Elvira DiFabio
Honorary Associate of Romance Lgs & Lts, Harvard University
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Elvira G. Di Fabio is co-author of Parliamo italiano! (4th and 5th editions). She holds a Ph.D. in Italian from Harvard University, where for thirty years she was the coordinator of Italian language instruction and later served as Director of Language Programs for Romance Languages and Literatures. In addition to teaching Italian at all levels, she was responsible for the training and mentoring of teaching fellows and teaching assistants. She has also offered many professional development workshops for K-12+ teachers of Italian in the greater New England area. She currently is lead editor of the blog Italian News Clicks.
Ridendo, s'impara! S. Branciforte's Approach for Teaching Italian as a Second and Foreign Language
A year after her sudden passing, this session is dedicated to exploring Suzanne Branciforte's significant contributions to teaching Italian as a second and foreign language. Branciforte developed a pedagogical method that effectively teaches the Italian language in an engaging and enjoyable manner for teachers and students alike. Her approach emphasizes the importance of integrating culture—the fifth competence—from the beginner level. As Branciforte and her co-author, E.G. Di Fabio, have consistently emphasized, "lingua è cultura" (language is culture): language and culture evolve, thrive, and progress together. The best-selling textbook, Parliamo italiano! (VHL, 5e.), embodies this philosophy.
Inspired by the well-known Italian saying “Sbagliando, s’impara”, Branciforte coined the motto “Ridendo, s’impara!” (Learn while you’re laughing!). When students enjoy themselves, they learn more effectively and retain information longer. The popular "In altre parole" boxes, featuring idiomatic expressions, and the "Incontri" (conversations) in the textbook exemplify this approach and are among user favorites.
We will provide practical examples of how to successfully implement Branciforte's approach in high school and higher ed contexts.
Elvira DiFabio
Honorary Associate of Romance Lgs & Lts, Harvard University
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