Italian as Second or Foreign Language Textbooks: A Diachronic and Synchronic Perspective on Language, Culture, and Representations
Paolo Nitti, Giulio Facchetti

Italian language textbooks and teaching materials offer a valuable perspective on the evolution of language teaching approaches, the construction of cultural knowledge, and the representation of Italian-speaking societies. This panel aims to investigate Italian as a Second and Foreign Language (L2/LS) textbooks and teaching materials from both diachronic and synchronic perspectives, bringing historical research into dialogue with the critical analysis of contemporary publishing and educational practices.

We welcome contributions examining textbooks from different historical periods, as well as studies focusing on materials currently in use or recently published, including printed textbooks, digital resources, online platforms, and supplementary teaching materials. Particular attention will be devoted to the representation of Italian culture and society, the construction and reproduction of cultural stereotypes, representations of gender, social groups, identities, diversity, and intercultural relations.

The panel also seeks to explore the structural organization of teaching materials, including textbook architecture, the sequencing of learning units, the typology of exercises and activities, the development of linguistic and communicative competences, and the integration of authentic, audiovisual, and multimodal resources. 

By combining historical, linguistic, sociolinguistic, intercultural, and pedagogical approaches, the panel aims to foster critical reflection on how Italian language textbooks and teaching materials both reflect and shape contemporary understandings of language, culture, and society. We welcome contributions based on qualitative, quantitative, corpus-based, and comparative methodologies. Presentations may be delivered in Italian, Spanish, French, or English. Proposals should be submitted by 22 March 2027 to Paolo Nitti (paolo.nitti@uninsubria.it), with Giulio Facchetti (giulio.facchetti@uninsubria.it) in copy.

Closing Date for Receiving Proposals for this Session: March 22, 2027

ORGANIZERS
Paolo Nitti
Università degli Studi dell’Insubria
paolo.nitti@uninsubria.it

Giulio Facchetti
Università degli Studi dell’Insubria
giulio.facchetti@uninsubria.it