ITALIAN LINGUISTICS

The course is one of the core components of the Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities (Lettere), curriculum in Literary Text and Communication Studies. It aims to introduce the main features of contemporary Italian. After outlining its internal structures, uses, and sociolinguistic contexts, particular attention will be devoted to the lexicon, considered in its social, historical, geographical, and semantic dimensions, also through the analysis of major Italian lexicographic resources.

Attendance, active participation in class, and individual study will enable students to develop the following skills and competences:
acquisition of the main notions of linguistics across its different levels of analysis;
ability to use correctly the linguistic terminology related to the internal structure of Italian and to its social uses;
familiarity with the main concepts of Italian lexicology, semantics, and lexicography;
ability to analyse and critically assess the relevant bibliography;
ability to analyse critically a dictionary entry and its different levels of information;
ability to describe the specific features of Italian, especially lexical-semantic phenomena, using appropriate terminology;
ability to study notes and reference texts critically, organising information and establishing connections between different concepts.

Students are advised to attend, before the beginning of the course, at least one introductory module in General Linguistics and/or History of the Italian Language.

Course title: Introduction to Italian Linguistics: Lexicon and Semantics
After introducing general notions concerning the Italian language, its structures, and its levels of analysis (phonetics and phonology, morphology, lexicon, and syntax), the course will examine the main features and dynamics of the Italian lexicon in its historical, social, and geographical dimensions.
Particular attention will be devoted to semantic issues (polysemy, semantic relations, the problem of defining a word, etc.). Finally, through selected examples drawn from major Italian dictionaries, the course will illustrate the different levels of lexicographic information accessible through their consultation.

Massimo Palermo, Linguistica italiana, Bologna, Il Mulino: Part I (Lexicon; Morphology; Phonetics and Phonology); Part II (Italian in the social and communicative space: Plurilingual competence; Dimensions of variation; Written, spoken, and mediated Italian; Standard Italian; System, norm, and usage; Special languages; Geographical varieties; Regional Italian).
Marcello Aprile, Dalle parole ai dizionari, Bologna, Il Mulino (full study).
Lecture notes and materials provided by the instructor, available on Moodle.

Assessment consists of a one-hour written test with both open and closed questions. Students are required to demonstrate knowledge of the topics covered in class and the ability to integrate them with the contents of the reading materials.
In particular, students must show a solid understanding of Italian linguistics as a whole, with specific awareness of the main features and dynamics of the Italian lexicon, including semantic relations between words and their lexicographic representation.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

18–22 (pass):
basic and limited knowledge of the syllabus;
limited analytical, communication, and argumentative skills.
23–26 (satisfactory/good):
sound knowledge of the syllabus;
adequate analytical and communication skills, with some imprecision in disciplinary terminology.
27–30 (very good/excellent, with honours):
thorough and excellent knowledge of the syllabus;
strong analytical and argumentative skills, with full command of technical language and independent critical insight (honours).

Lectures supported by materials read and discussed in class, available on the university e-learning platform (Moodle).