Multilingual Naples and Campania is a part of the wider PNRR-funded project CHANGES - "Cultural Heritage Innovation for Sustainable Society" (Spoke 3, Work Package 5)
The project on multiculturalism and multilingualism in Naples and its metropolitan area investigates the complex dynamics of linguistic and cultural diversity in an urban context. It integrates multiple research domains to align with contemporary studies on urban multilingualism and multiculturalism, drawing from European and non-European contexts (e.g., Extra & Yagmur 2010; ISTAT 2017; Marácz & Adamo 2017; Matras & Robertson 2017; Matras 2018; Nagy 2018; Turchetta & Vedovelli 2018; Fiorentini, Gianollo & Grandi 2020; Goglia & Wolny 2022). Its primary objectives include documenting linguistic diversity, analyzing language interactions, and developing resources to address educational and societal challenges associated with multilingualism. Starting from a sample of several secondary schools around Naples, a key aspect of the research involves a comprehensive census, documentation, and description of the languages and varieties used in multilingual contexts. This includes dialects, heritage languages, and lingua francas, with a focus on areas with high concentrations of migrant populations. Sociolinguistic questionnaires will collect data on students’ linguistic backgrounds, assessing their proficiency in Italian, local dialects, and heritage languages. These questionnaires also evaluate the impact of sociodemographic factors on language acquisition and linguistic ideologies. The findings will be used to create a dynamic and updatable database, complemented by ethnographic archives and literacy systems, offering practical tools for educators navigating linguistic diversity in classrooms. Another critical component involves studying the impact of linguistic contact between standard Italian, local dialects, and migrant languages on verb transitivity and argument structures. Data will be collected through spontaneous speech and guided conversations across diverse demographic groups, including members of 13 immigrant communities. The analysis will integrate findings from existing interlinguistic studies to deepen understanding of how contact influences linguistic structures. In its first two years, the project will focus on screening immigrant languages, developing an extensive database, conducting ethnographic analyses of spoken varieties and literacy practices, and investigating the interaction between Italian and migrant languages. This foundational work aims to inform future research and contribute to the development of inclusive linguistic and educational policies.
