26th Italian Language Week opens at YSU, bringing together language, creativity and tradition

Italian Language Week is traditionally held every October in countries across the globe under the high patronage of the president of the Italian Republic. The initiative aims to highlight the connections between language, creativity and economic development in fields such as technology, design, fashion and art, while promoting the Italian language and Italy's rich cultural heritage. 

Among those attending were Alessandro Ferranti, Ambassador of Italy to Armenia, embassy staff and representatives of Italian cultural organizations operating in Armenia. The special guest was acclaimed Italian-Armenian writer and translator Antonia Arslan, author of the novel Skylark Farm, which was adapted into a film by the Taviani brothers. 

YSU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elina Asriyan welcomed the guests, emphasizing the importance of the Italian language in university education.

"Language gives us more than words; it offers new perspectives. It shapes our thinking and our ability to create stories, express beauty and envision the future. With its exceptional literary, artistic, scientific and cultural heritage, Italian is a prime example of how a language can become a source of creativity. Learning a foreign language is not simply about acquiring new words; it is about discovering new ways of seeing the world," Asriyan said.

She emphasized that the university's mission extends beyond imparting knowledge to fostering curiosity, creative thinking and intercultural dialogue.

Marine Yaghubyan, Acting Dean of the YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication, described the event as an excellent platform for strengthening cultural and educational ties between the two peoples.

"Studying a foreign language is more than learning vocabulary and grammar. It is a way to gain a deeper understanding of culture, history and ways of thinking while broadening one's worldview. It is particularly important for students to have the opportunity to experience a language not only through textbooks but also through real-life communication, literature and art," she said.

Hasmik Baghdasaryan, Professor and Head of the YSU Chair of Romance Philology, reflected on the history of Italian language teaching at the university, noting that it dates back to the 1960s and has developed a rich tradition over the decades.

"In today's age of artificial intelligence and contemporary challenges, events like this offer an opportunity to appreciate anew the value of human intelligence, imagination and cultural connections. Our students are not simply learning a foreign language; they are undertaking the honorable mission of strengthening cultural bridges between our two peoples," Baghdasaryan said.

Italian Ambassador Alessandro Ferranti highlighted the role of the Italian language in strengthening cultural ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries. Referring to this year's theme, he noted that studying Italian offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Italy's rich cultural heritage and its invaluable influence on world civilization.

The ambassador emphasized Italy's role as a global cultural center, citing the legacies of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Renzo Piano and other prominent figures. He also highlighted the significance of writer Antonia Arslan's presence at the event. 

Arslan also addressed the gathering, reflecting on her literary career and the central themes of her books, including memory, identity and Armenian-Italian historical and cultural connections. She underscored the crucial role of literature in fostering mutual understanding between nations.

The second part of the event featured a cultural program organized by Ornella Cirillo, a lecturer seconded to YSU by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Students studying Italian at the Chair of Romance Philology presented a theatrical production titled "The Italian Language Workshop," a literary and artistic performance of Gianni Rodari's "The Painter," and musical performances.