Teaching Italian as L2 to adults in the Italian public school

This paper explores the exploration of the history of teaching L2 Italian to adults in the Italian public school. The contribution examines courses of Italian as L2 organised by the "Centri Territoriali Permanenti per l’educazione degli adulti" (CTPs) and later by the "Centri Provinciali per l’Istruzione degli Adulti" (CPIAs). Focusing on the “Percorsi di alfabetizzazione e apprendimento della lingua italiana”, we discuss the main stages through which they have evolved and consolidated. The paper also considers some critical aspects and tries to understand their causes. Finally, the paper documents some of the impacts that the limits of the legislation may have on teaching.