Even an experienced university professor such as Tullio De Mauro must have had a butterfly-in-the-stomach moment when he saw the audience: more than 1000 students from 8 local schools, silently waiting to hear him speak in the Auditorium of the Guardia di Finanza in Coppito (Abruzzi). Six hundred students were from the Istituto Cotugno in l’Aquila, while the rest came from Avezzano, Celano and Sulmona.
“My university lectures have at most attracted 500 students,” confessed Prof. De Mauro.
“You really need courage and determination to speak to such a vast audience of youths,” the Professor admitted at the beginning of his speech, underlining the opening words by Prefect Giovanna Maria Iurato.
The lectio magistralis on European Language and Contemporary Society was actively sought by the Prefect of l'Aquila as a precious gift for youth and students. A message of hope through the testimony of a scholar who has dedicated his entire life to teaching youth and who is firmly convinced that everyone has a talent, “convinced that you will be able to address the future of our Country." "De Mauro has transformed his competencies and knowledge into a valuable heritage for everyone," the Prefect happily emphasised. This is a dream that has come true: a gift of culture and knowledge for our youth after the trying episode of the earthquake.
Tullio De Mauro gave a long address, carefully weighing his every word and quote for the youth in the audience, but without overlooking strong arguments ranging from linguistic diversity to alfanumerical skills. The address was followed by a long sequence of questions. Students came up to the stage to use the microphone and ask the Professor about integration, the conquering English language and the ability of language to overcome conflicts.
The video of the address will be uploaded shortly.
As an appetizer, here is a short interview with Prefect Giovanna Maria Iurato.
Thanks Prefect!
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