From Small-Size Chinatowns to Italian Intermediate Schools: A Case Study on Chinese Students' Social and Linguistic Barriers

Small-sized enclaves of Chinese migrants are rapidly expanding across European countries. This exploratory study aims to understand the factors behind poor knowledge of Italian as a Second Language (ISL) among 28 Chinese students in intermediate schools in Padova (Veneto, Italy). The contribution analyses the causes and effects behind the phenomenon by employing the logbook as a research tool to collect real-time observations and reflections on the outcomes of a 16-hour ISL laboratory conducted in three middle schools. The findings revealed widespread disinterest toward ISL and culture, attributed to interconnected factors: i) barriers in the ISL system, ii) insufficient integration, iii) strong ties to the Chinese community. Results call for integrating linguistic strategies and Chinese cultural elements into school curricula. Content and Language Integrated Learning and translanguaging methodologies can support ISL learning, cohesion, and inclusive education.