Contrary to claims by some Italian American Academics of the Twilight (Disappearing) of Italian Ethnicity, here is an strong contrary argument, that there is a Latent Kinetic Hunger of Italian American youth to learn about their Heritage, and IF you provide them with the Facilities.... They will come!!!!!!!

Whether it be Italian/Italian Anerican Heritage Studies, Italian Language Studies,
or a Cultural Center on the Internet in the form of a PORTAL!!

The National Italian American Foundation issued a $2,000 grant for supplies.
So much more sensible to support these type of projects than general charities!!!!

The Virginian-Pilot
By Jon W. Glass
December 1, 2004

Rosa Motta-Bischof teaches a recent Latin III class at Maury High School in Norfolk. More than 40 students signed up to learn Italian from Motta-Bischof, a native of Sicily. That’s enough for two Italian classes.

For the first time, students are studying Italian at Norfolk’s Maury High, now the only public school in the region teaching the language....

Nationally, the College Board, best known for the SAT exams, has signed off on Advanced Placement courses in Italian, and others – the first new AP offerings in foreign languages since the 1950s.

In the 21st century, the world has shrunk. With the emergence of a global economy and the information age, educators say that equipping students with a broader awareness of the world is becoming more necessity than luxury.

“It’s very real for students to be thinking about languages now as a key to their future success,” said Walt Jimenez, director of the College Board’s AP curriculum and assessment program in New York. “The ability to speak at least one other language is becoming more important in business and academia.” ...

To offer Italian, Maury had the three essential ingredients: willing students, community interest and a qualified teacher.

Rosa Motta-Bischof, the teacher, is a native of Sicily who conveys her excitement of the language to her students, many of whom had studied Latin under her. More than 40 students signed up, enough for two Italian classes.

“There are so many Italian Americans in this community, and many kids who want to discover their heritage came to me,” Motta-Bischof said. “I have these kids with these Italian names who’ve never traveled and now they have this total pride that they’re going to learn some Italian.”

Some of her students will travel to Italy over spring break, and efforts are under way to establish an exchange program with a school in Palermo by next year. Maury has had the support of the Italian Consulate of Virginia, which is located in Norfolk, and received a $2,000 grant from the National Italian American Foundation for supplies.

One of the foundation’s goals is to rid students of the stereotype of Italians as gangsters, said attorney Joe Migliozzi, the foundation ’s regional coordinator. “It certainly promotes multiculturalism,” he said.

Vito Piraino, the Italian consul, said students who speak Italian can find potential jobs with a growing number of Italian corporations in the mid-Atlantic, besides gaining exposure to a European Union nation that plays a key role in the Mediterranean.

(Some Non Italian) Students gave numerous reasons for signing up. John Ford, a junior, said he sings with the Virginia Opera, which often performs songs in a foreign language. “If I know what I’m singing about, I can translate it and have a better feel for the song,” he said.

Senior Theresa Horsch , who has traveled to Italy, said, “I really love the culture, and I think the language is beautiful."...

“No matter what language you choose,” Duda said, “it’s just broadening your understanding of the human condition around the world.”

Reach Jon W. Glass at 222-5119 or jon.glass@pilotonline.com

Schools offering more foreign languages for a changing world (HamptonRoads.com/Pilot Online)
http://home.hamptonroads.com/
stories/story.cfm?story=78786&ran=175212