Project Summary:
In this GLE project, students explored the connection between language and culture (Italian and English) through prompts and tasks assigned by the instructors. They investigated the use of borrowed words in both languages, focusing on how contextual categories of borrowed words contribute to construct socio-cultural stereotypes. They discussed the appropriateness of specific questions within the two cultural contexts, and the importance of developing inter-cultural skills for a successful, meaningful and respectful conversation, from daily life to high power contexts.
Project Length:
Technology Tools Use:
Interaction Mode:
- Asynchronous
- Synchronous
- Both
Learning Outcomes:
- Students had real-life conversations with native speakers of Italian and English. Students were excited to be using their second language with other students
- Students (Italian and American) established a friendly connection with their partner. They do continue the communication through Whatsapp texting.
- Students learned the important connection between language and culture and how the words we use often contribute to construct socio-cultural stereotypes. They practiced cultural and linguistic understanding, through observation, negotiation and respectful listening (often forgotten as key elements)
Faculty Feedback:
"I was truly impressed by the students' engagement and their quick understanding of the project goals and outcomes. They never asked for changes or extension of due dates and projects. They never complained about the calls (not even about the time difference) and the assigned tasks, and they also delivered very accurate, specific and well-organized assignments in both languages. " ~Maria Teresa Bonfatti Sabbioni.
Maria Teresa Bonfatti Sabbioni
Institution: DePaul University
Discipline: Italian language and culture, Linguistics
Course name: Intermediate Italian II
Alina Ramero
Institution: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – Brescia
Discipline: English language and culture
Course name:Lingua inglese