Language, identity, and social change take center stage with the launch of the 2025–2026 academic year at the Institute of Criminology in Vibo Valentia. Through the Chair of Italian Linguistics, the initiative “Poeti d’Origine e l’Analisi Criminolinguistica del Territorio Vibonese” positions the word as a central tool for cultural regeneration, combining the study of dialect, authentic poetry, and criminolinguistic analysis of the local territory.
Across Europe, and particularly in cities like London, criminology and its linguistic dimension have become increasingly important as academic fields and instruments for social understanding. London’s universities offer criminology programs that explore crime, social justice, migration, and community dynamics, emphasizing the role of language and communication in shaping social structures and responses. This European context demonstrates how criminology is evolving beyond traditional legal frameworks to incorporate social, cultural, and ethical perspectives.
Within this framework, the Vibo Valentia project stands out by integrating poetry and dialect into criminological study. The initiative focuses on two complementary forms of poetry: dialectal poetry, which preserves the linguistic and cultural nuances of the Calabrian territory, safeguarding expressions, rhythms, and imagery at risk of disappearing; and authentic poetry, which conveys moral and ethical values such as dignity, justice, pain, and hope. Together, these forms provide a profound lens through which to understand the social fabric of the Vibonese territory, reaching beyond aesthetics to engage collective consciousness.
Criminolinguistics serves as the analytical lens, treating language as a mirror of social dynamics, latent conflicts, and cultural transformation. In this context, poetry becomes a living document, revealing tensions, aspirations, and community identity. The project also carries substantial educational value: students will integrate their findings and reflections into theses and research projects, strengthening the connection between university and community, and opening new academic and cultural perspectives.
The significance of this initiative lies in multiple dimensions. It promotes territorial regeneration in a region rich in heritage but facing social challenges. It demonstrates interdisciplinary innovation, combining poetry, linguistics, and criminology. It invests in education and research, ensuring that the project is more than a cultural event but a sustained academic engagement. It strengthens community and belonging by making language a tool for dialogue, responsibility, and intergenerational connection. Moreover, by aligning with European trends in criminology and social justice, it shows how local initiatives can engage in global discussions.
According to the project’s promoters, “This is not merely about preserving linguistic memory. It is about educating in beauty, truth, and responsibility, creating bridges between generations and reinforcing a sense of community and identity throughout the province.”