In today’s increasingly globalized world, languages are not just tools for communication, but true indicators of cultural identity and social belonging. It is precisely this intersection between language and identity that Simona Spinola, a Master’s degree student in Modern Languages for Communication and International Cooperation at the Università Suor Orsola Benincasa in Naples, focuses on in her research.
Her thesis project explores the sociolinguistic profiles of Italian immigration to the United States, with the aim of understanding how different generations of Italian Americans manage the contact between multiple linguistic systems. In particular, the study examines the interaction between Italian, English, and regional dialects such as Neapolitan, which continue to influence communication practices even across generations.
A key aspect of the research concerns how these languages coexist and evolve over time: which are preserved, which are lost, and which blend together to create new forms of expression. Linguistic dynamics often reflect processes of integration, family memory, and connections to one’s cultural roots.
To collect relevant data, a questionnaire has been designed and is being shared among Italian Americans. It aims to explore language habits, communication preferences, and levels of proficiency in the different languages. The questionnaire is completely anonymous, and all collected data will be handled in full compliance with current privacy regulations and used exclusively for academic purposes.
Participating in this study represents an important contribution to a better understanding of not only linguistic phenomena related to migration, but also the cultural transformations experienced by Italian communities abroad.
For those interested in taking part in the research or helping to distribute the questionnaire, two versions are available:
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in English: https://forms.gle/
56Sz1xCVuU7RS8uy8 -
in Italian: https://forms.gle/
4SUgKA72HApz4VTH6
Readers who identify as Italian American are warmly encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire and contribute to this research. Sharing your linguistic experience can make a meaningful difference in shedding light on the complex relationship between language, identity, and migration.
