The introduction of Italian as a foreign language in the second cycle of the primary level in Malta : analysis and potential outcomes

Abstract

Historical relations between Malta and Italy have greatly contributed to the use of the Italian language in several aspects of Maltese life. Italian media, also play an important role in the children's acquisition of Italian as a foreign language. In this dissertation, an extensive study is carried out at St. Catherine's Primary School, where Italian is taught at primary level (Year Four upwards), in order to the pertinence of introducing a light programme of Italian in the second cycle of the primary level (Year Five) in state schools. Interviews with stakeholders and decision-makers including educational authorities, administrators, teachers and parents, will provide a significant insight about whether the present educational scenario would be capable of sustaining the implementation of such a programme. Questionnaires administered to students shed light on their current exposure to Italian. Favourable responses to the teaching of Italian were elicited from parents and children of both private and state schools. However, both the head and the subject teacher at St Catherine's primary school explained that teaching Italian in the primary cycle was experiencing problems especially since viewing of Italian television which used to complement the teaching of Italian has declined over recent years. Additionally, it was maintained that the state schooling system would not be capable of sustaining a similar implementation mainly for reasons related to the exam-oriented system and an already stacked instructional programme. In this respect, while implementing the proposed light programme seems premature, it is suggested that Italian be introduced at primary level through an interdisciplinary approach. While appreciating realistic drawbacks related to time management and stress, such an approach to the language could present the students with a taste of both Italian language and culture through a wide range of curricular areas.