Keeping younger generations interested

Bursaries and larger funds are key to keeping Italian culture alive in Canada

Rome announces, Canada listens and makes suggestions. Our series, trying to take the pulse of the Italian-Canadian community, goes to the University of Toronto, at the Department of Italian Studies, chaired for the past four years and a half by Professor Olga Zorzi Pugliese. Hers is an authoritative voice in Toronto's cultural landscape and beyond, strengthened by her 34 years of teaching at UofT, as well as her fellowship at Victoria College.
An expert on Italian literature and thought in the 15th and 16th centuries, her publications include English translations and editions of works by Lorenzo Valla, a volume on Ficino and Renaissance Neo-Platonism; she's also authored Il discorso labirintico del dialogo rinascimentale and co-authored Rekindling Faded Memories: The Founding of the Famee Furlane of Toronto and Its First Years (1933 - 41).
Voting rights for Italians abroad is just the starting point of our report, so maybe we can start our conversation from there. What do you think about that?
"Personally I'm opposed. I think that the right to vote should be exercised in the country where one lives and not in the one left behind, maybe many years ago. I also have the impression that many expatriates share my opinion, having little interest in influencing Italian politics."
In Italy, during last spring's election campaign and in the final months of the previous legislature, much was said about these voting rights, and today they have become real. Where should the Italian government concentrate its energies in dealing with Italian communities abroad?
"From my point of view, the most important aspect is support for cultural activities. Migratory fluxes from Italy to Canada have been minimal since 30 years ago, but in Toronto, for instance, our community is still the second largest. The problem lies in the fact that first-generation immigrants are being replaced by second- and third-generation Italian-Canadians who were born here. When the latter will be predominant, preserving our culture and our language will be the most important task at hand."
Do you notice worrisome signs from your privileged observation point?
"Yes, I do. The number of high school students taking Italian classes is rapidly diminishing. The current Ontario curriculum penalizes the study of a second or third language, in favour of other complementary subjects. Of course this is not a crusade against Italian, but it is more exposed than other subjects, and the diminution is in fact quite strong. Luckily, this enrolment crisis is not felt in university and colleges; let's hope it stays this way."
For the new generations of Italian-Canadians, therefore, the fundamental thing is not to lose them, being able to do something to rekindle their interest in their own roots. What is the best tool for achieving this?
"I'd say the bursaries, for sure. They allow Italian-Canadian kids (but also Canadian kids in general) to go to Italy and see for themselves. Believe me, the difference between those who have this experience and those who do not is evident: they come back changed. The University of Toronto has many so-called international summer programs, but of course not all of them are for Italy. We have one in collaboration with the University of Siena, which enjoys a good demand by students, and one with the University of Venice, less requested because it is for students who wish to spend an entire year there."
It goes without saying that bursaries require money. How is the situation concerning funds?
"Unfortunately, at the UofT we cannot afford a great many bursaries. For those things, the university has to recur to privates, after government cutbacks. Also, we must say that most of the available funds get directed towards scientific research and technical subjects, while humanities have to content themselves with fewer resources. The Jewish community distinguished itself for its donations. The Italian community is also generous, but it is more oriented towards social assistance."
How do students feel about recognition of studies initiated abroad?
"I don't recall hearing any particular complaints. Usually, most of the exams taken in Italy are recognized here."
As a final opinion on the issues we've touched upon, do you think things are improving or worsening?
"I can't say I see much change, to tell you the truth. Things have been more or less like this for the past 20 years."

Publication Date: 2002-01-20
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=840