The role of language and culture in Italian language teaching

https://doi.org/10.35912/utlj.v1i2.3415
Published: Sep 3, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the interrelationship between language and culture in the process of teaching Italian as a foreign language and to evaluate how the integration of cultural components enhances educational effectiveness and communicative competence.

Research Methodology: The study employed a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through surveys distributed to Italian language teachers and students, complemented by classroom observation. In addition, the cultural content of textbooks and teaching materials was systematically analyzed based on contemporary linguistic and linguoculturology theories.

Results: Findings indicate that incorporating cultural context in the teaching of Italian substantially improves learners’ communicative competence and engagement. Specific practices—such as the use of realia, exploration of cultural stereotypes, and reliance on authentic materials—proved particularly effective in fostering intercultural communication skills.

Conclusions: The research concludes that language teaching is most effective when combined with cultural integration, as it strengthens both linguistic proficiency and intercultural awareness. Italian language education benefits significantly from adopting culturally informed methodologies.

Limitations: The study was limited by its focus on a specific group of teachers and students, which may restrict the generalizability of findings across broader contexts and other foreign languages.

Contribution: This research contributes to the field of foreign language teaching methodology by emphasizing the essential role of cultural integration in achieving communicative competence, offering practical strategies that can inform curriculum design and pedagogical practices.

Keywords:
1. Authentic Materials
2. , Communicative Competence
3. Cultural Context
4. Intercultural Communication
5. Italian Language
Authors:
Madraximova Muborak Abdirasulovna
The University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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Abdirasulovna , M. M. . (2025). The role of language and culture in Italian language teaching. Universal Teaching and Learning Journal, 1(2), 75–86. https://doi.org/10.35912/utlj.v1i2.3415
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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): September
Articles
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References

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    Borghetti, C. (2019). Interculturality as collaborative identity management in language education. Intercultural Communication Education, 2(1), 20-38. doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.29140/ice.v2n1.101

    Botiraliyevna, B. (2024). Methodology of Lexical Competence Formation of Power-Engineering Students based on CBA and its Experimental Research in Teaching ESP. Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, 2. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.47134/jpbi.v2i1.884

    Botiraliyevna, B. K. (2024). Methodology of Lexical Competence Formation of Power-Engineering Students based on CBA and its Experimental Research in Teaching ESP. Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, 2(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.47134/jpbi.v2i1.884

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    Mulyapradana, A., Aghus Jamaludin, K., Farikhul, M., Safna, S., & Nafiatul, M. (2025). Optimalisasi Layanan Desa Pedawang Melalui Sistem Kearsipan. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 1-10. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4253

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    Rizky, A. A., Suparto, D., & Florina, I. D. (2025). Analisis Pola Komunikasi dalam Disfungsional Family & Resiliensi pada Anak Kota Tegal. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 69-84. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4616

    Ryan-Scheutz, C., & Nuessel, F. (2010). Teaching and assessing Italian culture in North America. Italica, 87(1), 37-68.

    Sapariati, A., Widnyani, I. A. P. S., & Dewi, N. D. U. (2025). Normative Analysis Of Maternity Leave Policy Implementation For Women Workers’ Rights In Bali. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 33-42. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.3817

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  2. Babaniyazova, N. (2024). Integration of traditional and digital educational technologies: points of contact and differences in teaching a foreign language. Scientific Herald of Uzhhorod University Series Physics, 2024, 2161-2173. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.54919/physics/55.2024.216kb1
  3. Bakirova, H. (2022). The content of teaching foreign languages. Eurasian Journal of Learning and Academic Teaching, 2, 91-94.
  4. Berti, M. (2019). Italian Open Education: virtual reality immersions for the language classroom (pp. 37-47).
  5. Borghetti, C. (2019). Interculturality as collaborative identity management in language education. Intercultural Communication Education, 2(1), 20-38. doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.29140/ice.v2n1.101
  6. Botiraliyevna, B. (2024). Methodology of Lexical Competence Formation of Power-Engineering Students based on CBA and its Experimental Research in Teaching ESP. Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, 2. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.47134/jpbi.v2i1.884
  7. Botiraliyevna, B. K. (2024). Methodology of Lexical Competence Formation of Power-Engineering Students based on CBA and its Experimental Research in Teaching ESP. Pubmedia Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, 2(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.47134/jpbi.v2i1.884
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  10. Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical Bases Of Communicative Approaches To Second Language Teaching And Testing*. Applied Linguistics, I(1), 1-47. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/I.1.1
  11. Carloni, G., & Sisti, F. (2019). Language learning and inclusion in Italy. Language Learning in Higher Education, 9(1), 97-115.
  12. Duranti, A. (1997). Linguistic Anthropology: Cambridge University Press.
  13. Fathoni, M. A. (2025). Studi Instrumen Kebijakan dalam Upaya Percepatan Penurunan Stunting Kota Kediri. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 55-68. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4599
  14. Govorukho, R. A. (2019). New grammars of Italian language and modern linguistics. Humanities, 10(826), 9-24.
  15. Guo, Q., Yang, B., Xiao, L., & Xie, C. (2024). Foreign language learning and the development of global competence in different cultures. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 101, 102013. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2024.102013
  16. Halim, A., & Adianto, A. (2021). Strategi Pengembangan Desa Melalui Pemanfaatan Dana Desa di Desa Sako Margasari. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 1(2), 87-99. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v1i2.545
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  18. Held, G. (2024). The Italian Bella Figura – a challenge for politeness theories. Journal of Politeness Research, 20, 39-58. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/pr-2023-0081
  19. Kramsch, C. (2014). Language and Culture. AILA Review, 27, 30-55. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/aila.27.02kra
  20. Lafasov, U. P. (2023). Abdallah Qadiri’s Novels Using The Method Of Metonymy. SGS-Engineering & Sciences, 2(02).
  21. Lee, K.-F., Amini, M., & Ravindran, L. (2021). A Review on the Implications of Realia in Enhancing Students' Educational Experience in Online Language Classroom. Journal Of Research Policy & Practice of Teachers & Teacher Education, 11, 17-27. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.37134/jrpptte.vol11.2.2.2021
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  23. Mootoosamy, K., & Aryadoust, V. (2024). Transitioning from Communicative Competence to Multimodal and Intercultural Competencies: A Systematic Review. Societies, 14(7), 115. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070115
  24. Moreno, R. (2025). “It’s exactly how I pictured it!”: the construction and impact of the tourist gaze in study abroad. Language, Culture and Curriculum, 38(1), 57-76. doi:10.1080/07908318.2024.2389808
  25. Mulyapradana, A., Aghus Jamaludin, K., Farikhul, M., Safna, S., & Nafiatul, M. (2025). Optimalisasi Layanan Desa Pedawang Melalui Sistem Kearsipan. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 1-10. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4253
  26. Piri, S., & Gjinali, A. (2014). The importance of authentic materials and their integration in the foreign language class. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 3. doi:https://doi.org/10.5901/AJIS.2014.V3N6P27
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  29. Rizky, A. A., Suparto, D., & Florina, I. D. (2025). Analisis Pola Komunikasi dalam Disfungsional Family & Resiliensi pada Anak Kota Tegal. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 69-84. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.4616
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  31. Sapariati, A., Widnyani, I. A. P. S., & Dewi, N. D. U. (2025). Normative Analysis Of Maternity Leave Policy Implementation For Women Workers’ Rights In Bali. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 5(1), 33-42. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v5i1.3817
  32. Scannell, D. (2020). Bella Figura: Understanding Italian Communication in Local and Transatlantic Contexts -- In the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.013.929
  33. Stebaieva, O. (2018). An international perspective on teaching italian language and culture. Zhytomyr Ivan Franko State University Journal. ?edagogical Sciences, 5-9. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.35433/pedagogy.3(94).2018.5-9
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