Intercomprehension among Romance languages (a plurilingual course)
The University of Florence organises a course on "Intercomprehension between Romance languages, which aims to help students comprehend six languages from the same family (Catalan, French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish). Intercomprehension is a recent didactic approach, but an ancient way of communication: everyone speaks in their native language and can understand the language of the interlocutor, without using a “lingua franca”. Intercomprehension (IC) enables anyone to understand all the languages within a common family, thereby promoting an equal exchange, where no one is at a linguistic disadvantage. IC fosters diversity, multilingualism, mutual respect, and well-being.
Some places in the course are reserved for university members of the EUniWell network. To participate, it is important to have a good knowledge of at least one Romance language. The course (30 hours) will be held mainly in Italian and French and begins in October 2024.
Application process
To enrol in the course, go to https://www.cla.unifi.it/vp-422-intercomprensione.html. Enrollment is the same as for any other language course for University of Florence participants and universities which are part of the EUniWell consortium.
There is a participation fee of 50€. However, attendance is mandatory; you must attend at least 8 out of 12 lessons. The course is open to all, but it has a limited number of places.
The course concludes with a final test. Students can get an “Open badge” (= 3ECTS) which certificates their plurilingual skills and can be put on a C.V.
Further information
The Intercomprehension course lasts 30 hours (12 lessons, 2,5 hours each), from 4 October 2024 until 10 January 2025. It will take place online, every Friday morning, with teachers and students from around Europe.
You should be able to speak at least one Romance language (two would be better). Main languages used during the lessons are French and Italian.
Contact
Dr. Hugues Sheeren: hugues.sheeren[at]unifi.it
