Author: martina

Episode 30 of Inclusioni is out now!

Posted on by martina

Every new language is a bridge, but how do we ensure that everyone has the right tools to cross it? In the 30th episode of Inclusioni, we explore inclusive glottodidactics—a language teaching approach that adapts its methods to everyone’s needs, eliminating barriers related to SLDs (Specific Learning Difficulties), disabilities, or cultural differences.

To do this, we’ll talk about inclusion in language teaching and learning, valuing diversity, and—above all—the drive to make language study a truly accessible space. Joined by three expert voices from the University of Verona, we’ll analyze how scientific research meets classroom practice to break down communication barriers. This insightful discussion brings together instructors of English, such as Prof. Sharon Hartle from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, and scholars who study broader aspects of language teaching and learning, such as Profs. Serena Dal Maso and Maria Vender from the Department of Cultures and Civilizations at the University of Verona.

Together, we’ll discover how to transform that bridge into an open road for everyone—because a truly inclusive classroom isn’t just a research goal, but the first step toward leaving no one behind.

Enjoy the episode!

Episode 29 of Inclusioni is live!

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Who are the Crimean Tatars? And why is their very existence a form of resistance today? The 29th episode of Inclusioni is now on air, taking a deep dive into an often overlooked chapter of Ukrainian history: the role of the country’s indigenous peoples. Their lives have been profoundly shaped by the Russian occupation of Crimea. Forced to flee to safer parts of Ukraine to escape persecution, many members of these communities continue to share their stories and raise awareness from afar.

Our guest, Mavilie Demirdzhaieva—a linguist and research assistant at the Herder Institute for Historical Research on East Central Europe—shares her testimony and speaks about what it means to be a Crimean Tatar within the context of ever-changing political regimes.
The interview, which takes place in English, is conducted by Khrystyna Yordan, a researcher focusing on Ukrainian topics in our Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at the University of Verona.

Enjoy the episode!

The 28th episode of Inclusioni is now online.

Posted on by martina

Now live on Inclusioni: the second and final episode of the special series dedicated to LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, an initiative proposed by our department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) group. In the channel’s 28th episode, titled “LGBTQIA+ Characters in Fanfiction,” we explore how digital community creativity manages to subvert literary canons, transforming the stories we love into a powerful tool for expression, inclusion, and representation for the LGBTQIA+ universe.

We discuss this with Chiara Marchesini, a recent graduate from our department who dedicated her brilliant master’s thesis to understanding and analyzing this phenomenon, giving voice and visibility to identities often marginalized in mainstream media.

The interview is hosted by her advisor, Prof. Chiara Battisti, alongside Massimo Salgaro from our department.

Full episode available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

Happy listening!

Why Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Matters

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We are pleased to announce the release of the new volume, “Why Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Matters”. Authored by our Professor Sharon Hartle, a specialist in English language teaching, and Emanuela Tenca, Ricercatore a Tempo Determinato in Tenure Track (RTT) in English Language, Translation, and Linguistics at the Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences in Rome, the book explores UDL as a transformative framework capable of dismantling traditional barriers and building an education that is truly inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all. Through concrete case studies and cutting-edge research, this volume serves as an essential guide for educators, researchers, and policymakers working every day to improve educational outcomes worldwide.

A valuable resource for anyone who believes in the future of educational inclusion worldwide, embracing and valuing all forms of diversity.

Sharon Hartle with the book Why Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Matters

The Third Sex: Literary and Musical Hermaphroditism in Seventeenth-Century Venice

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As part of the departmental initiatives for Pride Month and to raise awareness against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, our department is pleased to host the lecture “The Third Sex: Literary and Musical Hermaphroditism in 17th-Century Venice”. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 1st, starting at 5:00 PM in the Co-Working Room (Department of Foreign Languages, first floor mezzanine).

The guest speaker will be Professor Jean-François Lattarico (Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3), who will guide us on a fascinating journey through 17th-century Venice, exploring the representations and nuances of hermaphroditism across literature and music.

The event is open to the public. We look forward to seeing many of you there to share this opportunity for reflection, culture, and inclusion.

⚠️ NOTICE ‼️ Due to severe thunderstorms affecting the departure airport, Professor Jean-François Lattarico will be unable to travel to Verona for tonight’s scheduled lecture. Consequently, the event will be rescheduled for a later date to be determined.

Episode 27 of Inclusioni is live

Posted on by martina

In the 27th episode of our Inclusioni podcast, now online, our department’s DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) committee welcomes you to this first special issue dedicated to LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, established in commemoration of the Stonewall riots—a series of protests that erupted between June 27 and 28, 1969, following a police raid on a New York gay bar.

In this episode, titled “Words in Transition: the evolving lexicon of trans identities”, we discuss the neologisms of the transgender community—a constantly evolving lexicon featuring essential terms for understanding gender identities that fall outside the binary. Understanding these terms is essential to promoting inclusive, respectful language free from discriminatory stereotypes. Joining us to explore this topic are two international guests: Anna Jamka from the University of Warsaw in Poland, and Miguel Sánchez Ibáñez from the University of Valladolid in Spain.
The interview, which will be conducted in English, will be hosted by Valeria Franceschi, Professor of English Language and Linguistics in our department.

Enjoy the episode!