Sprouting the Italian Language Through Gardens

written by Valerie Tiscareno for Special Poject: Experiential Learning in Journalism

The class, Grow Green and Learn Italian opens up a space where students get to tackle growing their knowledge of the Italian language in a new light. The class teaches students Italian through the lens of horticulture and the importance that it has on Florence.

Often, the class goes on walks to visit the many important gardens of Florence; for example, students got the opportunity to see the Boboli Gardens, which were established in 1549, and so elegantly deploy the Italian Renaissance garden design of symmetry. The structure and layout of these beautiful gardens in Florence shows how the city adapted other cultures and philosophies, leaving remnants of the past, rooted deep within its soil.

Student, Paige Homan who took the class said, “The class allows us to see Florence first-hand and visit places we might not otherwise. I would never have thought to visit the botanical gardens.”

When students get to visit the many botanical gardens in Florence, not only do they get to learn Italian vocabulary that is applicable to these spaces, but also the important connection plants have to the city.

Homan comments on how taking Grow Green and Learn Italian has affected her outlook on Florence. “Being able to see how other cultures have influenced Florence while also separating out the parts that are traditionally Florentine are very interesting to see,” she said.

Once students return from their adventure outside the classroom, they get to work on more common phrases that they would use in everyday life. They group up with their peers and practice conversational skills, such as ordering in Italian. 

Often they are asked to practice coming up with synonyms for adjectives, or emotions nurturing their Italian vocabulary. FUA-AUF’s Growing Green course not only works on helping students expand their Italian language skills, but their outlook on Florence and its rich cultural heritage. This immersive approach makes learning both engaging and practical, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Italian language and the city.