Linguistics Colloquium | Development of Italian National Identity in Royal Menus of King Vittorio Emanuele III, Feb. 14

Dr. David Bell

The Linguistics Colloquium series presents Dr. David Bell discussing “The Development of Italian National Identity in the Royal Menus of King Vittorio Emanuele III 1900-1946” on Friday, Feb. 14, from 12:55 to 1:55 p.m. in Gordy 301.

Bell is an Associate Professor of Linguistics and Chair of Linguistics.

Abstract: Using a corpus of 190 royal menus from the period 1900-1942, this paper examines the royal menus of King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy from both a linguistic and culinary perspective. With regard to language, I look at the transition from French to Italian, the de-frenchification of Italian menu language, and the emergence of a standardized Italian culinary terminology. With regard to food, examine changes in menus according to foodstuffs, dishes and cuisine. I show how changes in royal menus during the reign of Vittorio Emanuele III reflected a growing Italian national identity.