Usare canzoni per insegnare Italiano L2 : atteggiamenti di studenti e di insegnanti

Abstract

Music and songs are a constant presence in the life of us all. They shape our feelings and give them a voice. Researchers have also realized the importance of songs in language teaching. Songs can develop many capacities in language learning when teachers use them creatively. My study involves both teachers and students of Italian in Malta. As far as teachers are concerned, the following four main research questions will be considered: do teachers in schools use songs in order to teach Italian? If so, in order to reach which goals and to teach which language skills? What are the attitudes of teachers and students in the Maltese state schools towards the use of songs in Italian classes? How familiar are students in Maltese state schools with songs in Italian and can they identify some popular tunes and singers? In my study, I also investigate students’ familiarity with Italian songs: a questionnaire is designed in order to investigate whether students listen to Italian songs, how often they do so, on which occasions etc. Students are asked to listen to 10 short song-clips of popular Italian songs and are asked to identify the titles. They are also shown photos of some famous Italian singers in order to identify them. Two age groups (12 and 14 year-olds) are analysed and compared. This study sheds light on a largely unexplored area in Italian L2 teaching in Malta and provides an insight regarding students’ and teachers’ knowledge of Italian songs. The majority of the teachers have a positive attitude towards the use of songs in the classroom. Others do not seem to be familiar with the techniques and methods involved in order to use songs for language learning, as well as the skills towards which this may be more conducive. Most students also demonstrate positive attitudes towards the use of songs to teach Italian, with the older students outperforming their younger counterparts in this respect. This study contributes to Italian teachers’ awareness towards songs as a means to teach Italian, while encouraging students and teachers alike to appreciate the use of songs in order to teach and learn a second language.