The impact of learning Standard Italian among Italian Australian dialect speakers

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of learning Standard Italian among Italian Australian dialect speakers. More specifically, it examines the Italian language learning experiences of bilingual Italian Australians who grew up speaking an Italian dialect at home and studied Italian in formal contexts. It also investigates the possible effect that formal Italian language instruction, and other influences, have had on their current language use. Despite the fact that in Australia the Italian language has been taught in various programs over many years and to a large number of learners who are Italian dialect speakers, little research has been conducted in this area. This study is informed by both social constructionist and phenomenological frameworks and draws on research in the areas of sociolinguistics and second language learning and instruction. The research was conducted in Adelaide, South Australia, on a sample of ten Italian Australians who were brought up in Australia speaking an Italian dialect, using a mixed method approach. Pre-interview questionnaires and semi structured interviews were used to obtain data which was analysed through a thematic approach. From this, themes emerged in the areas of language learning experiences and the participants’ perceived impact that such experiences, and other influences, have had on their language use.The findings show a range of learning experiences among participants. While a small number identify areas where their Italian instruction has had an impact, most do not believe in such an impact on their language use. All perceive that other influences, such as family networks, have had a more significant impact.