Washington, DC (October 17, 2023) – The seminar “Artificial Intelligence and Language Learning: The Italian Model” opened today at the Embassy of Italy in Washington the 23rd annual Week of the Italian Language in the World.
“This year, the underlying theme of the Week of the Italian Language is sustainability, with particular reference to sustainable learning of the Italian language through processes that aim at the efficient use of resources and making the learning itself enjoyable.” With these words, Minister Plenipotentiary Alessandro Gonzales opened the event, then focusing on the role of new technologies in language learning and the relationship between artificial intelligence and creativity: “Artificial intelligence is a new element capable of revolutionizing all fields of human activities. But like any technology, it is a means, not an end: it can be extremely useful if used with a critical approach.”
During the debate, Dr. Luca De Biase, journalist, writer, and expert in artificial intelligence, Prof. Marco Gilli, scientific attaché of the Embassy, and Prof. Anna De Fina, professor of Italian Language and Linguistics at Georgetown University, participated. The latter, at the end of the event, was awarded the honor of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI).
Events related to the Week of the Italian Language will continue at the Embassy until the end of the month: on Thursday, October 19th, the second annual Italy-USA Twinning Project will be launched, involving 2 American high schools and 2 Italian high schools; on Monday, October 23rd, the award ceremony will take place, with the Eduitalia association awarding 19 scholarships for students and 7 for teachers. Finally, on Friday, October 27th, the teacher training seminar “Artificial Intelligence in the Italian Classroom: Challenges and Opportunities” will be held by Prof. Roberto Dolci of the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (University for Foreigners of Perugia).
