved out of this area and started private tutoring in various subjects for secondary school and early university students.
Tony’s family spoke Italian at home when he was young. His grandparents didn’t speak English, and his parents were learning English at the time. He was raised bilingual, learning English at school. During his schooling years Tony also attended Centro Didattico, an educational centre focused on teaching students with an Italian background.
Origins of the Italian Language and People
Course Description
Have you ever wondered how the Italian language evolved from a mix of regional dialects shaped by Latin, Greek, and local influences into the modern language we know today?
This engaging course explores the linguistic and cultural evolution of the Italian peninsula, revealing how Italy’s remarkable diversity shaped both its people and its speech.
You’ll examine how a mosaic of independent regions and cultures gradually unified into a single nation, and how one dialect came to be chosen as “standard Italian.”
Along the way, we’ll uncover the fascinating relationships between Italy’s ancient inhabitants, its modern regions, and the languages and dialects that continue to thrive today.
Course Structure
The course begins with an overview of modern Italy including its regions, provinces, and systems of government, before stepping back to the early tribes and peoples who first settled the peninsula.
You’ll then explore the dramatic story of Italian unification, meeting the visionaries and reformers who helped unite the country in the 19th century.
Finally, you’ll examine Italy’s rich linguistic landscape, comparing dialects that have survived for centuries and discovering how one of them became the foundation for today’s Italian language.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Recognise the cultural and linguistic diversity across the Italian peninsula.
- Understand how Italy’s unification shaped its modern identity.
- Appreciate that Italian is a constructed modern language derived from regional tongues.
- Identify key figures who contributed to the unification of both language and nation.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the evolution of Italy’s people and speech.
This course is available as a WEA Flexi course.
When you enrol in a WEA Flexi course, you have the option of attending each session in person or online via Zoom. You do not need to nominate a preference when you enrol, you can simply attend each session in person or online as it suits you.
Zoom is a popular video conferencing software solution which can be used as a virtual classroom. For an optimal online learning experience, when attending classes via Zoom we recommend you install Zoom Workplace on a desktop or laptop computer with built-in webcam and use a headset with microphone. Alternatively, there is a Zoom Workplace app available so you can participate using a tablet or smartphone, however you may not be able to experience all aspects of the online learning environment when participating this way.
When you enrol in a WEA Flexi course, you will receive an email with a Zoom meeting link at least two days before the course starts. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, please check your spam folder or junk mail. If you have not received the email with the Zoom meeting details, please contact us and we will provide the details you need to join the session online.
To join the course session via Zoom, simply click on the Join the Meeting link in the email or click on Join Meeting in the Zoom app and insert the Meeting ID, your name and Passcode in the boxes provided.
Please note: WEA can only provide limited technical support (such as re-sending the meeting details), as students should know how to use Zoom on their computer or device if choosing to attend this way.
|