7th “Italian Language Week Worldwide”

The Italian Language and the Sea (22– 28 October 2007) “The Italian Language and the Sea” is the theme of the 7th “Italian Language Week Worldwide”, which will be taking place from 22 to 28 October 2007. The event is being organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the network of Embassies, Consulates, Italian Cultural Institutes, university departments of Italian, and Italian schools abroad.

The initiative, which enjoys the patronage of the President of the Republic, has since 2001 been the main international event promoting the Italian language. It has grown ever-more successful, with 1300 events in 80 countries for the 2006 edition. The Accademia della Crusca, which provides specialist advice and input, the Dante Alighieri Society and the RAI broadcasting corporation, with a focus on Rai International and Rai Educational, also cooperate closely in organising the “Week”.

Why devote the 7th edition of the Language Week to the sea? Because Italy’s sea has inspired artists and poets the world over. It has encouraged explorers and seen millions of Italians set forth for far-off lands in search of fortune. The history of Italy has largely been built on the sea, from the colonies of Magna Graecia to the Maritime Republics. And through the sea, the Italian language has acted as a bridge playing a vital role in spreading a knowledge and appreciation of Italy abroad.