Marlton Sons of Italy recently held series of Italian language classes
The Marlton New Jersey, Order of the Sons of Italy in America, Lodge №2315 recently held a successful series of Italian Language Classes in March and April. The instructor for the classes was Robert Campana, a language teacher at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood. Campana is a graduate of Montclair State University and has studied in Italy. He is a frequent visitor to Italy and holds dual citizenship in Italy and the United States.
Campana’s knowledge of Italy was advantageous to the class. In addition to teaching the language, he covered Italian history, customs, and traditions. As an example, he used translations of Italian music to teach the class about its cultural significance. In one class, he played Verdi’s “Va Pensiero” from the third act of the opera “Nabucco.” He taught the class that the piece had a hidden revolutionary message for Italian patriots seeking to unify their country in years up to 1861, and that the song is touted by some modern Italians as a candidate for the national anthem.
The class, which ran once a week for four weeks, was aimed to broaden the knowledge of those in the community and assist those who would travel to Italy. The class covered conversational topics such as greetings and expressions; asking for directions; numbers, counting and telling time; and how to order in a bar or restaurant.
Seventy-five people attended the classes, with almost two-thirds of that number non-OSIA members. These classes successfully accomplished the lodge’s main mission to preserve and promote the Italian culture and traditions among lodge members and the wider community. The overwhelming response indicates that there is an untapped need for programs such as this. As a result, the lodge is planning another series of Italian language classes for the fall of 2015.
