From research to pedagogy in a new multilingual setting: the case of the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy

This paper discusses how insights from research are being used to enhance teaching and communication at the newly-opened University of Gastronomic Sciences (Pollenzo, Italy), where the languages of instruction are English and Italian, and students come from around the world. As part of an ongoing study, the authors observed and recorded lectures and seminars conducted in Italian and English on gastronomy, and they examined other forms of interaction connected to academic activities. They also conducted semi-structured interviews with students and faculty to explore their perceptions of language and communication-related issues. Preliminary findings have led to a greater awareness of communication-related issues, allowing the authors to apply research findings inside and outside the classroom and thus design teaching materials and foster content-based learning on a wider level.