italian language in italy: ITALIAN LANGUAGE. CIAMPI AWARDED "ILICA" FOUNDATION PRIZE

The 'ILICA Man of the Year 2006' prized, awarded by Italo-American foundation ILICA, was awarded to former President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. An acknowledgment of Ciampi's commitment to enhance Italian language and culture abroad. ILICA's goal is to strengthen and spread the Italian language to convey art, science and culture in the US, promoting it in schools and in public awareness. Enhancing the Italian language abroad is considered a must in the inevitable globalisation process, and Italian language will be in the spotlight for two days, 7 and 8 June, in Villa Mondragone, Monte Porzio Catone, at the event dedicated to Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart's lyric-writer, to promote Italian culture in the US. Lorenzo Da Ponte (1749-1838) was the first - he wrote so himself - "to introduce and spread Italian language in the US", and was actually the first Italian language teacher there. The event in Villa Mondragone will therefore be an opportunity for ILICa to present itself better to Italy, creating an event showing how Italian culture can spread as it did where it originated, Rome, centre of the Roman Empire, the cradle of civilisation and progress. The funds collected by ILICA will allow to organise master courses in Italy for US professors who teach Italian in the US, at all levels. The convention will be attended by Tor Vergata university president Alessandro Finazzi Agro', and presidents of the university for foreign students of Perugia, Stefania Giannini, and of the university for foreign students of Siena, Massimo Vedovelli. Other prizes will be given to Rome deputy mayor Maria Pia Garavaglia, Brebemi president Francesco Bettoni, MP Carlo Giovanardi, and Tg2 Salute director Luciano Onder. (AGI) .
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