For many Italian Americans who are second or third generation immigrant families, the connection to our Italian heritage is strong. We cherish our family traditions, especially concerning holiday celebrations and festive dinners featuring favorite family recipes. We honor the rich history of Italy, and its profound influence on American life.
Yet, many of us are unfamiliar with the beautiful and significant Italian language. Perhaps there were no Italian language classes offered in the schools we attended, or perhaps our parents preferred to focus on assimilating into American culture and did not encourage the speaking of Italian.
Our children, and our children’s children, now live in an America where we can respect and celebrate our diversity and the great mosaic of ethnicities and cultures throughout our country. The study of the Italian language is essential for the appreciation of Italian heritage and culture.
Today, the study of the Italian language is available in many middle and high schools, and colleges throughout the United States.
The Italian Language Foundation (ILF) was founded in 2008 to promote and support Italian language education throughout the United States. We motivate students with Awards for Excellence, student internships, and offer special benefits for Italian Language Clubs in colleges nationwide. Students can write blogs regarding their experiences in studying Italian, or their family traditions, or other relevant and interesting subjects.
We invite students of all ethnicities, culture and races to study Italian, and to join the ILF. Many native speakers of Spanish now study Italian, and they are excellent students. Teachers of Italian are offered many special opportunities by ILF, including free professional development workshops and the annual Teacher Recognition Awards.
Please encourage the middle, high school, and college students that you know to join the Italian Language Foundation. Membership is free to students, and there are many rewards for joining.
We also encourage Italian-American parents and grandparents of these students, and all others who cherish Italian culture, to write and submit a blog (400 words or less) in English or Italian. We welcome and appreciate your insights and experience.
Make a Pledge and join Italian Sons and Daughters of America today.
