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The ban on neutral symbols
Recently, the Ministry of Education made a significant decision regarding official communication in Italian schools. With an official note, it was established that graphic symbols such as the asterisk and the schwa, used to avoid gender connotations, are to be considered inappropriate and therefore banned. This choice is part of a broader context of seeking clarity and comprehensibility in school textbooks and official communications.
The reasons behind the ban
The Ministry's decision is not a coincidence. The Accademia della Crusca, a recognized authority on the Italian language, had already expressed opinions against the use of these symbols, underlining that they are not part of traditional Italian orthography. The asterisk and the schwa, although used in inclusive contexts, can generate confusion and make texts less accessible. In fact, Italian already offers several linguistic solutions to respect everyone's sensibilities, without resorting to symbols that are not recognized in the Italian dictionary.
Implications for the education system
The ban on using neutral symbols in official communications has important implications for the education system. Teachers and students are now required to follow codified grammatical rules, thus ensuring greater clarity and readability in school documents. This change could also influence the way in which issues of inclusiveness and respect for diversity are addressed in classrooms, pushing towards a more conscious and traditional use of the Italian language.