Oriental and African Languages and Cultures

The Programme offers study paths that provide students with a solid grounding in theoretical linguistics, proficiency in writing and speaking in a first foreign language from the selected area, strong competence in a second foreign language, and a thorough knowledge of the related historical and cultural heritage.

Although there is no officially recognised equivalence between the levels of linguistic competence defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the proficiency levels of Asian and African languages, the Degree Programme aims for graduates to achieve, upon completion, a level of language proficiency approximately equivalent to B1/B2 in the language studied over three years and A2/B1 in the language studied over two years.

For English, a B1 level is required upon entry, and students may reach a B2 level by graduation if the language is selected within their study plan.  With a single year-long course in French or Spanish, the expected level of attainment is A1/A2. 

Graduates will also be able to use the main digital tools and online communication technologies.

Depending on the languages chosen, the study programme focuses on specific geographical and geopolitical areas, and offers a wide range of courses, including literary, historical, religious, philosophical, artistic, socio-anthropological, and legal-economic subjects.

The recommended study paths suggest combinations of two Asian or African languages, chosen according to a curriculum design that is coherent from both a geographical and a cultural perspective. 

The programme also offers personalised study pathways, supported by an academic tutor. Available languages are: Arabic, Bangla, Berber (Amazigh), Chinese, Korean, Hebrew, Georgian, Ge’ez and Amharic, Japanese, Hausa, Hindi, Indonesian, Mongol, Persian, Sanskrit, Somali, Tibetan, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese.

Teaching activities include lectures, practical language classes taught by Collaboratori ed Esperti Linguistici (CEL), and laboratory activities, some of which are delivered through e-learning formats. Attendance is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended, particularly for language courses.

In the first year, the curriculum includes core courses such as Italian Literature and General Linguistics for Asian and African Languages, as well as courses in Geography or Anthropology related to the regions studied.

The study plan also includes 3 CFU of Other Educational Activities (AAF) to be chosen by the student, an internship with partner institutions, and a course in digital skills.

During the third year, students may include two elective courses chosen from among all those offered by the University within its Bachelor’s degree programmes.

The programme is structured as a single curriculum; however, nine recommended paths are offered to newly enrolled students. These paths are structured around either areal/geographical or thematic approaches:

• Africa 
• Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus 
• South Asia 
• East Asia 
• Southeast Asia 
• China–Africa 
• Buddhism 
• Islam 
• Indian Ocean 

Students may also design a fully personalised pathway under the guidance of a tutor. To propose a personalised study pathway, students shall contact the Programme Coordinator, prof. Luisa M. Paternicò.

The programme trains specialists in the traditional humanities, including:

• teachers (upon completion of further professional training);
• professionals in publishing, multimedia educational resources, journalism, tourism, museums and libraries; cultural and linguistic consultants in international organizations (such as diplomatic and consular representations and cultural institutes), as well as in entrepreneurship, trade, and international cooperation;
 • professionals and mediators working in multiethnic and multicultural contexts, both in Italy and abroad;
• development practitioners in Asian and African countries, and experts in consultancy and social support in the field of migration.