Promotion of the Italian Language

In the context of the foreign ministry’s cultural policy the diffusion of the Italian language abroad is an area of priority commitment. Although Italian may not be considered a universal language it is also true that Italian can neither be considered a language of memory only.
Our language, formed eight centuries ago, has become one of the languages of culture over the years and, as such, today offers ample opportunity for development. As a functional language too Italian is beginning to occupy more and more space in the world of business too, given our economy’s current international expansion. 
In consideration of these positive prospects the Directorate General for Cultural Promotion and Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made the strategic decision to intensify its commitment on many fronts on behalf of the diffusion of the Italian language, making use of a network of institutions.
For the diffusion of Italian abroad among an adult public, the foreign ministry has a network of Italian Cultural Institutes, and Italian language and culture courses designed for communities of Italians and people of Italian descent abroad. In addition to these support also comes from the Dante Alighieri Society which, with its over 400 committees abroad, reaches over 190,000 students.