Pupil-led World Week of Italian Language

This week we’re celebrating the World Week of Italian Language 2024, an event dedicated to celebrating Italian culture and literature. Running from 14 to 20 October, this year’s theme is “Italian Language and Books: The World Between the Lines”. This 24th edition explores the intricate relationship between language and literature in today’s world and emphasises the crucial role of books in preserving and transmitting Italian cultural heritage, values and identity.

Organised by Italian Cultural Institutes and supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ‘Italian Week’ features a rich array of events, including discussions, readings and exhibitions. Whether you’re a lover of Italian literature or interested in how language shapes culture, join us as we delve into the world between the lines and celebrate the enduring impact of Italian books on global culture.

At Haileybury, our pupils have driven this cultural learning opportunity by organising a series of events. Additionally our pupil-led podcast (‘The Haileybury Podcast Network’ spearheaded by Oscar) has been themed around this Italian celebration of literature.

Pupil podcast topics:

1. “How Italian Classics Shaped the Language” – Explore how famous Italian books, like The Divine Comedy, influenced the Italian language over the centuries. 

2. “The Challenge of Translating Italian Books” – Discuss how Italian books are translated for readers around the world, and the challenges of keeping the meaning and beauty of the language intact.

3. “Modern Italian Writers You Should Know” – Introduce popular Italian authors today and talk about the global themes they write about, such as migration, identity, and society.

4. “Italian Book Festivals: Connecting Cultures” – Explore how events like book fairs unite Italian authors and international readers, promoting Italian culture through literature.