Reasons for Community Language Learning in Ukrainian Complementary Schools in Italy

Abstract

The increasing multiculturalism and multilingualism of Italian society has not had no real impact on Italian state language policy and planning: community languages are not taught in Italian state schools, neither to students with a migrant background, nor to native students. Given this absence of provision in the state system, the learning of community languages is primarily achieved through complementary education. Drawing on qualitative data from interviews with school organisers and teachers, this paper discusses the reasons for Ukrainian language learning in two Ukrainian complementary schools in Italy.