Georgian Dialects and Academic Collaboration
| Title | Georgian Dialects and Academic Collaboration |
|---|---|
| Author | Luca Pasquali |
| Date | 2026-05-29 |
| Project | 2023-1-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000139142 |
Georgian Dialects and Academic Collaboration
Documentation
Introduction and Purpose
This report describes the experience and results of the seminar/workshop dedicated to Georgian dialects held at Ilia State University in Tbilisi. The session included a comparative study on the protection of Puglian dialects and Georgian linguistic minorities. The initiative is part of the framework of international cooperation and cultural promotion activities promoted by the Italian Cultural Institute (ICI) in Georgia.
The Italian case study presented during the comparative analysis focused on the Alto Adige/Südtirol model, highlighting its success in managing the coexistence of three linguistic groups (German, Italian, and Ladin) through the instruments of autonomy and bilingualism/trilingualism. This system of language protection, based on the recognition of specific rights and the pursuit of an institutional balance, has made it possible to overcome historical conflicts by creating a lasting peace and transforming languages into true "bridges for living together."
Reflections on Linguistic Awareness
Participation in this workshop allowed for a deeper exploration of the complexity and richness of the Georgian linguistic landscape. Through the analysis of different regional varieties, a much more structured awareness of Georgian languages and their historical evolution emerged. This understanding is not only theoretical but fundamental for anyone operating in a context of cultural diplomacy or European integration in the Caucasian arena.
Impact on Italian Language Students
A focal point of the meeting was the analysis of the importance of such activities for students learning the Italian language. Understanding one's own linguistic roots (Georgian dialects and Kartvelian languages) serves as a methodological bridge for learning a foreign language, allowing for the establishment of cultural and structural parallels that enrich the academic educational path.
Institutional Collaboration and Volunteering
The activity was carried out thanks to the commitment of volunteers Luca Pasquali and Davide, who operated in operational synergy between the Italian Cultural Institute (ICI) and the Italian Cultural Center (ICC). Such collaboration demonstrates the effectiveness of the network model applied to youth and academic cooperation, strengthening the links between cultural institutions and the local university.
