Italian-Brazilian Voices: Anthologies of a Multifaceted Italy

Abstract

This article aims to point toward a new concept of identity, detached from a sense of belonging limited to geography and nationality, resulting from contemporary individuals’ decentering process. To this end, an Italian-Brazilian initiative in the field of intercultural communication was chosen as the object of analysis: Brazil-Italy literary competitions promoted by COMITES (Committee of Italians Abroad) São Paulo, an official body of the Italian government under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, whose function is to represent Italian citizens residing in consular districts outside of Italy. The competitions in question gave rise to a series of bilingual paradidactic anthologies “Voci italo-brasiliane” (Italian-Brazilian Voices), products with the potential to reiterate both the parent culture (Italian) and its descendant nuances (in this case, Italian-Brazilian); therefore, they are characterized as glocal communication products. From 2016 to 2021, competitions were conceived and coordinated by the cultural advisor of COMITES São Paulo at that time, writer and educator Rosalie Gallo. The methodology employed to develop this article included a literature review based on cultural studies, contemporary research on communication and interculturality, and existentialist phenomenology, to address possible relationships between identity, interculturality, perception, and intentionality. Several meetings (both in-person and online) were held with Rosalie Gallo, providing a deep understanding of the initiative and its relevance in promoting the concept of italicità, a new glocal Italian identity. Studies related to this new identity paradigm highlight the importance of intercultural communication, which extends beyond representation and the imaginary to broaden the foundations for deeper relationships in the political and economic spheres.